The club pro who's heard every excuse.
Thirty years behind the counter and on the range. What club golfers get wrong, and what he'd tell his younger self.
Every club has one: the pro who has seen it all, sold it all and fixed most of it. We sat down with ours over a coffee that went cold.
What's the most common thing club golfers get wrong?
Buying a swing in a box. People come in wanting a new driver when what they need is twenty minutes on their set up. The kit matters, but it matters less than people think.
What would you change about how people practise?
Hit fewer balls and think about each one. A bucket of fifty with a target for every shot beats two hundred whacked into the distance.
A bucket of fifty with a target for every shot beats two hundred whacked into the distance.
One tip for someone off 20 who wants to get to 15?
Stop taking on the flag. Middle of the green, two putts, walk off. You'll be amazed how many shots disappear.
What would you tell your younger self?
Enjoy it more. The bad rounds are still four hours outside with your mates.
Weekly or monthly. Always one thing that works.
A tip from the Pro Panel, a word from Paul, a member's verdict and what Paul is testing next. Plus the free guide: The Rules You're Probably Breaking Every Saturday.
Stop firing at flags. Hit the middle of the green, take your two putts and let your mates find the water. The flag is a suggestion, not an instruction.
Paul