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 ...

Should Tiger Woods retire from professional golf? That was a view expressed by Colin Montgomerie and the 15-time major champion's play at Royal Troon might suggest that he is done at this level. But Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that Woods has earned the right to make that decision when he wants to. 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 ...

It's the final men's major championship of the year as The Open returns to Royal Troon on Scotland's Ayrshire coastline. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks ahead to one of the highlights of the sporting year, analysing the leading contenders and the challenge they are set to face. read more ...

It's time for The 152nd Open at Royal Troon, which brings together the best players on the planet for the final men's major championship of the season. But who is most likely to get their hands on the Claret Jug on Sunday? Golfshake's Derek Clements has shared ten picks to win. read more ...

The Open Championship has now given us a decade of first-time winners and we have seen many outsiders claim the Claret Jug in recent memory. But who could have a surprise run at Royal Troon? Derek Clements has some ideas. 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 ...

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 ...

Keegan Bradley's appointment as US Ryder Cup captain surprised everyone - including the man himself. Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why he can't see the logic in the decision and outlines his doubts about Bradley's suitability for the job. read more ...

For months - even years - many had anticipated that Tiger Woods would take the reins as United States Ryder Cup captain in 2025, but the 15-time major champion has reportedly turned down that opportunity with Keegan Bradley set to instead become a shock appointment. read more ...

There can't be many more spectacular locations on the planet to enjoy than Lake Geneva, but that experience is exactly what the best players in the women's game will savour this week at The Evian Championship - and there is also the prestige of a major title on the line too. read more ...

In our most recent survey, we wanted to find out what apps, services and devices you used for golf. With technology now playing such an important part in our everyday lives, it was no surprise to see the data backing up the benefits when it came to golf. read more ...

Prostate Cancer UK's The Big Golf Race fundraising initiative continues to see golfers across the UK take part in one of the fundraising challenges to help raise funds for vital reseach to help save men's lives.  Just like brothers, Jamie and Adam Bather who have used their father’s prostate cancer diagnosis as extra motivation when they took on The Big Golf Race recently. read more ...

Golfshake has several useful tools to help you plan where to play golf – and which courses are the best for enjoyment, value, hospitality and a whole heap more. read more ...

AS GOLFERS, we are spoilt for choice. No matter where in the country we live, there are going to be plenty of golf courses within striking distance - and many others vying for our custom for overnight stays. So how on earth do we choose the ones that we want to play?  read more ...

Derek Clements takes a fun look at some of the people you might play a round of golf and what you can learn from their on-course behaviour. read more ...

With the fourth major around the corner. In this weeks' 'View From The Fairway' - Sports Writer Derek Clements questions howe we currently consumer golf coverage and asks whether it is time for major changes. 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 are looking to purchase some new golf balls, we have attempted to simplify that process by enlisting the advice of our Equipment Expert, Ryan Rastall, who has identified more than a couple dozen models across a range of prices from those at a premium cost to those that charge less than £30 per dozen. 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 ...

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 ...

Following his crushing US Open loss to Bryson DeChambeau, Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the Travelers Championship and will take a few weeks away from the spotlight. Golfshake's Derek Clements comments on that decision and whether the Northern Irishman will be ready for his next major chance. read more ...

The LPGA Tour's major season continues this week at the KPMG Women's PGA Championship at Sahalee Country Club in the State of Washington. Naturally, world number one Nelly Korda is the favourite, but here are some names that we're looking out for. 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 ...

The 2024 US Open was thrilling to watch, but it was a heartbreaker for Rory McIlroy, who endured his most agonising major defeat yet. For the Northern Irishman, there are lingering questions as Golfshake's Kieran Clark believes that his career is beginning to feel like Greg Norman's. read more ...

The major golf season continues at Sahalee Country Club, which hosts this week's KPMG Women's PGA Championship. Can former winner Nelly Korda find her dominant best, or will someone else claim the prestigious trophy? read more ...

We all know what the top players of this age are good at, Scottie Scheffler is a ludicrously fine iron player, while Rory McIlroy's deadliest weapon is the driver in his hands, but what are their frailties? Delving into the statistics, we have picked out the weakest qualities belonging to some of the finest golfers on the planet. 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 ...

