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Stuart Wilson

Portlethen Golf Club PGA Golf Professional

Get in Touch: 01224 782571
Website: Golf Shop | Golf Club
Send us an email: Stuart Wilson

 
 
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A 1-4-7 break, the 9 Dart Finish….making the Kessel Run in 12 Parsecs (for all you Star Wars geeks out there!!), and the 12 Strike `Perfect Game` in bowling!

Just some of the sporting `Holy Grails` we`d all love to say we`ve achieved (well, except perhaps the Kessel Run because let`s be honest a Riley Snooker Cue or a set of Winmau Stratos Darts are much easier to pick up at Argos than a Millennium Falcon!)

Tour news 

But while you can only admire 15 reds, 15 blacks & all 6 colours, 9 impeccable darts or 12 identical bowls the repetitive nature and NEVER changing environment will always mean these feats are highly likely when the world`s best (in these events) get going. The same can`t be said about the Golfer`s quest for their `Holy Grail` - To open Locker 59!

With the topography of a Golfer`s baize, oche or lane EVER changing the likelihood of any golfer playing the `Perfect Game` is highly unlikely, but last Sunday Jim Furyk was SIX single putts away from achieving just that.

In the history of the PGA Tour only a handful of players have ever set foot inside Locker 59

Al Geiberger 59( -13) 
Chip Beck 59 (-13) 
David Duval 59( -13) 
Paul Goydos 59 (-12) 
Stuart Appleby 59 (-11)

Al Geiberger was the first to do it way back in 1977 and the last to score 59 was a certain Jim Furyk in 2013. But clearly Jim wasn`t all that impressed by his sub-sixty performance in the BMW Championship because on Sunday evening, during the final round of the Travelers Championship Jim posted the first ever 58 on the PGA Tour. During the round he hit every green in regulation enroute to his 12 under par score, meaning he was only 6 putts away from effectively birdying every hole!

I think the last Tour Player who had a different `birdy` at every hole was Tiger in his predator-ial prime!!

And much like the question "Will we ever see Tiger at his best again!?" the thought of "Will we ever see 57!?" summons the answer "I hope so, but I have my doubts!"

There was no doubting the winners' credentials though. Perhaps somewhat overshadowed in the headlines (or perhaps the Headline writers were Invernesian blind) was the fact that the transatlantic Scotsman, Russell Knox, claimed his 2nd PGA Tour Victory this season. If the way he closed out the tournament and his winning clutch putt (click here to watch) wasn`t enough of a statement, then surely his victory celebration was him literally throwing his hat in the ring for Ryder Cup consideration!? You could say it `capped` an amazing week for Russell.

If they are re-casting James Bond then I think Russell would be in with a great chance if they also re-cast Odd Job!!

So from Cromwell, USA to Rio De Janeiro, Brazil where very soon many of the world`s top golfers start their Olympic Golf Quest, in the hope that they have the Goldfinger! Let`s hope the debut of golf makes as big a splash as the Philippine Diving Team!! Just reminded me of Peter Kay`s John Smiths advert - "The Running Bomb!"

GB took to the Olympics like a duck to water in the Swimming, with a Gold and a new World Record in the 100 Metres Breast Stroke, but at first I thought it was a disappointing headline about `GB Swimming Gold - That`s A dam Peaty`. Slightly more worrying was the fact that overnight the diving pool went from aqua blue to Fairy Liquid green! No official reason has been given for this yet but with nerves running high and the threat of drug testing rife, my theory is based on what I learned in High School Art - If you mix blue and yellow you get green……I`ll let you work the rest out!!

Competition news

Now while solving the mystery of the Olympic pool water sounds like more of a job for Tin Tin, finding the winner of the Wednesday Walk On Medal was more a case for Thomson & Thomson to crack! That`s because the only thing that could separate the father & son pair of Gary & Malcolm Thomson was the Handicap Division they were playing in! 

Malcolm posted an impressive 70 gross for 66 nett to top Division 1, while in Division 2 Gary showed that he taught Malcolm everything he knows with an equally impressive 66 to top his Division 2 by 2!

Brian Kiloh grabbed the bragging rights in Division 3 with a 71. There was another father & son getting in on the act too with Jim Miller Snr & Jnr also featuring in the Prizes.

