If you’re a sports fan it doesn’t get much better than the week ahead of us. First off, it’s US Open week. From Thursday the best players in the world will take on the beast that is Shinnecock Hills in the 118th edition of America’s home Open. Steeped in history and renowned as one of the game’s hardest courses, a true ball striker is most likely to come out on top. The last time it played host to the US Open was 2004 where Retief Goosen battled hardest to prevail in conditions that defied belief at times. The USGA had let the course cross that line between what’s fair and what’s not and players were made to look very silly at times. I’m sure those lessons have been learned and players can expect a tough but fair test that will bring the cream to the top, rewarding the great shots whilst punishing the bad ones.
You simply won’t be able to fake it round Shinnecock so expect a true ball striker to come good this week.
Here is a link to the US Open website where can check out each hole of the course and get a good look at the layout before the tournament begins. | |  |
 | | This week also marks the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The world's biggest event will see 32 countries from across the globe competing for the biggest prize in football. Russia will host the event for the very first time and although controversy has never been too far away from the build up, one can expect all of that to be put to one side and the beautiful game will take over and inspire millions as it has done so since 1930. You can click here to find out more. |
The European Tour’s plan of creating new events that stir the pot so to speak, is always going to come under scrutiny from some facets in the game. However, this weeks Shot Clock Masters in Austria received praise from all corners of the globe as not only did it speed up the game considerably, it also showed how simple it could be to enforce the rules. I’m sure many of you have seen footage of how it all worked with players receiving an allocated time to play each shot. Fail to play in your allotted time and a 1 shot penalty was given. Over the 4 days only 4 players failed to play in their allotted time and again showed that if the correct structures are in place, players will need to adapt. The format isn’t perfect and some changes would need to be made if this was going to be adopted universally, but the basic premise of speeding up the game is really intriguing and also sends a strong message out that some key role players in the game are actually taking this issue seriously. For those that would like to hear the thoughts of the event from Keith Pelley, the European Tour director, you can do so by clicking here.
On to some shop news and Andy will be away for the week as he has taken 3 of our customers up to Sun City to compete in the annual Sun City Pro Am. This event is considered one of the best Pro Am events on the PGA calendar and includes a 54 hole tournament on the famous Gary Player Golf Course. Andy has been really looking forward to this event and has already been sending photos. He just didn’t realise that they would be in the newsletter this week.
Our weekly deal is all about preparing you for winter with 15% off all umbrellas in store. We have a wonderful selection ranging in price and size so if your umbrella's looking a little tired or you just don’t have a good one, now is the time to come and get yourself a new one. | | 
A selfie at Sun City! |
We also still have our amazing Callaway Chrome Soft Promotion running, where if you buy a dozen of the new ball then you could win an Odyssey putter of your choice. Altus is also running his two winter coaching specials so be sure to check those out if you're looking to improve. His short game group package has already proved highly successful so if you can get two of your golf buds to join you for a 4 week program, I can assure you that you will all learn and improve.
In closing, I will be out of the office from Sunday to Wednesday next week as I will be taking part in the annual Webster Cup. This event was revamped two years ago and sees 12 inland PGA Professionals competing against 12 Coastal Pros. The format consists of betterball and foursomes on day 1 followed by singles on day 2. The event is being held at Simola this year and promises to be another amazing week with my fellow professionals.
Until next week,
Pete
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 | | Did you see that?
Dustin Johnson knows how to finish a tournament in style. Check out his final hole at the St Jude Classic where he closes out in style with an eagle.
Click on the image to watch. | | | | |  | | PGA Tour
Dustin destroys the field at the FedEx St Jude Classic.
| | | | |  | | European Tour
Korhonnen finally comes good with impressive win in Austria.
Please click here to find out more. | | | | |  | | Sunshine Tour
Schietekat ends 5 year wait for 2nd Sunshine Tour win.
Please click here to find out more. |
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