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Game Development

All levels of golfers can benefit from the first-class coaching and training facilities available at the Club.

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Our PGA Qualified Professionals will help take your game to the next level, with both group and individual lessons available for men, ladies and juniors seven days a week.

Using the latest video technology, our Pros will work with you to analyse your game to best develop your skills and expertise.

PGA Professionals

Jason Neve

Jason Neve

Head Professional and Golf Operations Manager
I had the great pleasure to learn golf at Saunton G.C on the North Devon coast and represented Devon at all levels. I became a Professional at seventeen years of age and took up my first position as Assistant Professional at Royal Guernsey G.C. After three years I started as Assistant Professional to John Stirling at Meon Valley G.C.C. and during my seven years there I instructed with Sports Instructional Schools, 3D Golf Schools, Golf World Magazine Schools and set up the John Stirling Golf Schools. I had over fifteen years as Head Professional at Cams Hall Estate Golf Club. I was Captain of the Hampshire Professional Golfers’ Association for two years. I have qualified on five occasions for the final qualifying stages of the Open Championship, held five course records in Hampshire and had wins on the South Region schedule and in Hampshire. Teaching is my passion, I look forward to helping you improve and enjoy your game.
Will Murray

Will Murray

PGA Teaching Professional
Will qualified as a PGA Golf Professional at the Belfry National Training Academy in 1996 after completing training at the Royal Wimbledon Golf Club. He then competed in tournaments on the European Challenge Tour, British Professional Tour and in the PGA South region. Will has won numerous events, securing course records of 65 at Highgate Golf Club and 64 at Reigate Golf Club. He also holds the record of having scored eight holes in one in professional tournaments. Will competed in the Scottish Professionals Championship with Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie, playing all four rounds and finishing in the top 25 from which he gained an invite back the following year and secured status as a playing professional. Will organises European and international golf trips for golfers of all levels to destinations worldwide including St Andrews, Biarritz, Italy, Thailand and Barbados.
David Stewart

David Stewart

PGA Senior Assistant Professional
David took up the game of golf at Horton Park Golf Club where he has been the Club Champion three times. David has been a PGA Professional with the Club for seven years, and has been fully qualified for the last three of those. David enjoys coaching juniors, as well as playing in South region Pro-Ams and assistant tournaments.

JASON’S TIP FOR MARCH

SLOPING LIES

Golf would certainly be easier to master if we played every shot from a level lie, alas this is not the case.

There are four types of sloping lies, each demanding adjustment to your setup and swing. All slope, no matter how slight will affect the impact of the clubface on the ball, so understanding how this works is vital if you are to be consistently in control. You will need to adjust your address position which will have an effect on your swing to take account of these challenges.

There are two sidehill situations, where your feet are level with each other, but higher or lower than the ball. There are uphill and downhill sloping lies, where your left foot is higher or lower than the right foot.

 

UPHILL LIE

Hitting up the slope creates the need for an upward angle of attack; this approach makes the ball fly higher and stop quickly. The hill inhibits the lower body action and therefore restricts the clearing of the left hip during the forward swing. The tendency is for the hands to become very active closing the clubface to the left. Points to note are:

  • Take a club with less loft than normal for the yardage.
  • Play the ball nearer your higher foot.
  • Aim slightly more to the right, remember it is only tendency for the ball to fly left.
  • Set yourself more perpendicular to the slope.
  • Swing with the slope not against it, allow the sole of the club to “surf the turf”.
  • Swing with a reduced speed helping balance from an uneven position.

 

DOWNHILL LIE

The downhill shot requires a steep downward angle of attack; this approach makes the ball fly lower with more ball speed. The slope of the hill encourages weight shift and tends to leave the clubface open, so the ball moves to the right. Points to note are:

  • Take a club with more loft than normal for the shot.
  • Play the ball nearer your higher foot.
  • Aim slightly more to the left, take care it is only a tendency for the ball to move to the right.
  • Set yourself more perpendicular to the slope.
  • Swing with the slope, allow the sole of the club to “surf the turf”.
  • Swing with a reduced speed helping balance from an uneven position.

