Why are so many of us obsessed with playing competitive golf? Perhaps you would enjoy the game more just playing it recreationally, without a card in hand. Golfshake's Derek Clements looks at the joys of simply playing for fun, but also explores the benefits of scoring properly. read more ...

Has your local golf course been impacted by flooding? It's just one of many environmental challenges facing golf clubs in Great Britain, which Custodian Golf has explored in its latest findings that analyse the future viability of some courses. read more ...

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black was sure to be one of the most hotly anticipated golf events in living memory, but if you want to be part of the action on Long Island in New York, the staggering ticket prices might just dampen that enthusiasm. read more ...

How many of the 14 clubs in your bag do you actually use - or even need? Golfshake's Derek Clements argues that the majority of golfers can significantly reduce the number of clubs they have and be no worse off. read more ...

Are golfers being priced out of some golf courses? It's a question that many of us are asking in this age of rampant green fee inflation, when once-accessible layouts are charging eye-watering sums and those most prized venues are residing on another planet entirely. And we now have the answer. read more ...

When you visit any golf club these days, you will see a majority of players using trolleys, but do they really need to? As winter approaches, Golfshake's Derek Clements looks at the benefits of carrying while also explaining why trolleys are necessary for many players. read more ...

We have picked out ten golf books that have been published in 2024 that you may fancy delving into. Which most catches your eye? Why not spend those dark winter evenings reading some of them! read more ...

Craigie Hill Golf Club in Perth has made a bold decision in order to secure its long-term future after submitting plans to reduce itself from 18 holes to nine and transform the landscape into 175 homes that will help to fund a wider redevelopment. read more ...

If your golf club came to you and requested that you pay an immediate levy to help alleviate short-term financial concerns, would you do that? That's exactly what the members of Musselburgh Golf Club have unanimously approved, agreeing to pay £100 to solve cash flow issues at the acclaimed venue in East Lothian. read more ...

Everyone loves a bargain - and if you have an Amazon Prime subscription, then the Big Deal Days are always a date to mark on your calendar. But where should you start? We have picked out a selection of the most attractive golf product deals that we spotted to give you a flavour of what is available right now! read more ...

Over half of golfers believe that pace of play has slowed on courses during the past five years, but what could be the explanation for that? That was a question that we put to the Golfshake Community, and the responses were illuminating, with many notable factors being cited. read more ...

With the Ryder Cup less than a year away and American captain Keegan Bradley currently being one of the best golfers on the planet, it raises questions about his role and what could happen. Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that this uncertainty is to the benefit of Europe. read more ...

It's that time of the year when things might be starting to change at your golf club. And you need to be aware of winter rules and just how they can impact the course, your game, and also your ability to submit scores that will be eligible for your Handicap System. read more ...

Last month, two Scottish golf courses - The Hirsel in the Borders and Torrance Park in Motherwell - announced that they would close their doors, but now a leading industry figure has warned that even more clubs could suffer the same fate. read more ...

Does the pace of play ruin the spectacle of watching professional golf? That was a question that we put to 2,000 golfers, and the response has been diverse and fascinating, with many coming up with their own solutions to the problem, as Golfshake's Derek Clements describes in this new article. read more ...

How long should a round of golf ideally take to play? That's a question we put to 2,000 golfers, but the answer wasn't the same for everyone and players have differing views on what they consider slow play and whether it's really a problem. read more ...

Which golf courses would you consider to be iconic? That's a question that we put to a trio of experienced minds, and we can now reveal what they came up with. Do you agree with their selections - and which courses do you think should be added to the list? read more ...

What things have made you walk off a golf course without completing your round? Bad weather and injuries are common factors, but our most recent survey has found that close to half of golfers have given up due to the pace of play. read more ...

There is a wonderful event taking place this week in Shropshire, where England & Wales Blind Golf take on Scotland Blind Golf in the Auld Enemies Cup at Hill Valley. Here is what you need to know about what is sure to be a fabulous occasion. read more ...

We've seen both The Hirsel and Torrance Park in Scotland announce closures in recent days, but there is also an English golf course that is currently facing an uncertain future. read more ...

Last week, it was The Hirsel Golf Club in the Borders that announced that it had filed for bankruptcy, but sadly another course in Scotland has closed its doors in the form of Torrance Park in Motherwell. read more ...

Finding the right driver for your game is arguably the most important purchase that any golfer can make. But how does a golfer uncover that ideal club, the driver that is best suited for them? read more ...

Golf club members and nomadic golfers all have one thing in common - they enjoy playing unfamiliar courses and having new and memorable experiences. We have already looked at what members expect from their clubs, but what do we all expect when we visit new courses? read more ...

