This may seem like a strange question but here goes anyway: why do you play golf? The answer might be different for everyone. Derek Clements has changed his expectations through the years and he shares a few reasons why you might be addicted to this wonderful game. read more ...

If you're planning to download a golf GPS app, where should you start? Well, these are some of the most popular. Why not get one today and see what difference it could make to your game! read more ...

A comprehensive whitepaper study has found that there is an urgent need for action in the golf industry, as rising maintenance, insurance, and operational costs immediately threaten the closure of 433 clubs in Great Britain. read more ...

An increasing number of golfers are becoming drawn to the concept of flexible memberships, which should make this new points-based pass that has been introduced by the Bridgedown Group, owners of three London golf courses, most intriguing. read more ...

Golf is a uniquely challenging sport that can follow us throughout our lifetimes. But the difficulty can evolve as you age. Golfshake's Derek Clements is an older golfer and he describes the ways that the game has become harder for him. read more ...

We take a look at the evolving digital and online habits of golfers, analysing data from our most recent survey which was completed by over 1,200 avid golfers and underlines the growing importance of social media platforms - especially YouTube. read more ...

Avoiding disasters is the most effective way of lowering your handicap, but making pars and birdies is always a solid confidence boost during a round - it gives you a fillip and helps to build momentum during your day. But how many should you make in your next round of golf? read more ...

Team GB's hopes of medal-winning golfers will be led by four individuals at the Olympic Games in Paris this year, and they will be equally divided between the men's and women's events. read more ...

The Open at Royal Troon will showcase golf in Ayrshire, which made it disappointing to read that nearby Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club had been vandalised just days before thousands of golfers descend on a region that gave birth to the sport's oldest major championship. read more ...

The game of golf continues to evolve and Pitch, the modern and revolutionary indoor golf club, aims to be at the forefront of that growth after unveiling expansion plans that will see four exclusive new venues opening across the UK and Ireland.  read more ...

Golf is meant to be fun. As you grow older it can become a difficult, physically demanding and frustrating sport. But if you are aged 60 and over there is no reason why you still cannot enjoy this wonderful game. Golfshake's Derek Clements is a senior golfer and has come up with 10 tips that he hopes might help you to get the most from your game. read more ...

You might think that playing golf courses in Scotland can be expensive, and it often is, but there are so many wonderful places that can be experienced for a comparatively modest price. We have searched across the nation to identify 60 of the best golf courses in Scotland that you can play for under £50.  read more ...

Dollar Golf is an online portal that has been created to help golfers find the answers to their swing issues, with the ambition behind the site being to effectively provide users with their own golf coach, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Golfshake Ambassador Mel Davies describes what you can expect from the service. read more ...

You may have heard of The Big Golf Race, Prostate Cancer's UK largest golf fundraising challenge, but if you're unsure about whether you wish to participate this year, then the story of Mike Bee should inspire you to have a go. read more ...

At some stage or other, most of us have taken part in either a golf society day or break away from home. Golfshake's Derek Clements has vast experience of these and he shares his guide to make sure it all goes well. read more ...

If you want to play one of the best golf courses in the UK & Ireland, the chances are that you will be required to pay a green fee that could be viewed as gratuitously high. But there are thankfully some exceptions. We believe that we have found the place that might just offer the perfect marriage of affordability and quality. read more ...

Jacob Skov Olesen became the first Danish player to win the Amateur Championship as he beat England's Dominic Clemons 4&3 in Saturday's 36-hole final at Ballyliffin. read more ...

Golfers across the UK have dusted off their golf clubs, gathered friends, and decided to take on The Big Golf Race to support Prostate Cancer UK's fundraising challenge to help save men's lives. read more ...

The vast majority of us only keep a proper scorecard when we are playing in a monthly medal. Medal play is a very different game, when every shot counts. And that means we should prepare differently and tackle the whole process differently. But how many of us actually do that? read more ...

For a variety of reasons, golf viewership on TV is declining, but in the emerging world of YouTube, the audience is only growing massively. We asked golfers to explain why they're being put off watching traditional golf, what they want to see in the coverage, and how things could become better. read more ...

Par 3s are an integral part of any golf course and they come in all shapes and sizes. But how good are you on these short holes and do you compare to other golfers? We can reveal what golfers shoot on par 3s across different handicap categories. read more ...

Golf can be the most inclusive of sports, and that fact is underlined by the story of 49-year-old Neal Hume from the Midlands, who suffered a stroke in November 2022, which instantly changed his and his family's life, with Neal's speech and movement in his right side being impacted, but getting back into the game has been key to his recovery. read more ...

Continuing our series of stat-based articles to help you set benchmarks for your game, we are posing the question of whether you hit enough fairways and greens in regulation. We can now reveal how you compare to others who play to a similar or better standard to see just where you stand in two essential categories. read more ...

Golfshake's Derek Clements has been struggling off the tee lately, so in search of an answer, he visited our Equipment Expert, Ryan Rastall, to undergo a full driver fitting that made a dramatic difference to his game. read more ...

Golfers in the South East of England will be intrigued to hear that the £15 million redevelopment project at Basingstoke Golf Club is nearing its conclusion, with a phased opening period for the Hampshire venue beginning this month. read more ...

Everyone remembers Tiger Woods winning the US Open by 15 shots, but how about this performance from England's Dominic Clemons, who won the Scottish Men's Open Championship at Muirfield by 17 strokes at the weekend. read more ...