Putters have evolved through time and encompass a wide variety of styles that cover just about every possible taste and eccentricity that you may have. Could it be time for a change? Golfshake's Ryan Rastall has picked out a selection of putters that could make a difference to your game this season and beyond. read more ...

The US Open has been contested at 52 different golf courses, many of which have gone down in legend, and some are accessible to the public. We take a closer look at the US Open venues that you could actually play. read more ...

The US Open can divide opinion when it comes around each year, but Golfshake's Kieran Clark loves it. He explains just why he looks forward to America's national championship and how it presents a golfing examination that we should all relish unfolding. read more ...

The US Open returns to Pinehurst No. 2 this week - and there will be no hiding place at what can be one of the most brutal tests in golf. Scottie Scheffler is the clear favourite, but can anyone stop the world number one? read more ...

The US Open returns to storied Pinehurst No. 2 for the third men's major championship of the year, and it promises to be a classic. Golfshake's Derek Clements has picked out ten players who he believes could win - and there might be a couple of surprises in there. read more ...

Focus will understandably be on the favourites at this year's US Open - especially when it relates to Scottie Scheffler - but we only have to delve into the history books to see how often those considered to be outsiders have gotten their hands on America's national championship. 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

It's time for the second major on the LPGA Tour calendar as the US Women's Open makes its way back to Lancaster Country Club in Pennsylvania. Nelly Korda is the clear favourite, but we all know that a USGA championship can throw up a surprise or two, so we have picked out a range of potential contenders to claim the trophy. read more ...

Who is going to stop Nelly Korda from winning this week’s US Women's Open at Lancaster Country Club? The American is dominating women’s golf like no golfer has done since Annika Sorenstam was in her prime. Unbelievably, she has won six of her past seven starts on the LPGA Tour, an unprecedented level of domination in the modern era. 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 ...

You don't need us to tell you that it can be expensive to play some of the more acclaimed layouts in your area. But for golfers in England - the County Card is a pathway to make these roaming rounds as a visitor somewhat less expensive and more attractive to book. 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 ...

When you think of golf courses to play, you may categorise them in terms of the challenge they offer, the scenery, or the style of the architecture, but we're rather drawn to those little corners of paradise that are genuinely unique, standing a little bit apart from everything else on the menu. 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 ...

Coming into this year's PGA Championship, most eyes are fixed upon Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy, but this is golf and the favourites don't always win. If there is to be an unexpected name etched on the Wanamaker Trophy on Sunday - it could be one of these players. read more ...

The PGA Championship takes place as Valhalla, the course where the most recent of Rory McIlroy’s four major successes was achieved in 2014. If he's going to reclaim the Wanamaker Trophy, he will have to overcome the likes of Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka. read more ...

It's time for the second men's major of the year as the world's best golfers arrive at Valhalla in Kentucky for the PGA Championship, where Brooks Koepka is the defending champion. World number one Scottie Scheffler and former winner here Rory McIlroy are in ominous form, but can anyone stop these favourites? 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 ...

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 ...

Golfers flock to Scotland in huge numbers to visit regions like Fife, East Lothian and Ayrshire, but it's our considered perspective that the north of the country has been underrated by many. Unlocking some of these treasures for you to experience, Moray Speyside Golf has launched the new Moray Speyside Golf Pass. 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 ...

When planning a golf trip, value for money is something that everyone is looking for - but that can be harder to capture these days. However, there are standout options available if you know where to find them. The Isle of Arran - and its Golf Pass - might just be the best £140 you can spend in golf. 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Lilia Vu returns to The Chevron as defending champion, but the focus is on the world number one, Nelly Korda, who has put together an astonishing beginning to 2024 that has featured four LPGA Tour victories, including three-in-a-row coming into the first major of the season. But who could challenge Korda and potentially secure the title for themselves? read more ...

All eyes will be on Nelly Korda at The Chevron Championship, the first women’s major of the season, at The Woodlands in Texas. The American world number one is enjoying an extraordinary run of form, having won four tournaments on the bounce. 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 ...

Watching the Masters on your TV every April is special enough, but imagine just how magical it would be to experience it yourself in person? Getting your hands on a ticket for Augusta is a dream for many, but it's one that you can make a reality. 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 ...

