Tweaking the stats

Just some feedback after a few questions relating to the new game improvement functionality

The stats benchmarks were analysed from data on over 600,000 golfers taking each handicap level and then taking the data for the **perfect** round in which the handicap did not move.  Interestingly as I changed the handicap the score average adjusted accordingly, which identified the process was correct, ie Handicap 1 the average score was 72, handicap 2 was 73 etc etc

I'm currently reviewing the data because in hindsight as the averages are from the **perfect** rounds it is unlikely that the **average** handicap golfer will play to these levels.  Thus I believe the stats are slightly skewed and the data/stats for say a 14 handicap golfer is in reality more closer to that of the **average** score for a 9/10 handicap golfer.

Remember though that you can change your own targets from the tools section

Play well!

Know Your Game, Lower Your Handicap

Unfortunately I haven't been playing much golf but the rounds I have I've managed to keep the Golfshake match play record intact mainly due to Adam!

Thankfully I'm just coming to the end of some awesome updates that have been in the pipeline for well over 3 years and with the updates done, target setting available and the new look rounds recorders I think it's time I got out and got my game back on track!

Every time I analyse the data it hightlights that over a year of score tracking the average golfer will drop 3 shots but now the system will go one step further and show you how your game stacks up and what your handicap is across your game!

To find out more about the updates read the Golfshake blog or visit this page for full details:

http://www.golfshake.com/news/view/2958/Golfshake_Helps_Get_Your_Game_o
n_Track.html

Play well!

Keeping Up to date with the Open

Yep I'm sad but it's not that often you get to watch so many of the top golfers on free TV with coverage from 9am until 8pm!

I'm currently set-up working away in my new office, the lounge, with the HD TV on and a second monitor rigged up showing the live Open Score Center+

This year there is no excuse for golf fans to miss out with so many choices to view and keep up to date with all the action.  Check out this round up below:

http://www.golfshake.com/news/view/2725/The_Open_is_Technologically_Open.
html

For me I especially look forward to getting out to play on Monday and wonder why I can't replicate what I saw on Sunday!

North vs South 2011

Once again the North vs South was a fantastic 2 days and nobody can ever say I jinx the weather anymore!

Sunday Practice

38 players took part in a pre match practice round which was also an opportunity to try out the slightly revised course layout at the Abbey Hotel.

The course was in exceptional condition, the 2nd hole was a nice replacement to the old 2nd and 3rd holes and over time the new 15th will mature into a great risk and reward dogleg for the big hitters.

Sunday was won by Dean Wood, someone I know personally and as played in 4 North vs South matches and just had won of those days! but still had shouts of Bandit after recording 43 points.

2nd place was Stu Laws with 38 points closely followed by John Sweeney, Marin Millichip and Chris Perry all with 36 points.

Longest drive went to one of my playing partners on the day Darren Millichip with Nearest the Pin going to John Sweeny.

The nearest the pin in 2 was a close contest with 2 players unable to be seperated despite use of a tape measure!  well done to Kevin Swain and North team Captain Kevin Shearsby.

Monday - North vs South.

The course and green keeping staff did us proud on Monday with all the bunkers re-raked, fairways and greens cut and pin position moved to some nice places for a matchplay competition!

For the 2nd year running and 4th time in 5 years the event was won by team North coming in with a 9 point to 5 margin.

Final big thanks to the Hotel, Course, Staff, Players and the Captains.

See you all next year.

Effective Practice Efficient Preparation

Effective practice efficient preparation, is that how we make this game easy ?

I decided to pop out for a quick 9 twilight holes this week but when I turned up at the course I went and hit some balls on the range which I don't normally do.

The first thing I noticed was that the tee areas were in a different place therefore marking all the target markets wrong, thankfully I had a Nikon 350g Laser range finder in the bag so was able to take a accurate reading of the marker distance.  I was then know that the 100 yard marker, where my 9 iron shots were hitting, was actually 125 yards.

Because I was playing a short 9 hole par 30 course I decided to focus my practice and warm up on mid irons and chip shots.

