September 2016 Newsletter
September has been another busy month of playing tournaments and coaching. It started with an invite to The Mid-Wales Pro-Am at Aberdovey Golf Club on Saturday 3rd September where I was partnered by three of my good friends. I have to say the conditions were absolutely terrible - we teed off around midday and had spent the morning watching the wind and rain from the comfort of the clubhouse. I felt that if I kept my ball flight down and grinded as hard as I could I would have a chance. The professional scoring showed just how tough the conditions were - I finished 2nd on 4 over par (one shot off the win). The professional field contained many great players from all over the UK, so I was really pleased with the result. The course was in great condition and I would definitely recommend you visit the course if you are in the area.
I then returned to play in a Lancashire PGA event at Bolton Old Links. I struggled on the day with the pace of the greens and finished tied 8th - not bad considering! The following two tournaments were frustrating as I had been playing great 'tee to green'. The James Brierley Open at Blackpool North Shore is one of the main events on the PGA North Region circuit, I came into the event playing nicely, I continued to play well however I made one mistake on the par 5 - 15th hole, where I made par after hitting driver and then 7 iron to 15 feet - I missed the cut by one stroke on 2 over par. Frustrating to say the least!
Werneth GC was my next stop on the Lancashire PGA Players Tour where I switched to a thicker 'super stroke' grip on a new putter. I hit the ball great again but didn't hole a single note-worthy putt. Again, this was really frustrating considering how good my long game was. I am currently lying 6th on the PGA Players Tour Order of Merit with one event left.
The last event I played was at Rochdale Golf Club, where the course was presented in fantastic condition. I started on the 15th hole where I three putted from 15 feet, I then missed a short putt for birdie on my next, bogeyed the next, and missed a 4 foot putt for birdie on the next - an awful start!!! I managed to play the next 14 holes steadily and got it back to level par to finish 3rd - once again with a strong line up of local PGA professionals. I'll keep knocking on the door and hopefully soon I will be able to notch up some more professional wins. This season my game has progressed more than ever and if funding allows I would love to play Europro Tour next year.
As for the coaching, the Saturday Junior Group sessions are becoming really popular. There are so many talented junior golfers getting better at golf and having fun - it really is great to be a part of their progression in golf, sport and life.
Adult coaching - my coaching days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Northenden Golf Club. I am available for evening lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
It is that time of year when the Manchester Alliance Pro-Ams start again. Every Wednesday through October and November a Pro-Am will take place at a local course. The format is 2-ball betterball stableford costing ￡35. I will be sending out an email with all the dates soon. However if you are interested please drop me an email - there is a mixed event for ladies coming up too!
If you are on Linkedin - please 'link in'! I also have Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and a website - if you are on any of those social media platforms please like/follow me.
On the social media pages you will find photos, videos and tips that maybe of interest to you. I personally update all my pages including my website so if you would like to see anything on there please let me know.
I would just like to thank all the people who support me - Andrew from McHale and Co Solicitors in Altrincham, Mark from Flowcrete and Malcolm from Ecofil - and NGC member, Dave Beckett - all your support is very much appreciated.
Finally, I would just like to mark the passing of Mr Arnold Palmer. I had huge admiration, as did many for Arnie. Along with making golf 'cool', he was always a gentleman - that's the most important to me.
In the words of Jack Nicklaus -"Arnold transcended the game of golf. He was more than a golfer or even great golfer. He was an icon. He was a legend. Arnold was someone who was a pioneer in his sport. He took the game from one level to a higher level, virtually by himself. He was the king of our sport and always will be"
RIP Arnie.
Graham Neville