It's now been 90 years since the first Masters was contested. Marking this anniversary year, we have been thinking about the greatest players in tournament history, ranking them with a simple points system that rewards champions but also recognises those who consistently found themselves on the leaderboard year after year. read more ...

There are 89 invited golfers in the field at the 2024 Masters Tournament, but which of them is most likely to get their hands on the Green Jacket for the first time? We have taken a close look at everyone playing this year to pick out some names who have regularly felt comfortable when facing this formidable and iconic layout. read more ...

The Masters is always a highlight on the calendar for golf fans as we return to that most familiar and iconic of venues - Augusta National. What also often remains the same are the stories that we look forward to seeing unfold when the pursuit for the Green Jacket begins in earnest on Thursday. read more ...

Looking forward to the 88th Masters Tournament, most eyes heading into the first major of the year have been fixed on world number one Scottie Scheffler, defending champion Jon Rahm and perennial career grand slam hopeful Rory McIlroy, but could we see a relative outsider triumph at Augusta National? read more ...

It's sure to be another fascinating week as the world's best golfers assemble at Augusta National for the 88th Masters Tournament. But what is going to happen? Golfshake Ambassador Matt Holbrook has challenged Editor Kieran Clark to make a series of predictions for this year's Masters in a battle to see whose crystal ball is the most accurate. read more ...

Who could be slipping into that Green Jacket on Sunday at the Masters? Golfshake's Derek Clements has assessed the chances of ten players who may - or may not - have a realistic chance of winning. read more ...

The Masters always serves up plenty of drama and this year’s tournament is going to be no exception. Can Rory McIlroy finally end his drought and secure the career Grand Slam? Will Jon Rahm successfully defend the title he won 12 months ago? And who is going to stop Scottie Scheffler from winning his second major? read more ...

Augusta National is a unique golf course that presents special challenges. It takes time to get to know its nuances and subtleties, and that is why so many first-timers come to grief. Here, we assess the chances of the Augusta rookies with the best chance of causing an upset. read more ...

Augusta National is a thing of rare beauty and offers unique challenges to the world’s finest golfers. Originally designed by Alister MacKenzie, it has been lengthened over the years but the course is still essentially the masterpiece created by MacKenzie.  Here are the holes to look out for as the Masters drama unfolds. read more ...

Following our most recent survey, which focused on winter golf and 2024 membership, Derek Clements reports on the results reviewing the information around golf club membership and whilst the membership data is fairly positive and not dissimilar to previous years, there could be some challenging times ahead for some golf clubs. 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 ...

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 ...

Golfshake's Derek Clements looks at the constant struggle for women's golf to grab attention and why that is something that desperately needs to change. 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 ...

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 ...

If you're weary of reading about corporate shenanigans and intrigue at the highest levels of professional golf, then we have some more for you. Following months of negotiations, the PGA Tour has announced the launch of PGA Tour Enterprises in partnership with Strategic Sports Group. 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 ...

If we are to believe everything we read then there is a bidding war going on between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf to secure the signature of Anthony Kim. And Golfshake's Derek Clements doesn't understand why. 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 ...

Reacting to the news that Tyrrell Hatton has become the latest high-profile player to sign for LIV Golf, in his latest View From The Fairway, Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why these stories still matter as the professional game looks for a unified solution. read more ...

Social media was giddy with excitement following the news that Anthony Kim is plotting an unlikely comeback to the sport. But Golfshake's Kieran Clark believes that much of the mystique around the American is simply the stuff of legend and will quickly dispel once reality hits. read more ...

Farrington Park and Chiddingfold are just two golf courses that are being reduced to 12 holes. The question is whether these individual stories reflect a wider shift in the landscape. Could introducing more shorter layouts be the future of the game? read more ...

Scotland is home to many legendary courses, but they are becoming prohibitively expensive for most of us to play. However, there are thankfully some exceptions to that current landscape. If you want to play Scottish links golf - here are places that offer green fees during the peak months of summer for less than £100. 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 ...

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 ...