How much is too much? Many of you are nomadic golfers who choose to pay green fees whenever you play this wonderful game of ours - and that can be extremely expensive. But where do you draw the line and is there any justification for some of the prices you see these days? read more ...

If you are someone who wishes to carry their passion for golf into a rewarding career, then you'll be intrigued to discover that The Professional Golfer's Association has launched a new qualifications website, which has been designed to become a gateway resource that could introduce you to the golf industry. read more ...

Sometimes, it can seem like golf brings out the worst in people. We've all seen temper tantrums and various examples of shenanigans, some of which are barely believable. Golfshake's Derek Clements has been playing golf for decades and shares the worst behaviour that he has witnessed on the course. read more ...

Now in his 70s, Golfshake's Travel Editor Andy Waple has been concerned about a drop in driving distance, so instead of just giving into the passage of time, he has acquired a set of SpeedStix swing trainers to see if they can make a difference to a senior golfer. read more ...

It's a rare opportunity to play a brand new golf course, but that is exactly what you can do as The Inspiration Club in London opens its doors, with tee time bookings now being made available to the general public. read more ...

Due to rising costs and other reasons, some golfers may have already or could be considering leaving their golf club. But Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that would be a mistake as he explains why ending your membership could be the worst possible thing you can do. read more ...

Every time we step on to the first tee we live in hope that this is going to be the dream round, the day when everything goes right, that we find the middle of every fairway, rifle irons to the heart of greens and see holes like buckets. Sadly, the reality can often be very different. Here are some things that can ruin your round of golf! read more ...

And suddenly, as if by magic, golf courses all over the land are presented in fabulous condition. Following the worst winter of rainfall that any of us can remember, Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why our greenkeepers deserve even more praise in 2024. read more ...

It's the time of year for playing golf into the evening when you're chasing sunlight, and England Golf has tapped into that by partnering with Golf Genius to launch a series of Twilight Golf Leagues. read more ...

Are you a better putter than you believe yourself to be? The only way to accurately determine that is by comparing yourself to other golfers, and specifically their statistics. Consider what your own handicap is - as we can now see how you compare to thousands of players at different levels of the game. read more ...

Throughout your lifetime golf can be a fleeting companion or a permanent confidant, but it can also drift in and out of view as the years progress. When you think about it, several obvious factors can make golfers turn away from the game, whether it be a temporary situation or something that lasts decades. read more ...

Reaching single-figures is a milestone that a lot of golfers aspire to. Getting to that standard can be the fulfillment of many years of playing and practicing, while some of us just can't quite get there for one reason or another. But one key area to consider is what exactly it takes to become such a proficient golfer.  read more ...

The G4D Open makes a welcome return to Woburn Golf Club this week as the most skilled golfers with disabilities compete in a fabulous event that has been established in partnership between The R&A and the DP World Tour and supported by EDGA. read more ...

How much would you pay for a round of golf? It's a question that many golfers are having to ask themselves in this age when it appears that green fees have risen exponentially. However, whatever your green fee ceiling, there are wonderful courses to play, as we can reveal in this article. Would you pay this to play these golf courses? read more ...

How does your game compare to the average golfer? We all have particular strengths and weaknesses that either raise our performance or exist to hold us back from reaching that next level. If you want to match or surpass that standard, then here are the targets that you probably need to reach. read more ...

A new film from EDGA that celebrates a fantastic group of golfers with disability will premiere on Sky Sports Golf this week with several showings during the coming days. read more ...

The health of golf clubs remains the truest way to assess the current state of the game. And things currently look pretty strong. However, it would be remiss not to reflect on the continued challenges that golf clubs are presented with, all of which have a potential impact in the shorter, but particularly longer term. read more ...

When it comes to costs and tee times, it's a constant challenge for golf clubs to successfully balance the needs of their members alongside ensuring that they continue to attract visitors. But is this really achievable? Golfshake's Derek Clements has some thoughts on the subject. read more ...

Pedham Place Golf Centre is a hugely popular venue in Kent that has consistently drawn golfers and societies to this location on the outskirts of Swanley. However, the long-term future of this superb facility could be in doubt should ambitious and locally contentious plans outlined by Sevenoaks District Council come to fruition. read more ...

Former European Tour winner and current Sky Sports Golf mainstay Nick Doughterty has partnered with the Golf Foundation's new Play In May campaign that is requesting that golfers support the ambitious 'Unleash Your Drive in School's' initiative with a special competition that could take you to Wentworth. read more ...

Since it opened last year, Golf It!, which is The R&A's community-based golf and entertainment facility in Glasgow, has driven its mission to make the game more accessible and inclusive, with that philosophy now being taken to another level as it joins ScottishPower’s tourist trail of electric vehicle charge points. read more ...

Golf is a sport that is seemingly built on tradition, but when you think about it, few of these conventions have anything to do with actually playing the game and have instead been imposed by institutions in the form of golf clubs and governing bodies. Here are some of these old-fashioned rules that Golfshake's Kieran Clark really thinks ought to go. read more ...

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club Clubhouse is a building that is both synonymous with St Andrews and the wider game of golf, but the iconic structure has been undergoing something of a facelift during the past 18 months, which has now been completed. read more ...

Technology has made it easier than ever before for golfers to study and analyse their swing. The BAL.ON Smart Kit is one of the more intriguing that we've seen lately. It consists of pressure soles, smart pods, and a smartphone app. Powered by pressure sensors and AI, this device offers you real-time swing analysis and coaching. read more ...

