Wednesday 30th December 2009

It’s a funny time between Christmas and the New Year, a sort of ‘No mans land’ where (apart from the sales) few of us venture out from the confines of our warm and cosy homes. That is apart from some very brave and enthusiastic young players and parents who braved the very worst the elements could throw at them, to enjoy this annual event.

In near sub zero temperatures, a biting wind and rain that hit your skin like needles, survival was more about the quickest than the fittest. Put quite simply, these were the worst conditions I have ever played in, yet no-one complained. I actually felt better for playing, it was invigorating, my cold and sore throat felt better and it didn’t seem to matter who won or lost because in a way everyone triumphed.

Congratulations go to Callum & Colin, Gary & Jack and Lewis & Debbie for winning the trophies and Simon, Joshua, Mark, James, Curtis, Connor, Andy, Jacquelin and Dooby for taking part. Happy New Year to you all! Chris

Plenty still going on as Autumn starts to turn to Winter, all rookie lessons and Monthly Medals continue, weather permitting!!

Winter Junior Individual 1/2 hour lessons available at £75.00 for 5 (saving £25).

Gold, Silver and Bronze course dates available on request, please email chris@theshirelondon.com.

- 6 weekly structured sessions
- 8 player maximum per group
- Video enhanced learning

3 NEW groups to choose from - GOLD, SILVER & BRONZE
Each 6 weekly course £60.00 (includes all balls and equipment).

Available NOW

Perfect for the starter or new learner - 6 x 1 hour weekly sessions.

Week 1    Aim ,basic hold, Stance, posture and alignment. Basic Swing and core movement
Week 2    Review of week one and developing the basic swing
Week 3    Basic putting, the stroke & judging distances
Week 4    Basic chipping, technique and club selection
Week 5    Balance, Rhythm and tempo in the basic swing
Week 6    Rules and etiquette, responsibilities and scoring
                  Presentation of Certificates

Cost £60.00 (Payable on week 1)

Perfect for the intermediate or improving player - 6 x 1 hour weekly sessions.

Week 1    Aim, advanced hold, dynamic posture, alignment and swing
Week 2    Short swings, pitching and judging distances
Week 3    Using video analysis to improve the swing
Week 4    Introducing bunkers, the basic splash shot
Week 5    Advanced chipping and putting, holing out
Week 6    On the course, simple course management and coping with weather
                  Presentation of Certificates

Cost £60.00 (Payable on week 1)

For the advanced or established player, should have completed one or more of the above courses or its equivalent - 6 x 1 hour weekly sessions.

Week 1    Advanced set up and video comparison, grip pressure points and their importance
Week 2    The downswing, compression and impact positions
Week 4    Working the ball, using draw and fade spin, hitting high and low
Week 5    Advanced pitching, creating backspin and using sidespin
Week 6    Individual swing analysis, keeping log books
                  Presentation of Certificates

Cost £60.00 (Payable on week 1)

All these lessons are available to any junior wishing to learn or improve their game and are limited to a maximum of 8.

£7.00 per child (No booking Required)

Saturdays    Beginners    10.00 – 11.00am
                      Intermediate    11.00 - 12.30pm

Sundays    All abilities    11.00 – 12.30pm

Individual coaching    £20 per 30 minute

Block sessions    £100 for 6 x 30 minutes

Membership benefits include:

- 9 Stage certificate Course, Membership bag tag, magnetic pitch repairer / marker
- Certificate of Acceptance, Certificate itinerary, welcome letter
- Monthly Competitions on the Seve Academy Course

A must for the aspiring player.

As above, but with unlimited usage of the Academy Course.

Available for beginners, intermediate and advanced players, prices and availability on request. For more details please email chris@theshirelondon.com or call 020 8441 7649.

To celebrate another year of Junior golf development at The Shire, 30 Rookie Members played 9 holes on the Academy Course. Competition was fierce in the 3 age divisions, under 15’s, under 12’s and under 9’s with trophies at stake for 1st 2nd and 3rd place.

Tony Menai Davies was on hand to present the trophies and to congratulate everyone on their performances. In the Under 15’s, 13 year old Jonny Ellis shot 36, as did defending champion Mikey Campbell who narrowly missed out on a countback. Shanil Shah came third with 37.

In the under12’s, Callum Jackson shot 38, Oli Fong came 2nd with a 40 whilst Sam Sherwood came 3rd with 42. In the under 9’s, in what was one of the performances of the day, 8 year old Luke Jansen shot a 36 with Curtis Whitelegg in 2nd place with a 40. A great effort from 6 year old Callum Jackson saw him into 3rd place with a 50.

Jonny Ellis became Rookie Open Champion 2009. However, nobody went home empty handed as all competitors were presented with a trophy.

For the first time 3 players played in a Junior 9 hole medal on the main course, all having progressed through the 9 stage Rookie certificate course. The young girl won the most improved performance award for July.

18 youngsters played 9 holes on the Academy Course in beautiful summer sunshine. The course and the greens looked and played immaculately.

Performances more than matched the conditions, with 7 medal winners,which included a special performance trophy for Molly Allsop.

Blistering performances from Sam Couzins, Luke Jansen,Charlotte Chamberlain, Finbar Coll, Michael Turner and Callum Webb help to ensure that handicaps continue to tumble. Many players just missed out by the odd stroke, usually lost on the putting green.

A special mention and ”Well done” to all the 1st timers, including Holly Weisfeld, Liam Johnson Adair and Joshua Lear. Well played everyone.

Don’t forget Fathers Day Parent and Child Special on Sunday 21st June, any Mums and parents welcome to play. Tee off 10.00am on the Academy Course with Tea /Coffee bacon roll on arrival.

Next Medal Sunday 31st June 2.00pm.

A day of beautiful sunshine saw some great scoring in our recent Rookie medal event.

Thirteen players took part, with seven players scoring under their handicaps - well done!

Medal winners were, Ella Berndes, James Godfrey, Callum Webb, Charlotte Chamberlain, Flynn Whitelegg, Jake Chancellor, Luke Jansen and Alex Dale.

Well played everybody, next Medal competition will be held on Sunday 31st May at 2.00pm.

Junior Profile: Chelsey Stewart

School: Dame Alice Owen

Favourite player: Tiger Woods

Hobbies: Football, tennis and Arsenal!

Started Playing Golf: Aged 6 at the A1 Driving range with Chris

Current trophies: 25 in total, including Shire London Rookie of the year award 2008. Junior Shire Masters winner 2008, runner up in the Ladies Masters. Won the last 2 Ladies Competitions

Current H/Cap: 32.5 and decreasing quickly!

Chris Whitelegg, Junior Golf Specialist:

“I have known Chelsey for a number of years and have watched her progress with interest. She has worked extremely hard on her game over the last 2 years, here at the shire and is now beginning to reap the rewards. Her strength and height make an ideal combination allowing her to hit the ball a long way with ease.

“She has great potential will be a single figure player very quickly. How much she develops as a player from there, will be down to her enthusiasm and dedication.

“Always a pleasure to teach, she listens and applies herself well at all times and can’t do enough to encourage and help the younger players.”