Division 1 
Malcolm Thomson - 70(4) - 66 
Jim Miller - 75(8) - 67 
David Fleming - 74(5) - 69 

Division 2 
Gary Thomson - 77(11) - 66 
Jake Legge - 83(15) - 68 
Ryan Sheikh - 80(11) - 69 

Division 3 
Brian Kiloh - 87(16) - 71 
Kevin McCreavey - 92(21) - 71 
Jim Miller - 93(22) - 71

   

        

 

Saturday was Trophy time again in the Golf Plus Quaich. With the standard of scoring on show it was definitely worthy of a Golf `A` Plus.

Division 1 was a close affair with Peter Griffiths just edging out Club Captain, Ian Cruickshank, on the countback when both tied on 69.

All the fireworks were in Division 2 though, as Rob Anderson, with a stunning 63, pipped Gary Lloyd by 2, who in turn had beaten David Donaldson by 2. All three players had the lowest 3 scores of the day with both Gary and David good enough to have won either of the other 2 Divisions.

Division 3 was won by Brian Alves with an excellent 68.

Division 1 
Peter Griffiths - 78(9) - 69 
Ian Cruickshank - 78(9) - 69 
Kevin Daglish - 72(2) - 70 

Division 2 
Rob Anderson - 78(15) - 63 
Gary Lloyd - 76(11) - 65 
David Donaldson - 78(11) - 67 

Division 3 
Brian Alves - 87(19) - 68 
Terry Taylor - 86(16) - 70 
Scott Marshall - 92(21) - 71

   

 

 

Pros news 

The Golf Plus Quaich was also Event Number 8 from 10 in the Qualifying Race for "The Cappro Cup" and along with the results of the previous weeks August Medal, which I forgot to include in last week`s Newsletter, the Full Standings with 2 events (and up to 20 Points available) are below.

Please click here for the full standings,  the Automatic Qualifiers are represented in grey.


The last event scheduled was meant to be the September Medal (Sat 3rd) but as we had to play the May Monthly Medal and the Club Championship 1st Round qualifier on the same day. There is one more event required to complete the Qualifying Campaign. So this event, the last of 10 will now be the Keith Tait 3rd Round which takes place on Saturday 10th September.

Tip of the week 

So that`s the lie of the land where the Cappro Cup is concerned, but what about where the lie makes it land? 

Confused? Well to say I never Lie about my work would in fact be a Lie! Still confused!?

As you all know I am constantly referencing and reminding you of the importance and benefits of both Instruction and Custom Fitting. I`m sure some of you think it`s just a Sales Tactic but the bottom line in both instances is that the only person I`m hoping it benefits is YOU!

As a Club based Pro the most important ingredient in the success of my business or livelihood is `Happy Golfers`! If you guys enjoy your golf you keep playing, if you keep playing you keep turning up, you`ll keep turning up if you`re playing well, if you`re playing well you`ll enjoy it….and the cycle keeps turning!

So my job all the time is to keep that wheel oiled and, when needs be, quickly fix the odd puncture. Some punctures are slow and deflate over time, some are spectacular blowouts. But I have the tools to fix them. When there is a nail sticking out the tyre the problem is easy to spot, sometimes though you need to run the tube through a basin of water (old school) to get to the crux of the problem.

Last week when I gave a Lesson it was one of those Basin of water moments.

The pupil in question had already been for a Lesson a few weeks previous where (using both Video Analysis & Launch Monitor Data) we discovered that his slice was predominantly caused by his out-to-in swing (cutting across the ball) and an open clubface at impact (aiming right of target and swing) So he went away and worked on that for a bit.

On returning it was clear that he had improved his swing lines and shape, but his irons were still drifting left to right (slice).

When we went back on the launch monitor the swing signs were very positive but one thing jumped out at me again. The Lie Angle of his Clubs was roughly 5* too flat (The Toe was drooping down into the ground more than the heel). This was something that I noted at the first session but changing the path of the swing can also change the delivery of the Clubhead.

But as you can see from the images, from a virtually zero degree swing and clubface (ie: the swing is straight and the clubface is pointing directly at the target) the ball still curved left to right (fiirst pic). So, using my Custom Fitting Equipment, I was able to build the pupil exactly the same Club as he used but this time it was 4* more upright (toe sits more up in the air) to say the results were dramatic and instant would be an understatement. (second pic)




Not only did the correct Lie promote better direction but it also encouraged better contact (also obvious on the pictures) The upshot being the player(and their swing) became noticeably more confident and they questioned their technique less and trusted it more which also brought abought an improved quality and consistency. 

