×

Top Links:

Get A Golf Handicap

UK Golf Guide

Golfshake Top 100s

Find Golf Travel Deals

Golf Competitions

Search

Community Forum

Course:

Tee Times | Search | Reviews

News:

Gear | Tour | Industry Insider

Tuition:

Video Library | Tuition Sections

Community:

Join | Log In | Help | Useful Links

×
AP2

Articles by Alex Picken

Alex is currently majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Communications at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina. He is completing his degree in America whilst also playing for the Pfeiffer Falcons University golf team.

To view the rest of the Golfshake team of writers, testers and ambassadors click here.

 

Reflecting on Life as a College Golfer

Golfshake's Alex Picken has now completed his degree at Pfeiffer University in North Carolina, where he was part of the golf team. Reflecting on his four year journey within the college system, the competitiveness and camaraderies, Alex looks back in detail at his unforgettable experience.


The Golf Swing Alignment Towel Review

Looking to improve the fundamentals of his alignment and set-up, Golfshake's Alex Picken has deployed the Golf Swing Alignment Towel on the range, using a simple but effective aid to work on his game. Reflecting on the progress made, Alex describes the benefit of the product and the difference it could make for all golfers.


Kingsbarns Golf Links Feature Review

Each year during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, Kingsbarns is showcased on the main stage. This modern links is visually spectacular and is renowned for its design. But what is it like to play? Alex Picken describes his experience.


My Own Dunhill Links Story

Golfshake's Alex Picken charts his journey from being a teenager inspired to drive up his interest in golf by attending the Dunhill Links, to returning to Scotland years later to play at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, fulfilling those dreams.


St Andrews and Carnoustie Are Environments for Inspiration

During a recent visit to St Andrews and Carnoustie, Golfshake's Alex Picken was struck by how inclusive both venues were, making a significant effort to inspire future generations, representing what the game should be about. He delves deeper and explains why these are unique environments for inspiration.


Morning Golf vs Twilight Golf?

With summer conditons and lighter hours for longer, it raises the important question of which time is the best for golf, morning or twilight? Golfshake's Alex Picken takes a closer look at both options, reviewing the pros and cons.


What is Strokes Gained and How Can it Improve Your Game?

Strokes Gained has become one of the most influential statistics used to analyse the performance of professional golfers. Alex Picken explains what it means, and crucially how you can take the lessons from it and adopt them into your own game.


More Great Value Rounds at Highly Rated Top 100 Venues

Following his initial Great Value Rounds at Highly Rated Top 100 Venues article, if you're looking to experience somewhere truly special this season, Golfshake's Alex Picken has identified MORE Top 100 Courses that can be accessed through GolfNow for outstanding prices.


Great Value Rounds at Highly Rated Top 100 Venues

If you're looking to experience somewhere truly special this year, Golfshake's Alex Picken has identified Top 100 Courses that can be accessed through GolfNow for outstanding prices, something that you'll certainly want to take advantage of.


The Best Game Improvement Irons of 2019

Packed with detailed information and reviews, here is Golfshake's comprehensive guide to the Best Game Improvement Irons of 2019, featuring many of the biggest and most acclaimed releases for this season.


The Best Players Irons of 2019

Here is our gear guide to the latest players irons of 2019, including detailed reviews and look at the technology of the best models, specifically targeting golfers with low handicaps who consider themselves better than average players.


Indoor Golf Venues in the UK

Indoor golf centres across the UK have been promoting an alternative, social side of the game, taking advantage of superb facilities to provide a unique and engaging experience, safe from the elements. Golfshake's Alex Picken takes a look at some of the most notable venues.


An Englishman in North Carolina: Ryder Cup Reflections

One week after Europe's triumphant victory in the Ryder Cup, Golfshake's Alex Picken - a student at North Carolina - has given his reflections on the events at Le Golf National from the perspective of an Englishman in America.


Which Venue to Choose for a Ryder Cup Stay & Play?

Le Golf National is hosting this year's Ryder Cup, with Europe having been victorious in each home match since 1993. We take a closer look at each of those venues, tapping into the knowledge and experience of our ambassadors, to provide this guide to these famous courses and resorts, helping you identify the best for a stay & play golf break.


Career Paths for Becoming a Golf Professional

As the opportunities for golfers to improve and develop continually increase, so does the variety of options available for elite golfers to progress into the professional setting. Which path is the right one? College golfer Alex Picken takes a look into each pathway.


The Best Spikeless and Casual Golf Shoes of 2018

Here is Golfshake’s gear guide for the best spikeless and casual golf shoes of 2018 to help you decide which is the right pair for you.


PowaKaddy C2i Electric Trolley Review

PowaKaddy's 2018 Compact C2i has been rated among the finest designs the brand has created. Golfshake's Alex Picken recently had the chance to test it for himself on the golf course. Here is his review.


The Best Stand Bags of 2018

As the demand for stand bags increases, so does the amount of choices available for the buyer. Here is Golfshake’s gear guide for all the 2018 stand bag releases to help you decide which is best for your needs.


The Best Cart Bags of 2018

Choosing the right cart bag to comfortably carry all your equipment and safely protect your clubs is very important. Here is your 2018 gear guide of all new cart bags to help you decide which is best for you.


Walrus Polo Shirt Review

The Mason Golf Polo Shirt is part of Walrus' Feel Good Collection. Golfshake's Alex Picken and Ambassador Rob Treanor recently tested this shirt and gave their thoughts on the product in this review.