We have brought together the best twilight golf green fees that you can find in England - which you should consider taking advantage of this season, whether you live in the nation or fancy travelling to visit from further afield! read more ...

With the promise of warmer and drier weather on the horizon, the thoughts of many golfers will be turning towards the courses they may want to visit as the year progresses. But how do you choose the courses you want to play, and what should they be doing to attract your business? read more ...

To those who don’t play golf, there are many popular misconceptions that prevent them from coming anywhere near our game. As a recent returnee to golf, Golfshake's Derek Clements addresses a few of the issues surrounding the game and gives his verdict on whether they are true or false. read more ...

In theory, golf is a pretty simple game. You put a ball on a tee, hit it and chase it around until you stroke the ball into the hole at the 18th. But have you ever tried to explain the rules to an absolute beginner? These are the rules that drive Golfshake's Derek Clements nuts - and should be tossed into the nearest water hazard, without penalty. read more ...

As the golf season gets into full swing it is the ideal time of year to ask yourself what you want to get from your game in 2024. Will you just carry on where you left off last season, or will you be setting yourself some targets? Here are the keys areas you should probably be working on.
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Most of us who play our sport do so in the company of regular playing partners, people we look forward to hooking up with each and every time we play. Turn up at any golf club and, week after week, you will see the same fourballs turning up for the same tee-time. But what makes the perfect playing partner?
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Many golf facilities have been taken to another level in recent years - and Trackman Range is at the forefront of this revolution. Golfshake's Ryan Rastall recently visited Belton Woods to find out more about Trackman Range and to take a look at the new and improved range facilities available at this fantastic venue. read more ...

We all know that - at its best - golf can be the most inclusive of sports, which is a quality that was showcased in South Wales, where a Cardiff-based company, Paramount, partnered with The Golf Trust to provide disabled people the chance to play golf. read more ...

There is much to feel encouraged about as we enter the new golf season in the UK, but it's not a glowing picture for everyone, as several clubs and venues have either shut permanently or have been threatened with closure due to financial pressures, the cutting of local authority budgets, and other developmental interests. read more ...

Golf clubs have faced huge challenges during the past six months as greenkeepers have struggled to keep courses open and playable in the face of incessant rain, so it was especially depressing to learn that two golf clubs in Bournemouth have seen parts of their courses targeted by mindless vandals. read more ...

Golf is a sport that can make us all look very foolish. When all is going well it is a wonderful way to pass four hours or so. But it can and does always find a way to jump up and bite you. It can embarrass you, it can humiliate you and it can make you look just plain stupid. read more ...

For this week's View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements returns to an issue that still hasn't gone away on tour and at golf clubs - slow play! read more ...

Everyone wants to improve their game and that has been supported by significant advancements in golf technology and equipment design. With the latest golf equipment, the key to achieving higher accuracy and performance might just lie in an unexpected ally - robot testing. read more ...

After writing about his experiences of returning to the game and gaining a golf handicap, Golfshake's Derek Clements received a wide variety of comments and responses from keen golfers about the World Handicap System. He now shares those and reacts to what was said. read more ...

Record levels of rainfall and frequent storms have been a recurring theme of late, and the impact has been keenly felt by our beloved courses and those of us who play them. We wanted to connect with golfers directly to gather their feedback and hear about their experiences and what the inclement weather has meant for their game. read more ...

Golfshake's Kieran Clark recently had the opportunity to play The Old Course at St Andrews in Reverse, taking on the layout that was common centuries ago. But what does that mean and is this routing actually better than the one we know today? read more ...

Since it first made its way to these shores, the World Handicap System has certainly divided opinion, drawing praise from some quarters and criticism from others, but there are changes in 2024. What specifically do you need to know? Here are the alterations to the WHS that could affect your game this year and beyond. read more ...

Changes have been made to the World Handicap System process, and for this week's View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements describes the frustrating impact it has made to him. read more ...

The game of golf has seen seismic changes in recent times. That could make you long for the supposed good old days. But when he thought about it more, Golfshake's Derek Clements realised that things weren't so great after all back in the day. read more ...

The guys who play golf on tour are the best in the world. They play a game that is entirely different from the one we experience. In the main, they know a few things that perhaps we can adopt and learn from. read more ...

Former professional and current Sky Sports presenter and commentator, Nick Dougherty has taken the Golf Foundation's Unleash Your Drive campaign, which aims to introduce golf into schools throughout the country, to the House of Commons. read more ...

This is a funny old sport. Just when you think you have seen it all it has this habit of shocking, amusing and surprising us. Golfshake's Derek Clements has played and followed golf most of his life and he has seen some pretty strange sights. Here are just a few of them. read more ...

Last year, we addressed the news that Perivale Park Golf Course was facing potential closure by Ealing Council, but that has now been confirmed and the municipal layout will be shut down in June. read more ...

It seems pretty obvious that the world of golf faces some serious challenges. Of course there are lots of things to be optimistic about but there is also much we should be concerned about. Golfshake's Derek Clements has had a thought about what the biggest problems are - and this is how he would correct them. read more ...

It's been an extraordinarily sodden winter throughout the UK. Therefore, it's no surprise to learn that our golf courses have been massively impacted as the new season approaches. Consequently, England Golf has revised its Winter Golf Checklist, extending the period in which clubs are permitted to deploy preferred lies on their layout. read more ...