The moral of the story is - Make sure your equipment fits YOUR Swing! Especially Lie Angle.

Improving your game 

That scenario got me thinking. 

So right now I`ve put together a Triple Whammy Improvement Offer for you. Why not take advantage of my 3-In-1 Session which includes: 

- Swing Analysis Lesson (£35) 
- Equipment Evaluation (Driver Suitability - Iron Length & Lie Assessment)(£25) 
- Gapping Session (All Your Club Yardages)(£30) 

All this for ONLY - £40! (That`s A £50 Saving)** 

To Book a Session - Click Here 

Remember you can still take advantage of my latest Lesson Package Offer 

"The Game Changer" - 4 x 45 Minute Lessons 

Lesson 1 - Full Swing Analysis Lesson 2 - Pitching & Chipping 
Lesson 3 - Bunkers 
Lesson 4 - Putting 

ONLY £120 . (That`s A £20 Saving)** 

**Top Up Lessons will be given at the equivalent reduced individual price. 

Everyone who signs up for this Package will have their handicap progress recorded until the end of September (Lessons are recommended to be taken over the maximum of 2 week intervals, and are only Valid until the end of this period). 

The Player who achieves the BIGGEST PERCENTAGE IMPROVEMENT on their Handicap will be crowned my "GAME IMPROVEMENT CHAMPION" and receive a Commemorative Sweater, Certificate and an All-Expenses Paid Away Golf Day with myself. 

Note - If the Promotion attracts enough interest I will offer 2 Runners-Up Prizes to join the All-Expenses Paid Away Golf Day with myself. 

That lasting improvement to your Golf Game is just one Click away. Book your first session up today.

Upcoming events 

A new addition to this year`s fixtures is my first Professional`s Fun Day Competition.

Below are the details of what the day has in store but, as this is a little bit of a step into the unknown, until we know the popularity and demand some of the scheduling and timings may vary.

Important to note this is Open To ALL MEMBERS despite it being on a Sunday and Teams can be Mixed, Ladies or Juniors - We hope that this will be popular enough to be filled by the Members however if spaces are still available nearer the event then Guests will be allowed to play as part of the Team on the usual Guest Tariff.

The day will also be used as a Fundraiser with all proceeds going to National Autistic Society Scotland.

Professional's Fun Day Competition

Sunday 21st August 

Morning & Afternoon Shotgun Starts (8am Or 1pm) 

Morning: 
Registration 
Welcome Pack 
Better Ball - Teams of 4 
Extra Yellow Ball Challenge 
Lots Of On Course Challenges 
Beat The Pro @ 12 
Halfway House Refreshments

Great Prizes up for grabs - Prize Giving immediately after AM Round 

Afternoon: 
Registration 
Welcome Pack 
Texas Scramble - Teams Of 4 
Lots Of On Course Challenges 
Beat The Pro @ 12
Halfway House Refreshments

Great Prizes up for grabs - Prize Giving immediately after PM Round

Entry = £40 Per Team (£10 Per Person) or £70 To Play Both morning & afternoon.

(This includes welcome pack and Halfway House Refreshments - With proceeds going to the chosen Charity - Any Guests will be charged the £15 Greenfee)

I will have a limited number of Sponsor Team slots available - £65 Per Team

These include: 

Securing Prime Tee Off Hole (Holes 1/1A , Hole 7, Hole 10/10A, Hole 16) Advertising Space On Your Tee, Goody Bags, Post Round Food

There will be lots going on Off Course too, with Putting, Shortgame & Skills Challenges as well as HUGE In Store SAVINGS & Promotions available to Pro`s Day Competitors ONLY!* (Each Player will be given a Special On Day Voucher entitling them to extra big Discounts for that day only!)

BOOKING IS OPEN NOW - BUT NOT VIA BRS! 

To Sign Up for this event simply CLICK HERE or e-mail me at: stuart.wilson@foremostgolf.com 

Mark it: Pro`s Day Entry and let me know whether you want to play Morning, Afternoon or Both. The Names of those wanting to play and Handicaps. 

or call the Shop: 01224 782571 with the above information. 

Entry Fee needs to be paid to secure your place which can be done any time before the event.



With the Ryder Cup on the horizon, and the USPGA now a fading memory, the season is definitely winding down. To help kick off my wind down to the Winter, I am launching my End Of Summer Sale with some great promotions.