Located in the Scottish Borders, the Hirsel Golf Club has suddenly closed its doors after committee members at the club's AGM voted to immediately file for bankruptcy, having finally succumbed to significant financial pressures. read more ...

Established in 1869, Northumberland's Alnmouth Village Golf Club is England's oldest nine-hole links, but that story spanning over 150 years could be threatened by coastal erosion. read more ...

What is the best golf course on the planet? For many, Royal County Down, host of the 2024 Irish Open, is the answer, but that question might just be impossible to answer definitively. read more ...

Nearing the end of its third season, LIV Golf has undeniably divided fans and the men's professional game, but has its existence had any positive impact on the sport as a whole? Golfshake's Derek Clements shares his thoughts in his latest opinion feature. read more ...

With the change in seasons this will inevitably mean a change in what we wear, a change to the course conditions and potentially a change to the golf courses that we play.   To help you plan where to play this Autumn we have listed 20 golf courses that come highly recommended and rated favourably for this time of year. read more ...

Am I turning into a grumpy golfer? I am here to tell you that I am most certainly not in the first flush of youth and there are things that frustrate me now that in days gone by would not have caused me to bat an eyelid. read more ...

KEEGAN BRADLEY was the eye-catching captain’s pick named by Jim Furyk for the US team to face the International side at Royal Montreal later this month. But Justin Thomas misses out for the first time since 2015. read more ...

Golfshake ambassdor Matt Holbrook recently had the opportunity to play and experience the icon Golf Club Crans-Sur-Sierre in Switzerland. An iconic venue and location and host of the Omega European Masters. Find out what he thought in his review. read more ...

Sahith Theegala made headlines at the Tour Championship for calling a two-shot penalty on himself after he touched the sand on his backswing in a bunker. But how honest are you when it comes to following the rules? read more ...

We have also witnessed the world’s best golfers throwing their toys out of the pram when things don’t go their way. It is embarrassing and it sets a dreadful example.  Is it time the all grew up? read more ...

After a summer that has seemed to be all too short, we are fast approaching the time of year when many of you might well be considering whether you want to renew your golf club subscription in 2025. It got us thinking about a simple question: what do you want and/or expect from your golf club? And, as it turns out, none of it is rocket science. read more ...

This week Derek offers his thoughts on the forthcoming Solheim Cup which has become one of the biggest events in world golf pushing the reach of the women's game to a global audience. read more ...

And so it brings down the curtain on another season on the PGA Tour.  After an uncharacteristic blip at the BMW Championship, Scottie Scheffler resumed normal service by claiming the Tour Championship, a pay cheque for $25m and a season total of a quite astonishing $54m! read more ...

Plan for 2025 with the Golfbreaks Early Birdie Giveaway.  With huge discounts, exclusive added extras and more destinations to choose from than ever before, now it the perfect time to book your next golf break. read more ...

Golf is a game that gets in your head. No matter what standard you play to, there will be times when you think that you have cracked it, only for it to come back and kick you where it hurts the most. And because of the way that it can play with us, we all make mistakes that make us look pretty stupid. read more ...

While they are to be praised for the work that they do, perhaps we as club golfers should be asking ourselves what we can do to help the greenkeepers. Golfshake's Derek Clements has come up with some basic things that should all do on the golf course. read more ...

Stray golf balls have smashed car windows and narrowly missed passersby at Thorney Park Golf Club, which has led to the South Buckinghamshire venue to submit plans to redesign the course in order to address health and safety concerns. read more ...

There is a perception among many non-golfers that our sport is elitist, that it favours wealthy, well-connected individuals. They believe that annual subscriptions are sky-high, that equipment is ludicrously expensive, that the game is riddled with snobbery. But how true are those beliefs? read more ...

The Old Course at St Andrews has long been the most scrutinised layout on the planet, but what are best and worst holes? Golfshake's Kieran Clark has played here more than most and he ranks all 18 from his least favourite to most favourite. read more ...

Earlier this summer, male and female golfers came together in teams at Little Aston Golf Club for the inaugural Prostate Cancer UK Mixed Pairs Invitational. read more ...

What are the most popular golf channels on YouTube? We've had a peek into subscriber numbers to see who stands out above the rest - perhaps giving you a place to start if you are yet to fully immerse yourself into the universe of Rick Shiels and Bryson DeChambeau. read more ...

Golf's major season concludes at the most appropriate of locations - St Andrews - as the world's best golfers arrive in the iconic Fife town for the AIG Women's Open. But what are the stories you should be following this week at the spiritual Home of Golf? read more ...