As golfers around the world will know, early spring indicates the start of the golf season, and we have all suffered enough through the misery of winter. It’s a good idea to set challenges for the impending campaign, and there’s plenty of things that you can introduce to help you improve at the game of golf. read more ...

Reflecting on months of wet weather and difficult golfing conditions, Derek Clements dedicates his latest View From The Fairway to the incredible work of greenkeepers across the game. read more ...

Through the advent of rangefinders and other neat gadgets, attempting to produce lower scores on the course has seemingly been easier than ever before. But there are a select few gadgets that should be deemed as essentials when playing golf. read more ...

It's been a thoroughly disheartening winter for golfers - and even more so for the courses that we play on. Heavy rain, flooded fairways and closures have been commonplace across the UK for months, meaning that attaining your golfing fix has been harder to come by than usual. read more ...

We absolutely love golf, but there are things about it that quite simply get on our nerves. Golfshake's Derek Clements has listed the issues that drive him most insane. How many of his rants do you agree with? read more ...

Golf is a sport full of tradition, but that doesn't mean that there aren't areas that should evolve. Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out just some of the things that he would change about the game, from the sensible to the essential - and even the blasphemous. read more ...

Many of you are about to return to the fairways for the first time since putting the clubs away last autumn. But when you head to the course where you play your golf, what do you expect to find in 2024? You may not be surprised to learn that we have a few tongue-in-cheek ideas... read more ...

If you're reading this article, then you're most likely someone who loves golf. But what is it about this sport that makes it so special? Golfshake's Derek Clements has come up with another 18 things that he loves about this incredible game! read more ...

Birmingham's Lickey Hills, one of the most acclaimed public golf courses in England, has once again been targeted by vandals after being struck twice last week. Unfortunately, it's not the first course to have been affected in this way - and sadly it won't be the last as these instances have become endemic across the country. read more ...

Traditional memberships at clubs are robust, but there is a growing segment of the golfing population who are seeking alternatives. That's where flexible, or points-based memberships are becoming more common, essentially allowing golfers to buy a certain number of credits that can be redeemed for rounds as they go. read more ...

The new golf season is just around the corner. For those of us who have suffered through the winter it means we can start to look forward to shedding all the winter clothing and begin to feel a bit of warmth on our backs. But the question is: are you ready for the new season? We have a few tips. read more ...

Club professionals are a much-maligned species in some circles. But it should be a good career choice. A club pro can make or break a golf club because, at most clubs, he or she is the first and, in some cases, only point of contact. So what makes a good club pro? read more ...

Several municipal golf courses in Scotland have recently been threatened with potential closure, but this bleak outcome looks to have been averted following a widespread public outcry and subsequent change of heart from local authorities. read more ...

Prostate Cancer UK has launched The Big Golf Race 2024, which has become the biggest fundraising challenge in the UK. Golfshake's Andy Picken has personal experience with the disease and describes why you should consider getting involved with the challenge this year. read more ...

Just like balls, clubs, or any other piece of equipment, your golf gloves don't have an indefinite lifespan. They will quickly start to show signs of wear - especially if you're someone who plays regularly. But do you change your golf glove often enough? read more ...

The UK & Ireland boasts an international reputation for its seaside links courses, but this ancient form of the game is being increasingly threatened by the impact of coastal erosion - with several revered venues facing a crisis. read more ...

Our recent surveys have revealed that there are many areas of golf club membership that trouble us, much of which is understandable, but there is a small army of unsung heroes and heroines at every single course in the land - the volunteers who put themselves forward to take on positions that are both time-consuming and, in the main, thankless. read more ...

You don't need us to tell you that it's been a rather wet few months in the UK. Course closures have been common, something that always leads to frustration among the many golfers who are desperate to get the most value from their annual memberships, but the challenge facing greenkeepers is stark. read more ...

When you watch the world's best golfers, you will see that they routinely consume food during their rounds. It's something that many everyday players neglect and it negatively impacts their concentration and preparation. Golfshake's Derek Clements has considered what we should all eat to play our very best. read more ...

It's been a dark beginning to the year for public golf in Scotland. The early weeks of 2024 have been dominated by headlines of municipal courses across the nation facing potential closure, including Hollandbush in South Lanarkshire and the two layouts at Caird Park in Dundee. But there is now another example to add to this ever-growing list. read more ...

For any golfer, making a hole-in-one is a milestone achievement that will resonate for a lifetime. It's that fleeting touch with perfection - in a game that by its nature is about the imperfect - and a moment that is on everyone's bucket list. But how likely are you to make one? This remarkable tale got us thinking. read more ...

The traditional model of golf club membership has retained its place at the heart of the game, but there is a nagging question about whether it's the most suitable way to conduct business as we look towards the latter half of the third decade in the 21st century. read more ...

If you are not especially proficient at something but insist on going about it in exactly the same way, the chances of ever improving are slim to non-existent. And that may apply to the game of golf more than it does to any other sport. Golfshake's Derek Clements describes some of the things that he keeps seeing golfers getting wrong. read more ...

If you've always fancied tapping into the knowledge of one of the world's most revered short game coaches, then Dave Pelz and his skilled team will be hosting a series of Scoring Game Schools at Hertfordshire's Brocket Hall between March and October. read more ...

What are the things that you most love about playing golf? Have a think and see exactly what you come up with. Golfshake's Derek Clements has been pondering about the particulars that makes this game special to him. read more ...

