Tim Regan

Hello Golfers,

Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly newsletter. In this week's email we review a double delight for the Europeans on Tour, we touch on the different options available to you when it comes to putter choice and look at the joys of twilight golf.

Enjoy the read.

Pro's tip

Stay hydrated...

With this prolonged hot sunny weather, I want to share with you the importance of staying hydrated on the golf course and why the right fluids will help you perform better on the course.

It's a searing hot, humid day and you just reached the turn drenched with sweat. Will a bottle of water hydrate you best, or should you go for the sports drink? Maybe the caffeine and sugar in that fizzy drink will give you a boost, or should you have a couple of beers to help keep loose?

What many golfers don't realise is that what, and how much, you drink are actually among the most important decisions you make on the golf course. Your choice can mean the difference between playing with energy, focus, and coordination, or can leave you suffering from fatigue, mood fluctuations and poor motor control. In extremely hot conditions, such as we experiencing at the moment, you can lose as much as two liters of water per hour. If those fluids are not replaced, the body becomes dehydrated, affecting virtually every system of your body. Your heart has to work harder, your muscles lose strength and flexibility, your brain function slows and you can experience cramping or dizziness, and even develop heat exhaustion or heat stroke. A loss of just 4 to 5% of your body weight can cause exercise performance to decline by as much as 20-30%! So, what should you drink to avoid duffed shots and missed putts due to dehydration?

Water

The human body is made up of 45-75% water by weight (muscles are about 75% water and fat are about 10%), and the body cannot survive more than a week without it. So, it makes sense that water really is the best thirst quencher. However, by the time you feel thirsty, you are already somewhat dehydrated, which is why it is recommended that you drink water before, during and after your game. Ideally you should have 2 cups of water about an hour before your round, then aim for half a cup every 20 minutes thereafter (adjusting for hot weather and your body size/type), and then have another cup within half an hour after your round.
Plan ahead and be prepared.

Tour news

A vital factor...

The Ryder Cup countdown is well and truly on. Last week the Le Golf National hosted the HNA Open De France and gave everyone a true indication on what we can expect when the two teams tee it up at the end of September, with only 26 players finishing under par after the four rounds. The spoils went the way of Europe’s own Alexander Noren with a fine final round of 67 which was enough to win by a single stroke.

Across the pond it was a further victory for the Europeans with Francesco Molinari winning the Quicken Loans National with a final round 62, consequently winning by a staggering eight strokes. This is Francesco’s first win on the PGA Tour and his second win of the season following up on his BMW Championship win at Wentworth in May.

There is something we can certainly take on-board from this week’s Tour successes, the importance of finding the fairway from the tee. Both Molinari and Noren’s driving accuracy was at 75% which proved to be a vital factor in their respective victories. With the ground conditions becoming firmer day by day it’s important we have control of the golf ball. With this in mind why not consider taking a long iron or a fairway wood for safety on holes you would normally go for the driver? The additional ground support at this time of year can be a big advantage.

If you are struggling with the firmer ground conditions or are missing that ‘go to’ club then please click here to get in touch.

Promotion news

Your new shirt awaits

If you haven't bought a golf-specific polo in a few years, you are missing out. You might think that any old shirt will do, but today's garments are packed full of technology that is lightweight and breathable; a delightful combination for the summer. If you're still to be persuaded, bring in any old shirt and we will give you £10 OFF selected ones in-store.

Blade or mallet?

The past few months have seen us talk a lot about the importance of using clubs that are suited to your game because, ultimately, they’re going to give you the most help when out on the course. One piece of equipment we haven’t touched on yet, which needs just as much attention, is your putter.

How do you narrow down the options?

If you come by the shop to buy a new putter, you’ll be faced with an array of styles. From different head shapes and alignment guides, to various lengths and grip types.

So how do you know which one will help you hole more putts?

There are some trends you can look to. Larger mallet putters like this PING Sigma G Craz-E tend to suit golfers with straighter putting arcs, while they are also a little more stable to help with shorter putts.

In comparison, blades like this PING Vault 2.0 B60 can usually help those of you with more of an arcing stroke, while some players also prefer the feel a blade offers.

Of course, the most sensible thing to do is come to us once you have a shortlist and we can advise you on which model will best suit your stroke type and take you through a full custom fitting. Just imagine how many shots you could drop by holing more putts.

explore PING's putters >

The joys of twilight golf

June 21st marked the longest day of the year in the UK and as the weather continues to improve, now is the perfect time to squeeze in a game after work. If you do, be prepared for twilight golf by ensuring you have both of the following.

Sun protection
This Under Armour Playoff polo offers an impressive 30+ UPF protection to ensure you can enjoy all the benefits of the sun when you’re out on the course without the risks. It also boasts a dynamic four-way stretch fabric and moisture-wicking material that keeps you cool – two golf-specific technologies that often go unnoticed.

Lightweight mid-layer
You don’t want to get caught out when the sun starts to go in and temperatures drop, so it’s sensible to carry a lightweight option like this Under Armour Windstrike vest. Its windproof construction offers protection and warmth, while chest and back vents enhance its breathability so you don't overheat.

view Under Armour's range >

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Sutton Coldfield
Birmingham
B74 4EU

Phone: 0121 580 7801

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