Greetings golfers,

It was luck of the Irish down on the algarve as Padraig Harrington rolled back the tears to prove to his fans that he can still compete with the best. A superb total of -23 was one ahead of Andy Sullivan in second. There were some huge performances from Graeme Storm & Scort Jamieson as they had to perform this week in order to secure their playing rights for next year. And so onto the last 4 events culminating in the DP World Championship in Dubai at the end of November.

The CIMB Classic is one of the few events on the PGA tour that is held outside of the US. Defending champion Justin Thomas headed to Kuala Lumpar in fine form. He didn't disappoint, retaining his title after an impressive final 18 holes.


 

The course is in fantastic condition as we head into the winter months. Testament to this is the level of scoring we are seeing. In the midweek stableford on Thursday it was 41 points for Geoff Kimpton and 33 for Sheila Kenwright as they topped the gents and ladies fields respectively.

Saturday was the first in the winter league series with players joining up for the Blair Salver and Chris Kenrick leagues. Remember in the Blair the top 8 players after 4 accumulative scores will progress to the matchplay knockout stage, and in the Kenrick the league the leader at the end of the winter, with best total of 6 scores, will lift the trophy. So, to this week's event, Jon Little hit the ground running in the Blair with 38 points, runner up with 37 was Peter Vine, third with 36 was Roy Christian. Ex-captain Dave Holgate is the early leader in the Kenrick after posting a flawless 43, runner up was Pete Smith with 41, third was Paul Hennity with 40.

The ladies played an 18 hole Texas Scramble on Tuesday. This is always a fun format. The winning team with a score of 67.5 were Dawn Hodge, Pam Holden & Marg Nicholas. Thea Cornford, Ros Osborne & Sue Totty were second with 69.8 and third with 71 were Barbara Garratt, Margaret Hunt & Sue Pogson.


 

All the talk this week has been about the launch of the new 917 range from Titleist. With its classic shape and unrivalled CG technology it really is a game changer. We have had half a dozen people in to test it already with fabulous results. I had an initial launch pack of only 4 drivers and 4 fairways, this is now down to 2 drivers and 3 fairways so if you don't want to miss out hurry and book in with us now for your fitting.

The weather is still fantastic as we mentioned however it's starting to get a bit chilly. The best way to keep warm without restricting your swing is to layer up. Wear a base layer, then a polo, an insula type top and then if necessary a jacket. Avoid those bulky items like fleeces as they will seriously inhibit your swing.


 

Each year at the Foremost industry awards dinner, one PGA pro and one PGA assistant pro is recognised for their contribution to the business and the game of golf. I'm pleased to say that having put Iain forward for assistant of the year he has made the final 4 shortlist and will be hoping to go one better and win the award at Stadium MK in Milton Keynes on Monday 13th November. Good luck Iain.


 

Thanks to everyone who attended this week's shortgame clinic. Once again we learned more about concept than technique, making us progress quicker, as the changes are simple but effective.


 

The final green (12th) has now disappeared meaning the temporary is now in play. 

Members will notice that the spoil from this green is being used to create an embankment between the range and the 13th hole. 

Coupled with a fence on top this will make for a natural looking defence against balls landing near the teeing grounds on 13.