There are many different ways to swing a golf club. If you doubt it, just take a look at the world’s best golfers and study their swings. But the one thing that all these golfers had or have in common is that they all did the basics in exactly the same way. Golf is a game of fundamentals. read more ...

Have you not played golf for a while? Perhaps you've been too busy to commit to the game, or maybe you've been recovering from an injury, or you simply decided to go into golfing hibernation during the winter. Well, getting back into things can be a challenge, but here are some ideas that will help you to make a successful return to the course. read more ...

While not everyone will claim a major championship and become the best player in the world, or even break 80 during their lifetime, this game still presents the platform for achievement. And that keeps us all coming back for more. Here are some things that we could all seek to accomplish this year and beyond. read more ...

The English language is both peculiar and highly idiosyncratic. But have you ever thought how odd the language of golf is? All of us who play the game don’t ever give it a second thought, but imagine trying to explain our sport to a layman. read more ...

Golfshake's Derek Clements has recently returned to the game after several years of injury problems. Having joined a club and deciding to make his comeback to the golf course, Derek shares an update on his journey that many of us can probably relate to. read more ...

The Golf Foundation has been celebrating the impact of its Unleash Your Drives in Schools project, which has seen nearly 500 schools declare their interest since last September, with the first venues now delivering golf sessions using adapted Golfway equipment to help the mental wellbeing of youngsters across the country. read more ...

Pitch, the modern indoor golf club, has announced a strategic partnership with Trackman. Overseeing two venues in the heart of London with more to come across the continent, Pitch founders Elliot Godfrey and Chris Ingham have found a partner in Trackman who also recognises the growth opportunities for indoor golf. read more ...

Cristobal del Solar carded one of the lowest scores in the history of professional golf with an astonishing 13-under-par 57 in the Astara Championship. read more ...

Golf survived a global pandemic. However, the cost of living crisis is taking its toll in a way that COVID never did. You will no doubt be aware that many councils across the UK face serious budget shortfalls and are looking to make cuts. You also probably will not be surprised to learn that several municipal golf courses are under threat as a result. read more ...

The most traditional form of experiencing golf is through a club membership, which offers plenty of incentives to retain your interest throughout the year. However, some clubs are seeing a drop in memberships across the country, which poses the question - why do golfers give up their club memberships? read more ...

The days are getting longer. It won’t be long before spring is in the air and we can think about putting the thermals away for another year. Are you somebody who sets yourself targets? And if not, why not? Golfshake's Derek Clements shares a few of the things he will doing this season. read more ...

For any golfer, somewhere near the top of their lifetime dream scenario would be owning a course. That fantasy could even become a reality for someone out there - as one acclaimed Scottish venue is currently for sale. read more ...

Whilst many golfers prefer the lifestyle of belonging to a club, there are clear benefits that only nomadic golfers can experience. Of course, nomadic golfers may miss out on the social benefits that are so rampant through membership - but there are plenty of positives too! read more ...

Hollandbush Golf Course in South Lanarkshire, which is located less than 30 miles from Glasgow, is facing imminent closure as the local authority that manages the venue is set to discuss its future in February. read more ...

How many golf courses did you play last year? We can absolutely guarantee that it won't come anywhere near the total reached by Patrick Koenig! The acclaimed photographer shattered the world record for the number of golf courses played in a year - playing an astonishing 580 of them - with the vast majority of these rounds being walked. read more ...

Our recent survey was a real eye-opener, revealing many things about what you consider makes a good course. There were also plenty of areas of concern for you, with joining fees, increased subscriptions and slow play among your bugbears. It got us thinking about what makes the perfect golf club, the one that you would never consider leaving. read more ...

All golf clubs face challenges - but two English venues in particular have recently been threatened by months of flooding and repeated vandalism respectively. read more ...

We all dream of low scores, holing birdie putts, hitting towering drives with a gentle draw and seeing our iron shots nestle next to the pin. But improvement does not happen on its own. So here are a few ideas for each and every one of you, tips that just might help you to trim a shot or two from your handicap. read more ...

Many of us will soon be digging our golf clubs out of hibernation in readiness for the arrival of spring. But when you have a look inside the bags, what are you likely to find? Here are just some of the objects that could be there! read more ...

Golfers are increasingly searching for alternatives to the traditional club membership model, with the QHotels Group's Fairway Membership being among the most prominent, and it has continued to grow alongside the patterns outlined by the latest Sporting Insights Report for Q3 2023. read more ...

What should you desire to achieve this year on the golf course? We have decided to set a few objectives for you to tick off - some of which are more testing than others, but we're pretty sure that conquering any of them would qualify the 2024 season as being a resounding success. read more ...

As spring approaches and we get the chance to get out there and play more golf, some of us may be drawing up wish lists for what we hope to see at their golf clubs in 2024 - all the more so as subscription renewals start to drop through our letterboxes or pop into our in-boxes. Here are a few of the things that you might be hoping for in the months that lie ahead. read more ...

Just when you thought we had seen the back of the repeated storms and torrential rain that has presented a major challenge to greenkeepers across the UK & Ireland, many of our favourite golf courses have now been struck by snow and icy conditions this week. read more ...

Whether you are currently a member or have been in the past, there is no question that golf clubs remain at the heart of the sport, serving as the bedrock that supports the recreational game. However, there are clearly some issues that clubs need to address. And here are the specific areas that you most wanted to see golf clubs tackle in 2024. read more ...