- This time I want the Shirt off your back. But in return I`ll give you £10 OFF any piece of clothing worth £30 or more.

  

- Shoe Trade In - It`s back. - Give me any old pair of shoes and get money off new ones. Up To £20 OFF Any FootJoy or adidas shoes.

Bag Trade In - Also returning. - Hand in your Old Golf Bag and receive £20 OFF any Cart, Carry or Waterproof Bag in Store.

  

3 For 2 On Srixon Z Star Balls - 3 Dozen For Only £76 . Click here to find out more.



GolfBuddy GPS + FREE Gift - Buy ANY GolfBuddy GPS Unit and you will receive either a FREE Carry Case or Swarowski Ball Marker Set.

PLUS
we will give you a FREE Distance Gapping Session (So not only will you know the Yardage you need to hit, but you`ll know what Club you need to hit that Yardage)

Click here to find out more about our brilliant GolfBuddy GPS line up.



Saturday saw the Ladies Strokeplay Club Championship come to a close. This is awarded to the player with the best 3 scores from 4 rounds and it was defending Champion who did just that. Rowena Keith took top spot in the Scratch. In the Handicap Category it was Angie Craig who took the spoils. Well done girls!

In the Stand alone event on Saturday it was Linda Craik (75) and Julie Brimble (76) who topped the Silver & Bronze Divisions respectively.

Division 1 
Linda Craik 89(14) - 75 
Heather McCabe 90(13) - 77 
Kathleen Johnston 97(19) - 78 

Division 2 
Julie Brimble 103(27) - 76 
Jenny Selbie 99(21) - 78 
Isabella Murray 102(24) - 78

   

 

Yet again there is plenty of junior action to report on from last week with all the weekday competitions to the Junior Open which was held on Sunday. 

On Saturday, I was back up the hill for the Development Gang, helping the minions that missed out the last couple of weeks and had picked up some bad habits! As we all know kids love to hit the ball as hard as they possibly can but they often lose distance by being so tense. So the session was all about getting them to relax and feel almost loose as when they are tensing their muscles they are restricting their ability to turn and instead just swing their arms. The kids were pretty surprised that they can hit the ball just as far when they were asked to swing full but try to hit it half the distance. The main thing from this drill is to make sure they are still accelerating through the ball. 

Now on to all the competition results! 

Thursday - Summer Eclectic 

1st - Daniel Critchard - 83(21) - 62   New hcap - 19.0 
2nd - Ewan Brown - 74(7) - 67 
3rd - Brandon Simpson - 79(8) - 71 

Saturday - Junior Monthly Medal 

1st - Finlay Wallace - 81(13) - 68 
2nd - William Lloyd - 78(10) - 68 
3rd - Ewan Brown - 75(7) - 68 

Now on to Sunday's Junior Open. This turned into a wild afternoon just in time for the first tee time with wind gusts up to 45/50mph. And I don't know how some of the boys managed to come in with such good scores so much that the CSS was 71! 

The winner on the day was our own William Lloyd with a great scratch score of 78 (+6) in such tough conditions. Brilliant effort and congratulations on the trophy! All in all good day for the Portlethen Juniors with 3 of our own in the top 5. 

Sunday - Portlethen Junior Open 

William Lloyd - 78(10) - 68 
Peter Stewart - 86(16) - 70 
Murray Sinclair - 89(18) - 71 
Ritchie Smart - 91(19) - 72 

Tuesday - Summer Eclectic 

Tuesday Just past was also another wild and windy today and the scores this time showed that! However William managed to continue his great form and battle the wind to shoot 76 gross and cut his handicap to 8! 

1st - William Lloyd - 76(9) - 67   New hcap - 7.9 
2nd - Ritchie Smart - 94(19) - 75 
3rd - Ewan Brown - 84(7) - 77

 
Keep fresh for longer and enjoy better golf
 
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Video of the week

There's always going to be an element of luck with any hole-in-one, but this is something else! Sadly for Thomas Bjørn, it won't go down as a competitive ace.. Still… worth a watch.

 
Luckiest ever hole-in-one?
 
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FIXTURES

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LESSONS

TIPS

 
 
I hope you have enjoyed this weeks update.
We hope to see you soon
Stuart
 
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Stuart Wilson, Portlethen Golf Club, Badentoy Road, Portlethen, AB12 4YA

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