Where are the best places that you can play golf? It's a big old world out there - and that is reflected in a golfing sense too. Here are some countries that we reckon you should aim to experience during your lifetime. 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Golfshake's Derek Clements has learned not to be surprised by anything that surrounds the professional game these days. But these latest comments from Rory McIlroy on LIV Golf have left him speechless. 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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The post-Christmas Boxing Day sales offer incredible savings for those looking to stock up on golf equipment and accessories. With major retailers like Scottsdale, American Golf and Amazon all slashing prices, now is the time to snag amazing deals on everything from golf clubs and clothing to tech products and training aids. Don't miss out on these massive discounts - read on as we showcase the top deals and 25 must-have products from the biggest names in golf. read more ...

If you are looking for a bargain or two into the New Year, then our friends at American Golf can offer assistance courtesy of their recently launched BIG BRAND SALE, which offers up to 50% off selected products in store and online.
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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 ...

This is a very good time to be one of the world’s leading professional golfers. If you doubt it, you should take a look at how much money the world's best earned this year from prize money and bonuses. 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 ...

Reflecting on the current state of men's professional golf, Derek Clements shares his View From The Fairway in which he outlines why in his belief LIV has only changed the game for the worst. 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 ...

Thousands of you also have been adding reviews into the Golfshake Course Section this year, charting where you have played and what you thought about the venues. Providing an even greater incentive to share your thoughts - and as a little thank you to the Golfshake Community - we have launched a prize draw giveaway! 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 ...

Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his latest View From The Fairway, where he comments on Jon Rahm's move to LIV Golf and Rory McIlroy's suggestion that the rules need to be changed to ensure the Spaniard is part of Europe's Ryder Cup team in 2025. read more ...

Looking to buy the perfect golf gift this Christmas? Then check out the following list featuring some of the best training aid and game improvement products available to buy online. read more ...

Jon Rahm's switch to LIV Golf is just the latest twist in the soap opera that is men's professional golf. With greed and dishonesty rampant across the game, Golfshake's Kieran Clark explains why he has lost respect and affection for the sport at the highest level. read more ...

Following weeks of intense speculation, Jon Rahm has officially joined LIV Golf, which is a move that further leaves men's professional golf in turmoil. Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why it seems an extraordinary twist given the Spaniard's previous comments and statements on the subject. 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 ...

Speculation that Jon Rahm is about to join LIV Golf has increased with the announcement that he is not in the field for the American Express Championship in January. What has got everybody talking is the fact that he is the defending champion. Golfshake's Derek Clements why this would be a massive blow to the PGA Tour. 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 ...

TravisMathew was founded in 2007 and they create their products through the inspiration of the lifestyle that is found in Southern California’s surf, sand and sun culture. TravisMathew are currently running an end of season sale, with plenty of products featuring heavy discounts up to 40% read more ...

Tiger Woods used his press conference at the Hero World Challenge to reveal his surprise at the secretive way in which a potential peace deal in golf’s civil war was agreed. read more ...

Are you looking for the best golf apparel to keep you warm during the winter months? We have put together a list of the top winter golf apparel items for 2023 to help keep you warm and comfortable during the winter months! read more ...

Jordan Spieth has been appointed as the new player director to the PGA Tour's policy board to replace Rory McIlroy. His passion for the game make him a great fit to serve on the board in this important capacity. read more ...

Eight-time DP World Tour winner Bernd Wiesberger has been accepted back into the circuit after fulfilling financial penalties and suspensions after being let go by LIV Golf. Sports Journalist and Golf Writer Derek Clements looks at whether the Austrian should be welcomed back with open arms in his weekly View From The Fairway read more ...

Min Woo Lee thrilled the home crowds on Sunday, with a three-shot victory at the Australian PGA Championship. The 25-year-old Lee, who had held since  round two, produced a magnificent performance, converting a hole in one at the fourth and chip in for eagle at the ninth, and finished the week on 20 under par. read more ...

We've scoured the internet and all the online retailers to bring you 40 of the very best Black Friday golf deals. 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 ...

Just when you thought the routinely tumultuous world of golf was ready to take a breath and settle into a cosy winter, the rumours of Jon Rahm making the eye-wateringly lucrative jump to LIV Golf resumed across social media this week. Golfshake's Kieran Clark shares his thoughts on the subject. 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 ...