The game is shrouded in uncertainty as the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf desperately try to find a way to work together. It got us thinking about the way other sports deal with change. So the simple question is: what can golf learn from other sports? read more ...

If you're looking to begin your 2024 in style on the golf course, then we can recommend the fabulous Dundonald Links in Ayrshire, which offers luxury accomodation, delightful food and a spectacular layout to make for the perfect winter getaway. read more ...

Perhaps more than anything, the overriding concern among golf club members this year is cost and the general unease around the rising expense that many are facing to maintain their current subscription at a club in addition to the lofty barriers that may prevent newer players from joining in the first place. read more ...

Anybody who has ever swung a golf club will know how frustrating a game this can be. But have you ever been angry enough to literally break your equipment? Then you are not alone. read more ...

One of the things that emerged loud and clear from our recent membership survey is just how many of us have lost valuable playing time because so many courses have been closed as a result of flooding. And this is a problem that has arguably reached unprecedented levels throughout this winter. read more ...

Our most recent survey focused on the consumer spending habits of over 1,600 avid golfers, comparing data from the 2023 survey with data previously captured 5 years ago in the 2018 annual Golfshake survey.   read more ...

Golfshake conducted a survey on golf club membership, gathering data and insights from 4,000 regular golfers over a ten-day period in 2023. Following the publication of eight articles we have now compiled a comprehensive overview of the data, analysis, and feedback. These include insights on the resurgence of waiting lists and joining fees at golf clubs, the value for money of golf club memberships, and the likelihood of renewing memberships in 2024.\ read more ...

Your response to our recent membership survey reveals that the landscape has changed in recent years. The boom that followed the COVID lockdown has seen both waiting lists and joining fees making a gradual comeback across the game. read more ...

Visitors are the lifeblood of many golf clubs around the UK. In our recent membership survey we asked what clubs could do to attract new visitors. You have plenty of views on this subject and they break down into a number of categories.
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For an experiment, Golfshake's Equipment Expert Ryan Rastall put a driver from 2003 to the test against a modern day model and asks whether there could have been an alternative solution for the distance debate and golf ball rollback. read more ...

It's that time of year when subscription renewals and reminders will be arriving. We asked thousands of club members if they were planning to renew their memberships in 2024 and the results were fascinating, including a significant number of golfers who remained undecided about their plans. And they told us why. read more ...

Considering there are over 35,000 golf courses throughout the world, what enables the very best to stand out from the rest? They could be positioned in an envious location or the routing of the layout has been carved so perfectly. Throughout history there have been notable designers who are attached to highly revered and historic golf courses. read more ...

What are the best Christmas golf gifts on Amazon? We have found them for you! The Christmas period is the ideal time for golfers to stock up on balls and general accessories. We have selected 25 neat Christmas gifts that would be excellent choices for golfers in your life - or for you to spoil yourself! read more ...

In this digital age where effective communication is essential for all businesses, many golf clubs have improved massively in recent years, but our latest survey has also shown areas that require improvement to benefit both members and visitors. read more ...

Since golf was introduced to the masses, golf clubs have acted as hubs that bring like minded people together over their beloved hobby. If you're not currently a member or are unsure about what you're going to do - here are numerous reasons to join a golf club in 2024. read more ...

After a gruelling round of golf and battling the elements, there is no view more welcome than the warmth embrace of the 19th hole. Fortunately for UK-based golfers, we have some of the best 19th holes on the planet that provide beautiful scenery and scrumptious food. read more ...

We are consistently told that golf clubs are in a really good place and that our sport continues to enjoy a boom. While that may be true for many venues, there are some places that have sadly been forced to close recently due to a myriad of factors. read more ...

What difference will the golf ball rollback make to the world's biggest hitters when it comes into force in 2028? Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why he thinks it will have minimal impact and that other changes may be necessary. read more ...

The change in golf ball specifications means that the sport’s biggest hitters are going to be reined in by an average of 15 yards, but Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why for the overwhelming majority of us, there is nothing to worry about. read more ...

Following years of research, debate and industry contention, The R&A and USGA have announced their plans to rollback the golf ball. If you're wondering what exactly is going on, here are the main takeaways from what has been announced and the response to these changes from across the sport. read more ...

And so it has finally been confirmed. Golf balls WILL be rolled back for both professionals and amateurs, but we have plenty of time to take the news on board and prepare for it. read more ...

As the months fade away and a new year slowly approaches, there are some amazing deals to be found that can bolster your golf game. Whether you’re looking for a glove that reliably informs you that your grip is correct, or you’re looking to practice your putting at home, the following items will be of use to you. read more ...

With an expected announcement coming that will reveal plans to reduce the distance that the golf ball travels across the game, Golfshake's Derek Clements addresses what is certain to be a contentious topic in his latest View From The Fairway. read more ...

We would love your feedback in our latest survey focused on golf equipment in 2023 and the golf gear that you use. read more ...

Simply hitting ball after ball at the range can become a little monotonous and is less productive than you may expect, so what should you be working on when you're visiting the range? Golfshake's Ryan Rastall shares a handful of great tips and drills for you to try at the range this winter - all of which should make a positive contribution to various parts of your game. read more ...

What are the greatest holes in golf? Everyone will have their own choices from those they have played and watched. Golfshake's Derek Clements has been reflecting on his experiences in the game and shares the holes that have will stay in his mind forever. read more ...

