Baildon member Gary Stevenson has finished on top of the world rankings for the new Power Play format competition this year.

The 13-handicapper heads a list of more than 1,000 players, many of them from the UK but also some from countries across the globe including New Zealand, Australia, America, Slovakia and Ukraine.

“The first thing I did when I found out was print a copy of the rankings and put them in a frame for prosperity!” said Gary.

“The members have had a bit of fun in that any time my name has been mentioned, they always say ‘world No 1’ first.”

He earned his tag by building points up with consistent weekly performances on his home course.

The risk-and-reward game, invented by former Walker Cup captain Peter McEvoy, features two pins on each green, with the black flag always placed in a difficult position.

Competitors must chose the tougher option on three greens, declaring their ‘power-plays’ before teeing off on their nominated holes.

Double stableford points are on offer for nett birdies or better on these holes and there is the option of ‘power-playing’ the last, though a nett bogey or worse means losing points.

“You have to think more about where you need to be hitting your approach shots from to get to difficult pin positions and you obviously need to hold your nerve when big points are at stake.”

Gary, whose best score is an impressive 36 points – normally par for 18 holes, not nine – said he always took the extra powerplay option on down our 18th hole.

“It is a risk and reward game and you might as well go for it and it normally pays off,” he said.

Please click here to view the Power Play World Rankings 

Which New PING Iron Fits Your Game?

Hot on the heels of launching the new G15 and i15 Drivers, Ping has now launched the irons to complete the set, and we have them in store.

The technology of the G15 irons provides the high-launching, maximum forgiveness attributes that bring consistency to your iron play. The stainless steel iron’s cavity design features a new Custom Tuning Port (CTP), which expands the perimeter weighting and increases the moment of inertia (resistance to twisting).

Weight savings from a thinner face are repositioned to the toe for added forgiveness on mis-hits and its wider sole produces a higher launch angle. Stronger lofts combine with a centre of gravity located low and farther from the face to produce longer shots without sacrificing the higher trajectory required in a maximum forgiveness iron.

The i15 irons are geared towards the better player who prefers an iron set that offers the control to play a variety of shots. Created as a progressive set, the longer irons are larger for more forgiveness. The mid and short-irons are smaller to ensure workability and control on approach shots.

The stainless steel iron features a tungsten toe insert to add forgiveness to the mid-size design. A stabilising bar and CTP provides the feel and sound attributes preferred by better players.

For a demo of either the G15 or i15 call in and see Rick or Sean

For further details on the new G15 and i15 irons please click here.

With the nights drawing in and the cold and wet weather fast approaching now is a good time to take a look at your golfing footwear and making sure you have the right shoes to battle the winter elements.

The first thing to check on your shoes is the spikes, or cleats. A golfer’s footing is the foundation for the swing, if there is doubt in the footing, or worse, slippage, the swing plane will alter, which in turn will affect the ball striking and ball flight.

Next make sure your shoes are in good condition, and there’s no chance of any leakage. Nothing will disrupt your round of golf more than wet feet because water has got in to your shoes. This will also affect your swing as your foot will slip within your shoe.

We have a wide variety of golf shoes in the pro shop, why not pop in at any time and take a look, we’ll be happy so show you the best shoes for your game and budget.

Here is the pro shop pricing for re-spiking your golf shoes;

SSP: £10.00

FootJoy’s new SYNR-G takes golf shoe performance to a new level, achieved through the exclusive Tri-Lateral Stability Frame combined with a perforated alloy mid-foot support bridge to cradle the foot and provide a stable hitting platform. Designed and developed for golfers seeking maximum support and a solid foundation, SYNR-G is the most stable shoe FootJoy has ever produced.

The SYNR-G also incorporates ECL™ or "Extreme Comfort Leather". This is a proprietary waterproofing system developed with Pittards® of England, it is a membrane-free leather with a 1-year waterproof warranty. ECL Advanced Waterproof Leather is 30% softer than previous generation FootJoy performance leather.

SSP: £115.00

To view the full FootJoy range please click here.

The #1 all-weather performance brand in golf. DryJoys are the standard of waterproof , performance golf shoes, and have now been further improved.

The new outsole incorporates seven individual Stability PODS with enhanced OptiFlex zones resulting in breakthrough ‘Flextability’ (stability achieved through maximum flexability). These versatile flex points allow more of the golf shoe to maintain contact with the ground throughout the swing giving better in stability and control allowing golfers to perform at their best whilst experiencing unrivalled comfort. 

