John Bald/language and literacy

Learn Golf in a Day. Saffron Walden Golf Club

Rob McNicholas, Aaron Howard and Sarah Smith, PGA golf professionals, are offering introductions to golf for £20 on Sunday afternoons on 7th Feb, 6th March and 3rd April.  Golf is no longer the snobbish game people sometimes think it is, and is excellent exercise for people who are perhaps past the age at which they can enjoy fast ball sports. These three are top-flight teachers, expert and patient. Equipment supplied, and highly recommended. Details.

Interlude. Rob McNicholas, head professional at Saffron Walden Golf Club.

 

 

Nearly every Scot has an interest in golf, but in England it can be hard to get a game, particularly if you're not born into a club. So, I'm grateful to the senior section at Saffron Walden for taking on a beginner, and to Rob for getting me from "all hell and no idea" to playing the occasional good shot among the bad ones. 

Here is Rob's Teaching Philosophy

Clarity of explanation

I strive to ensure that my students are completely clear as to what we are trying to achieve within a lesson. My explanations, expectations and demonstrations are straightforward. I find video technology a helpful tool to reinforce ideas whilst avoiding over-complication. Ensuring that those I teach have a complete understanding of the coaching they receive is a priority to me. This approach allows my students to comprehend how a particular technical change makes a specific difference to their game, with self-sufficiency an ultimate goal.

Even within the context of a complex teaching programme, I believe a key to success is to keep the messages short and simple. This process ensures that students can confidently work towards a goal, even in time away from a structured lesson.

 

Personalised lessons

I am well aware that no two golfers are the same. Their different experiences, ability and physiology obviously influence the approach and focus that I take within a lesson. As such, I differentiate my explanations, drills etc. as appropriate. However, my aim is always to increase the potential for a student. I believe that golfers of all abilities and confidence levels can show an improvement within a lesson.

 

Enjoyment

Even if my lessons present challenges, or force golfers to work outside of their comfort zones, I endeavour to make them enjoyable experiences. A relaxed and friendly style initially puts people at ease at the start of a lesson. Good-natured competition is also an element of many of my junior lessons that I find helps maintain focus and increases enjoyment. In addition, consistently ensuring every student is aware of the progress they have made is an essential factor for full enjoyment; showing them how much they have achieved is highly motivational

 

I heartily recommend Rob's work and that of the club, both to adults who've always wanted to play, and to parents looking to give their children a chance to learn the game. Some of the drives we see hit by juniors are world class.

 

The cost?  Trial membership gives two months unlimited play plus an hour lesson with Rob. The club has two other professionals, Aaron Howard and Sarah Smith, and the pro shop has a good selection of second-hand clubs, with the key advantage of free professional advice on what will suit you. The annual membership is just over £1000, which is comparable to the cost of following a football team, and better exercise. The entry fee is £1000, or £850 if you take the trial membership first, with an option to pay over five years at a slightly higher rate - the trial membership fee is deducted in both cases. The entry fee becomes part of a separate account to pay for improvements to the course and facilities, and is carefully invested for the benefit of members, who own the club. Play three times a week, as I do with the senior section, and value for money is excellent. 

 

Saffron Walden Golf Club  

 

Course overview on Youtube.  It really is as beautiful as it looks here.

 

Rob McNicholas on getting out of bunkers. It works!