The cost to play our greatest courses has long become outrageously high, but during this off-peak period of the calendar, winter green fees can offer respite and the chance to play exceptional courses for a comparatively welcoming price. read more ...

Do golf club memberships represent value for money? Our latest survey revealed that one of the biggest concerns you have is the cost of playing the game. We take a closer look at how valuable becoming a member can be and just what it means to the clubs themselves. read more ...

We wanted to know what you think clubs need to do to attract more members and what you see as the problems facing clubs when it comes to recruitment. These comments were submitted by non-members as they described their suggestions regarding the issues that clubs need to address. read more ...

The wider golf landscape is finally beginning to settle back into something resembling normality following the impact of the pandemic, which ushered in a rapid and unexpected boom in participation but also membership numbers at clubs around the country. But now, with cost of living pressures remaining and the opportunities presented by lockdowns a thing of the past, the game has to assess how best it can both retain and recruit members. read more ...

The World Handicap System has been a game-changing initiative for golf, but changes are coming after The R&A and USGA announced its first update to the WHS as part of an on-going review of the Rules of Handicapping and Course Rating System, which these latest revisions to come into effect from 1 January 2024. read more ...

Many people will have put their clubs away for the winter. But for some of us, this is a year-round sport. But winter golf is a very different game. So what do you need to do if you are planning to brave the course in the weeks and months that lie ahead? read more ...

Even if most of your golf is social, there are bound to be times when you play the sport competitively, either in matchplay or strokeplay/medal competitions. These can be fun. They can also be pretty stressful. Much depends on the type of golfer you are playing with or against. read more ...

There are many golf holes that give players of all standards the screaming heebie-jeebies. It can be water, it can be knee-high rough, out of bounds, a howling wind, or a narrow fairway. Golfshake's Derek Clements has put together a list of what he considers to be some of the most terrifying tee-shots in the sport. read more ...

Golf is a sport that is meant to put a smile on our faces. But there are times when golf can kick you where it hurts. These are the shots we all dread playing but all have to face at some time in our lives.
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With the 2023 golf season coming to an end, a cold and bitter winter is slowly approaching, which will drastically change the experience of playing this game. We explore different ways you can protect your golf course this winter - which will make it even stronger as the 2024 season kicks off.  read more ...

Golfshake's Derek Clements has recently returned to playing golf after injury and wanted to join a club in his local area. But what he found was a frustrating experience full of barriers that made becoming a member more challenging and less appealing than it needs to be. read more ...

We would love your feedback in our latest survey focused on your plans for golf club membership in 2023/2024 - will you be renewing, joining, leaving or simply just enjoy playing nomadic golf. read more ...

When it comes to many of the leading golf courses, there has undoubtedly been substantial green fee inflation in recent years, with costs to play the most revered layouts in the country rising dramatically. But how much does it cost to play the best English golf courses? This will give you a flavour. read more ...

There’s plenty of things that the sport of golf gets right. We love the camaraderie, the competition, the chance to explore some of the most scenic spots on the planet, walking in the footsteps of our heroes. However, if we’re honest, there’s a few things that we could probably do without. read more ...

At the heart of every good golf club lies the clubhouse. It is where we all gather after playing 18 holes to share stories, enjoy a drink and a bite to eat. And, inevitably, inside every clubhouse you will come across a variety of characters, some of whom you enjoy spending time with, others you will probably want to avoid at all costs. read more ...

People getting involved with golf for the first time could be forgiven for feeling somewhat confused by the sport’s rules. Golfshake's Derek Clements has played the game all his life and still finds some of the rules and regulations utterly bemusing. read more ...

A peace deal may be in the offing but, for now at least, LIV Golf's attempt to be recognised by the sport's global rankings body has been denied. read more ...

Motocaddy has extended its partnership with Today's Golfer to support its 'Drive for Defibs' campaign, following a hugely successful first year that saw over 330 defibrillators registered at UK golf clubs. read more ...

Whether you're a beginner or a scratch golfer, errors can creep into your game and affect on-course performance. We’re going to take a look at some of the most frequent issues that golfers bring upon themselves on the course, so that hopefully you can steer clear of as many as possible! read more ...

The summer months have come to a close, which normally means a significant number of golfers put their clubs away until the start of next season. But we believe there are many reasons why you should continue to play golf throughout autumn! read more ...

Golfshake and Koi Golf have teamed up to offer Golfshake readers an exclusive deal with the apparel company. When golfers purchase Koi Golf’s comfortable and stylish Organic Cotton Quarter-Zip, they will be issued a free pair of Anti-Slip Golf Socks with their order. read more ...

Sky Sports has now effectively been the home of golf coverage in the UK for three decades, but who are the best voices on the channel these days? Golfshake's Kieran Clark has picked out his favourite exponents of commentary, presenting and punditry on Sky. read more ...

We all watch the likes of Rory McIlroy or Jon Rahm bomb their driver, hit their approach to 10-feet and then sink the putt. That simply isn’t possible for a large majority of golfers, and it also highlights the enviable skill that the best players possess. With that in mind, what best describes you as a golfer? read more ...

Sir Michael Bonallack OBE, Britain’s most decorated amateur golfer and a leading figure in the sport, has sadly passed away at the age of 88. read more ...

If you ask any golfer to choose their dream home, it will probably be near a course! But how much would it cost you to live close to a leading golf course? Well, the latest research from Quickmove Properties has shown that it could be expensive - but there are surprising bargains available. read more ...