50 balls complete I had warmed up nicely and hit the course, armed with the new round recorders, and started par par  something I don't think I've ever done!

I also started to make some notes as I played each hole which seem to really help get me in the zone.  

Having not had the opportunity to practice any putting I missed judged the first green and was way short on the long grass but by recording by putt distance on the visual shot tracker it gave me a great mental note when coming up to the 2nd green.

I then dropped a shot on the 3rd hole but this was completely down to me not judging the conditions and not taking an extra club with the strong head wind.  Making that not I didn't do that again!

By the time I'd finished the round I was 2 over!  Now admittedly it was a short course, not quite a par 3, and I played on my own so do you play different ?  but nonetheless I found the pre practice really really useful and the on course focus made me play differently.

It might be overkill and take some of the fun out of the game but ultimately are we all not striving to play better golf and if we don't doesn't it just lose part of the enjoyment anyway ?

I'm definitely going to do this again but over a full 18 holes and see how I go.  

You can also see from my analysis that I have a tendency to short putt on the right and pretty much all my approach shots and chips are under clubbed.

The first 2 images are my on course notes and the 2 additional visual shot tracker's image are just tests of recording x or the hole number.

To see my round visit: http://www.golfshake.com/round/view/1163454/

Can't wait for GolfLIVE on Friday

Last year was exceptional and like some others I did think '£45 for a golf show!' but as someone who attends a fair few tech events in London then £45 is a snip compared to the £300+ I've paid to hear 10 tech speakers during a day.

Plus here on Golfshake there is still some promo tickets availble for 2 standard GolfLIVE tickets for £50 but I can honestly say £45 is great value for an event which can't be compared. 

Yes you can visit a European Tour event but where else can you go and see the Pros up close and in a more relaxed atmosphere talking you through how they play and giving you real world tips and advice.  Plus on top of this most of the major manufacturers attend giving you the opportunity to try out the latest kit on a real driving range making it a truely exceptional interactive experience and the feedback from last year was fantastic not just from me.

Cleveland Srixon have the awesome short game area again and looks like they are offering the custom fit service again plus Golfbreaks.com are hosting an out putt the Pro to win a golf break and GolfMission are giving everyone the chance to compete in the GolfMission challenge around the event.

And for anyone wanting the new look round recorders and visual shot tracker's that I've done then just head over to the Golfbreaks.com stand

I'll make sure I stick up some photos and provide feedback just in case anyway makes a last minute decision to attend at the weekend.

Plus if you are there let me know and say hi.

Revised Tee Times for the Golfshake/Teeofftime golf day

Tee times and Groups for the GS/Teeofftime golf day

Buffet Menu Options for the GS/Teeofftime golf day

Buffet Menu options:
 
Selction of Salad
 
Beef & Mushroom Pie - served with Chips & Vegetables
Mixed Grill - served with Chips & Grilled Garnish (Mushroom & Tomato)
 
Black Forest Gauteaux - served with cream
Apple & Black Forest Fruit Crumble - served with custard or cream
 

Teeofftimes - Booking Online

Booking a Tee Time Online
If you want a fast, flexible and convenient way to book your tee time online then look no further.

Since their launch, the website has grown considerably and they now offer you the chance to book a tee time with over 400 golf clubs. The website offers tee times all year round with great discounts giving you outstanding value for money.

Convenience
There is no doubt that purchasing a tee time online is convenient as it allows you to be in control of when you purchase. It also means that you no longer have to call up golf clubs to book tee times and wait in any telephone queues.

Choice
With over 400 golf clubs on their website (and growing) they can offer you a variety of golf courses to choose from. They have a diverse range of golf courses available throughout the UK that will have a tee time to suit you.

Time saving
Buying a tee time online will save you time as everything you need to know about a golf course and tee time is “under one roof”, so to speak. You don’t have to search on the Internet to compare golf courses as Teeofftimes.co.uk provides you with all the information you need. They even provide you with detailed postal directions to ensure you tee off on time.

For more information visit: http://www.golfshake.com/course/teetimesonline/