 

BALL ABOVE YOUR FEET

The ball sitting higher than your feet will make your posture more upright and promote a flatter swing. A flatter swing leads to more activity in the hands which tends to close the clubface to the left. Points to note are:

  • Grip further down the shaft.
  • Position the ball in the middle of the stance.
  • Aim slightly more to the right, it is a tendency for the ball to fly left.
  • Swing with a reduced speed helping balance from an uneven position.

 

BALL BELOW YOUR FEET

The ball sitting lower than your feet will make your posture more horizontal and promote an upright swing. An upright swing leads to more activity in the upper body which tends to make the golfer swing across the ball promoting an open club face. Points to note are:

  • Stand slightly closer to the ball and bow over more.
  • Position the ball in the middle of your stance.
  • Aim slightly more to the left, it is only a tendency for the ball to fly to the right.Swing with a reduced speed helping balance from an uneven position.

 

This has been written for a right-handed golfer.

 

Junior Academy

Ladies' Academy

Practice Facilities

The Club’s practice facilities include:

250 yard driving range with Huxley mat
Short game practice area with bunker and chipping green
Practice putting green

Herbert Fowler Studio

With unmatched accuracy and true-to-life performance, the Club’s state-of-the-art golf simulator delivers players and their guests the best possible golfing experience away from the courses. Housed in the old society changing room, this impressive facility will give you the finest experience when taking a lesson, being fitted for the latest equipment or playing on a simulated course.

Lessons start from £47.00 and club fittings from £50.00. Corporate hire and simulator experiences are also available. Please email the Golf Coach if you would like to book an appointment.

For equipment, please visit or email the Club Shop.

Price tariffs can be collected from the Professional Shop or Golf Reception.

Custom Golf Fittings

One of the key advantages of choosing to custom-fit your golf clubs is the ability to tailor them to your swing characteristics and playing style. Unlike ‘off-the-shelf’ clubs that are designed for a general audience, custom-fit clubs are personalised to fit your unique specifications. This customisation can have a significant positive impact on your overall performance and enjoyment.

When you opt for custom-fit golf clubs you can work with Jason Neve and David Stewart who both understand the nuances of club fitting and will create a friendly informative atmosphere that will enhance your experience. They will assess factors such as your swing speed, ball flight patterns and body measurements to determine the ideal specifications for your clubs. This attention to detail ensures that every aspect of your equipment is optimised for maximum performance.

There are only three component parts to the fitting, club head, shaft, and grip. By ensuring that the club’s length, grip size and weight distribution are tailored to your physique and swing style, custom-fit clubs provide a more comfortable experience on the course. The improved fit also enhances the overall feel of the golf club allowing you to develop a better sense of control and feedback during your swings. This can contribute to a more enjoyable golfing experience while helping you maintain optimal performance throughout your round.

Additionally, when you have confidence in your equipment, it translates into confidence in your game. Knowing that you have the best possible tools at your disposal instils belief in yourself and allows you to focus on executing your shots without any doubts or distractions. With custom-fit golf clubs by your side, you will have the peace of mind knowing that you are using premium equipment tailored especially for you.

Consistency is a crucial element in any golfer’s game. With properly fitted clubs you can expect improved consistency in both distance and accuracy. By aligning the club’s shaft length, club head lie angle, loft and shaft flex with your swing characteristics you can achieve better control over your shots.

Custom-fit clubs also promote better ball striking by optimising the impact conditions between the clubface and the ball. This translates into enhanced accuracy as well as increased distance on each shot. Consistent results from properly fitted clubs will enable you to make more confident swings knowing that your equipment is working harmoniously with your technique.

Golf is a game that requires continuous practice and play which can take a its toll on your body. Ill-fitting clubs can exacerbate this physical strain, leading to discomfort and potentially even injury. However, custom-fit golf clubs are designed with your comfort in mind.

For further information and to book a fitting please email Jason Neve or David Stewart or call the Club Shop.