Perivale Park Golf Course in Ealing, West London, is facing potential closure following plans announced by the local council to create a regional park in the area. read more ...

If you're a golfer, then you can most likely be considered a dreamer. We all have burning hopes and aspirations in this game. But what are the courses out there that players are most keen to experience? We have the answer to that question. read more ...

Nick Dougherty has recently launched the ambitious Unleash Your Drive project as part of his role as president of the Golf Foundation, which aims to use golf to help improve the mental wellbeing of children in all schools. Golfshake's Derek Clements lauds the initiative. read more ...

Sharing the third installment in his golf fitness journey with specialist personal trainer Jon Hodgkinson, Golfshake's Andy Waple describes what was required as part of his training programme. read more ...

Situated on the cusp of the beautiful village of Wallingford lies The Springs Resort & Golf Club, which is Highly Recommended on Golfshake. What allows The Springs to elevate from its competition is the unique blend of golf, accommodation and fantastic facilities. read more ...

Golf's unique power to make a positive impact on lives was once again exemplified at The Shire, where 40 people, aged seven and over, took part in the first ever golf taster day organised in partnership between the Muscular Dystrophy UK and Golf Trust charities. read more ...

Golfers are spoiled for choice these days. Some prefer to stay unattached to any club and reap the benefits of playing wherever they want, whenever they feel like it. But that can have drawbacks. We look at several different golf membership options and explain which one may suit you, depending on what you seek to gain from recreational golf. read more ...

Following his introduction to golf fitness expert Jon Hodgkinson, Golfshake's Andy Waple undergoes an initial assessment to determine which areas he needs to improve on to produce a repeatable, reliable swing that reduces the threat of injury. read more ...

The boom in club golf shows no sign of ending anytime soon. According to research commissioned by the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA), more than 16 million people in the UK and Ireland played some form of golf in the past 12 months. read more ...

The beauty of golf is that you can experience a rich variety of environments. You can visit different countries and climates. But you also have the opportunity to personally walk the fairways of some of the most iconic venues on the planet. Are these courses on your personal bucket list to one day play? read more ...

The importance of golf fitness is well documented so it is surprising that so few seem to take the topic seriously. Golfshake's Andy Waple recently met Jon Hodgkinson, a certified personal trainer who specialises in golf, to begin a personalised programme that will benefit his game. read more ...

Lesley O’Doherty was among those newfound golfers who took up the game during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, benefiting from a scheme at Royal Ascot Golf Club in Berkshire. She hopes to encourage others to follow in her footsteps. read more ...

If you could look back to your earliest days on the golf course, what would you see? Mbachi Nkana is a long-standing and valued member of the Golfshake Community who was in a reflective mood after recently tracking his 1,000th round on our popular Score Tracker. read more ...

When was the last time you read a golf book that was laugh out loud funny? Golfshake's Derek Clements reviews Two Ruddy Ducks and a Partridge on a Par Three, The Unexpurgated Golf Letters of Mortimer Merriweather, penned by Clive Agran. read more ...

With 20 of the world’s top amateur golfers gathering at St Andrews for the Walker Cup we are about to see some of the best golfers on the planet, with some of the lowest handicaps in the game today. read more ...

Helping visitors to gain an understanding of the course they are experiencing, many golf clubs place a map of the layout on scorecards. We've decided to challenge you, the reader, by asking you to identify ten venues in the UK based simply on these maps. read more ...

Golf clubs have changed dramatically over the years, but there is surely more progress to come during the decades ahead. But what form shall these advancements take? Golfshake's Derek Clements has some thoughts on what the future of your average golf club will look like. read more ...

We’re now in the final month of summer and the big question is where on earth did the summer season go?! Considering the season will soon draw to a close, we’re asking golfers if they have achieved their goals for this season? read more ...

There is no better feeling than travelling for a golf trip, full of excitement and wondering if this could be the location for your lowest round ever.  To help you with your search for a last minute golf break we have rounded up eight affordable offers provided by Golfbreaks.com. read more ...

Have you faced an extended break from playing golf due to injury or other circumstances? That's exactly been the case for Golfshake's Derek Clements, who has only recently been in a position to play again. Derek explains what he has done and what you could learn from that in a similar situation. read more ...

Following last year's unveiling of Topgolf Glasgow in nearby Rutherglen, Scotland's largest city has even more to savour after the official opening of Golf It! on the south bank of Hogganfield Loch. read more ...

Following the unprecedented boom in golf during the height of the pandemic, many observers were concerned that interest would begin to wane once normality returned, especially in the midst of the cost of living crisis, but new global participation figures announced by The R&A have painted an optimistic picture. read more ...

Following a hugely successful week at The Open were the Golf Foundation delivered junior golf to over 6,000 people, The R&A has renewed its commitment as a partner with a funding boost. read more ...

Since its formation in 1989, England & Wales Blind Golf has provided visually impaired men and women with the opportunity to enjoy this fabulous game, meet other players, and compete in a competitive environment, no matter their ability, with their latest event coming at QHotels Belton Woods Golf & Spa in Lincolnshire. read more ...

For most club players, golf bags tend to be something that we fill with all sorts of detritus. Golfshake's Derek Clements is as guilty as everybody else. From time to time he decides to clear out his bag and is appalled by some of the things he finds. So, here’s what we think SHOULD be in your golf bag. read more ...