Turnberry's new peak green fee of £1,000 went viral, and that got us thinking about how the iconic Ayrshire layout compares to other eye-watering prices in the world. On the face of it, peak Turnberry is the highest on the planet, but others are even more restrictive to those who don't possess the deepest pockets. read more ...

Sadly, this has been a topic that we've covered repeatedly in recent times, as vandals have routinely targeted golf courses throughout the UK. There is no corner of the land that has been untouched by this menace, with Holywell Golf Club in Wales just the latest victim, with the course having been attacked on several occasions in recent days. read more ...

The Big Golf Race - which raises funds for Prostate Cancer UK - has been a massive success this year and has already surpassed the £1m donation mark. read more ...

We have covered extensively the rising cost of green fees at the most celebrated golf courses in the UK & Ireland, but even we were caught off guard when we saw the price to play the legendary Ailsa Course at Turnberry in 2025. read more ...

We have written a great deal about the respective benefits of club membership and nomadic golf. Golfshake's Derek Clements falls firmly into the membership camp. For him, it represents great value and offers a great social life, as well as the opportunity to play some competitive sport. This is how he would convince someone to become a golf club member. read more ...

Was this the Olympic Games that showed golf truly belonged in the event? Following the dramatic victories - and emotional celebrations - of both Scottie Scheffler and Lydia Ko, Golfshake's Derek Clements believes that our game has justified its place. read more ...

When you're visiting a golf course, how much do you value the hospitality and welcome that you receive? Golfshake's Derek Clements has had many positive and negative experiences, which made an impression and underlined just how essential good customer service is. read more ...

There is no doubt that it can be prohibitively expensive to play many of the greatest and most celebrated courses in England, but golfers shouldn't despair, as the sheer depth of quality throughout the nation is vast and unparalleled, meaning there are a significant number of venues out there that offer a fabulous experience at a fraction of the cost seen elsewhere.  read more ...

Seven-year-old Walter Hall didn't have to wait long to make his first hole-in-one. On the same day that his favourite golfer Scottie Scheffler claimed Olympic Gold, Walter was playing at The Ross on Wye Golf Club, when he stood on the tee of the seventh hole and aced his shot of 111 yards for something that was clearly written in the stars. read more ...

Prostate Cancer UK's The Big Golf Race is set to achieve record fundraising and participation numbers this year, thanks to venues like Chestfield Golf Club near Whitstable in Kent, which has raised over £25,000. read more ...

It's likely that you have known someone who has lived with Parkinson's, and golfers can now support the cause by taking part in a nationwide campaign, Par for Parkinson’s, by hosting their own golf event in aid of the UK charity’s vital research into treatments and a cure. read more ...

Golf memberships remain the foundation that the sport is built on in this country, but it's clear that a nomadic existence is more suited to other golfers. Despite being a club member, Golfshake's Derek Clements explains why he understands the appeal of paying when you play. read more ...

Golfshake's Derek Clements wanted to know more about the growing world of golf influencers, and he was stunned by what he found, questioning how much any of it has to do with influencing people or the game itself. read more ...

Golfshake's resident golf equipment expert and PGA Pro Ryan Rastall recently attended LIV Golf UK at the JCB Golf and Country Club and offers his thoughts after attending his first LIV event as well as some behind the scenes access in a short video. read more ...

Manchester City academy and England Under-17s goalkeeper Spike Brits swapped his goalkeeping gloves for golf clubs this June and took on Prostate Cancer UK’s Big Golf Race, the UK’s biggest golf fundraising challenge. read more ...

If you are looking for inspiration for playing somewhere different, then we are hear to help. In this article we feature 21 of the most popular and highly rated English golf courses on Golfshake based on the reviews submitted so far in 2024. read more ...

You don't need to take our word for it, you just need to step on to a golf course to see the number of golfers now wearing a golf GPS watch to help with their game. If you are looking to purchase a new GPS watch, with so many brands, products and features it can be difficult to choose. Hopefully this round up, break-down and in-depth look at some of the leading products will help your research. read more ...

We take a look at two Scottish locations for golfers looking to plan a stay and play trip to the Home of Golf and looking for something slightly different to the usual featured golf courses and destinations. read more ...

We take a look at some of the best places to visit for golf club food. Including clubs boasting Michelin star dining options, some stand out stay and play venues and the thoughts and feedback from everyday golfers. read more ...

If you are considering a golf break in West Sussex then you might want to take a look at Cowdray, which has just invested £1m in a series of upgrades. read more ...

We all love playing golf but there are certain essential things that not every golfer adheres to. Golfshake's Derek Clements lists some of his biggest frustrations when it comes to golf etiquette. read more ...

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 ...

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 ...