Effingham Golf Club Review

Effingham Golf Club is a Harry Colt design located between Leatherhead and Guildford that has been host to many prestigious events through the years, and has worked to maintain its traditional setting within the modern game. Golfshake's Alex Picken recently had the chance to play there. Here is his review.


6 Tips for Playing Golf in the Sun

As this rare and beautiful British heatwave continues in the heart of the golfing summer, here are some of the best tips for making sure you are safe in the sun, along with helping you be in a position to take advantage of the conditions, which might actually benefit your game.


Bushnell Phantom GPS Review

The Phantom GPS is the new distance measuring device from Bushnell, a powerful yet pocket-sized GPS. Golfshake's Alex Picken tested and reviewed this stylish and innovative piece of golf technology.


Slowing the Game Down

Last Sunday, Bryson DeChambeau won the Memorial Tournament, but the aftermath was dominant by discussion on the pace of play within the final grouping. Golfshake's Alex Picken asks whether that was fair, and delves into the slow play debate and the potential solutions.


Why Do We Love the Masters?

Why do we love the Masters so much? It draws us in like no other event, and captivates us over the four days on TV. Alex Picken delves into possible explanations, and what makes the event unique.


What Makes Match Play a Special Format for Golfers

Sports Journalist Alex Picken looks at the magic of Match Play. What makes the format so compelling to watch and play, for all standards of golfer, and why we should see more of it on tour and at golf clubs.


When Does Golf Spectator Behaviour Turn Unacceptable?

Despite winning the Honda Classic, Justin Thomas was engulfed in a debate after requesting the removal of a heckler at PGA National. He later apologised. But when is the line crossed, and fan behaviour becomes unacceptable? Alex Picken delves into the subject.


Life of a College Golfer

Golf at Colleges in the United States has been a pathway for many of the world's leading professional golfers. Alex Picken is a student from the UK who received a scholarship offer from Pfeiffer Univeristy in North Carolina. Here, the young man offers insight behind his life abroad and experiences of being part of the University Golf Team.


The Best Golf Snacks to Get You Through a Round

Whether it be an early start on a Saturday morning or a dash straight from work in the evening to the course, you may require sustenance to make it through the 18 holes. Golfshake writer Alex Picken has identified products that should be an essential part of your golf bag, which can help keep you nourished and hydrated, and could assist with concentration and stamina, helping your game.


10 Signs You’re Addicted to Golf

Golfshake is a Website and Community designed for passionate golfers. We've all caught the golf bug at some point, but what are the main symptoms to suggest that you are truly addicted? Alex Picken has identified ten major signs.


Morley Hayes Winter Warmer Weekend Special Offer

Find out about Morley Hayes' brilliant Winter Warmer special offer.


The Future Looks Bright for Europe in the Ryder Cup

The 2016 Ryder Cup saw Europe's most crushing defeat in over 30 years, but Alex Picken believes there are positive signs ahead of next year's showpiece at Le Golf National. He looks at several of the impressive and emerging players who could have a huge impact for Thomas Bjorn in 2018.


10 Reasons to Stay and Play at the Vale Resort

The Vale Resort is a 4-star resort located in South Wales.  The hotel facilities combine with this to provide a resort that is dedicated to the highest standards in fine dining and comfortable accommodation, along with an exciting and entertaining golfing experience.  Here are 10 reasons why you should stay and play at this fabulous resort.


The Vale Resort Stay & Play

The Vale Resort is a luxurious 4-star golfing resort located in South Wales, between Swansea and Cardiff featuring 2 courses and excellent stay and play facilities.  Find out how Golfshake staff writer Alex Picken got on during his visit in August 2017.


The 13 Best Jobs in Golf

Lots and lots of us want to work in golf, but what are the best jobs out there? Where would have most fun, not to mention earn the most money? Golf Writer, Alex Picken counts down his Top 10. 


2017 Best New Golfing Apps

As the game of golf gets more and more technologically advanced, so do the golf related apps that millions of golfers around the world use daily.  Here are a list of the 10 new golfing related apps out there in 2017 for iOS devices.


Thinking Clearly Under Pressure and Pushing Boundaries in Sport

When Jordan Spieth used the rules to his advantage on the 13th hole at the Open, he was thinking clearly under pressure. Alex Picken looks at similar instances in sport and discusses the keys of pushing boundaries in sport.


Tournament Golf Experiences with Golfbreaks.com

Most of golf’s most illustrious spectacles like the Ryder Cup and The Masters are once in a lifetime moments for most fans. Golfbreaks.com offers a variety of different travel packages that suit every kind of golfing fan looking to attend tournament events.


NEW DivA Golf Repair Divot Tool

How many times have you walked onto the first hole of a golf course and been greeted with pitchmarks surrounding the greens surface?  Twisted Frog are a company who dedicate themselves in the best state of the art golf divot tools. By using an innovative new design of a 3-pronged tool instead of 2, they created the Twisted Frog range of pitchmark repairers.


How to get tickets for the 2018 Ryder Cup

Since the tournament started, the Ryder Cup has consistently produced moments of golfing magic. However, in recent years, the rivalry has reached another level of significance and drama. Le Golf National in Paris will host this prestigious competition, and tickets to be a part of this event are sure to sell out fast.


Quinta do Lago


Speed Stix

Scroll to top