The South squad held a training session at a drizzly and windy Pearl Valley Golf Estate on Sunday.
The group spent the day with head Professional James Wade. The first hour was reserved for what was a productive and engaging brainstorming session about areas of the game needing improvement. First and foremost, Wade implored the golfers to play to their strengths by making sound course-management decisions.
As is often the case, the discussion naturally shifted towards the importance of short-game. James recommended that each golfer draw up a wedge chart detailing their range of yardages with each in order to improve proximity to the hole and, ultimately, lower their scores. He also spoke of the need for creative chipping and to develop an array of shots with different clubs to handle a variety of situations.
From there, the players were split into different groups and given a chance to work on different parts of the game. The practice putting green gave the golfers an opportunity to work on their stroke-paths, and also do a drill which emphasised having good touch.
Players spent time working on the chipping creativity James alluded to which will no doubt benefit them on the golf course going forward. The final station, the driving range, saw players hit shots on a Flightscope and with Wade’s help make sense of the data generated. Together they could then devise a plan for the players to improve their swings.
A highlight of the day for the players undoubtedly was the chance to chat to and receive tips from Richard Sterne. The former SA Open champion was incredibly engaging and spent time with each golfer individually and did his utmost to help each of them wherever he could.
Sterne remarked that the golfers are examples of just how adaptable the human body is.
“It’s quite amazing to see how the human body can adapt to all the things that can happen to it. Guys with one arm playing one-handed, guys with other issues – one leg you know and other disabilities,” he said.
“They’ve got a lot of things to overcome in the golf swing which is so complicated and you know just to see that they enjoy it and have a passion for golf is really amazing,” he added.
After enjoying a delicious lunch at the clubhouse, a wonderful day was capped with nine holes over the Nicklaus-Signature track.
A massive thank you to the staff of Pearl Valley for being so welcoming to our players and to James Wade and Richard Sterne for giving of their time to help our players improve their golf games and, more importantly, help them enjoy this great game. Finally, thank you to all the golfers who made the trip, we hope you had a great day!
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