SSP: £89.99

To view the full Footjoy range click here

The HI-TEC C2 Comfort incorporates Premium full grain leather upper with a Super soft PU lining and Dri-Tec waterproof membrane that carrys a 1 year waterproof guarantee 
 

Hi Tech enhance the comfort and fit of their shoes by using a Custom fitting contoured footbeds which allow you to fit the shoe for you.

SSP: £39.99

To view the full Hi-Tec range please click here.

This month we take a look at the best ways to eradicate those nightmare shots from your game – the slice, hook, fat and thin shot.

Follow these simple drills at the range and say goodbye to those score-ruining shots.

The Slice
There are many things that may cause a slice, but the most common is arm rotation – or lack of it.

When swinging the club your arms should turn over through the moment of impact and into the follow through, like hitting a tennis shot. Feel that your arms are working with your body turn.

A good drill to get you used to turning your arms is to use a split grip and swing the club like a baseball bat – this will get you used to turning your arms. Try to replicate that feeling and movement when you go back to your full swing.

The Fat
A fat shot is where your club has reached the bottom of its arc before it hits the ball. This will result in you taking a huge clump of earth before the ball, and your shot will hardly travel.

In order to lose the fat, place a bit of rope or string approximately eight inches behind the golf ball, concentrate on striking the ball and missing the obstacle. If you hit the wood or rope, your swing is bottoming too early.

Avoid the obstacle and you’ll soon be back on the path of striking the ball long and true. Remember ball then divot.

The Hook
Tiger Woods has described this drill as the most irritating, but most effective drill he ever practiced. The idea is to work on your timing and eradicate those hook shots.

Set up to the ball and swing, but when you reach the top of your backswing, stop, and in your head slowly count ‘one…two’ before starting your downswing. This drill slows your lower body and the rotation of your wrists through impact. By stopping at the top, you’ll be forced to properly time the downswing sequence in order to hit a good shot.

Without properly sequencing your downswing, starting with your weight shifting slightly to your lead foot, followed by your hands dropping down as your body uncoils, you’ll never be rid of that hook.

The Thin
The thin shot is usually brought on by your body shifting slightly upwards before impact.

By focusing your eyes on a specific shot during the swing, you can reduce the amount of spine movement.

For this drill place a tee an inch or so behind the ball and address the tee, not the ball. Focus on the tee before starting your swing, and keep your eyes focused on the tee until after impact. This will force you to make a more solid impact with the ball and with some practice you’ll be able to maintain your spine angle throughout your swing.

If you would like to discuss any part of your game please drop by the proshop to book a lesson time.

The President will host the annual Dinner Dance on Saturday 17th October. The Dinner Dance is the climax of the year for the President and as such always has a great atmosphere and is thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The entertainment this year will be provided by male vocalist Gavin Young. 

Gavin’s smooth vocals and flawless delivery as he presents a wide variety of songs, taking you on an unforgettable musical journey.

Tickets are still available but the list is coming down Thursday 15th October after booking on.

Lined Sweaters Were £59.95 Now £29.95 

Classic Pom Pom Headcovers Were £9.99 Now £7.50

Ping i10 Demo Set Were £499 Now £350

Hi-Tech Golf Shoes Were £59.99 Now £39.99

Adidas Ladies Golf Shoes Were £39.99 Now £19.99

We have managed to secure a Galvin Green account for 2010, so we will be able to supply you with the latest fashion and technology available.

The first delivery will be at the beginning of 2010, and the spring/summer collection will arrive before the season kicks off.

However with the weather begining to turn, we can order from this years range for immediate delivery.

To see the full Galvin Green range please click here

This month's newset product is the Sun Mountain Micro Cart.
This Brand new four wheel push trolley is so simple to guide around the course and has many features, including:

• Easy on/off handbrake system.
  
• Folds to 52 cubic inches (that's pretty small).
  
• Ultra-lightweight at only 13 lbs.
  
• Secure lock system ensures your bag stays rock solid at all times.
  
• Total stability on side slopes and hill's due to the 4th wheel.
  
• Easy push system prevents shoulder strain and injury.
  
• Brolley holder as standard. ( brolley can remain up as you walk, keeping you and your kit dry).
  
• Magnetic card holder and storage compartment.
  

This really is a very exciting new product

SSP: £125.00