Indholdsfortegnelse for November 2021 i Golf Monthly

When the course isn’t open or you don’t have time to get a round in, it’s not always possible or convenient to make it to a driving range. What you need then is the option to hit shots and keep the swing tuned up at home. It may not be strong enough to take Bryson-style driver shots, but it’s durable enough to withstand iron play. The foam balls provided will allow you to hit harder shots into the net if you so wish. It can be set up in your back garden or, if safe to do so and your ceilings are high enough, in the house if the weather is bad. The mat is durable and realistic to play from, although outdoors you may choose to play off turf…

How does it give you the edge? On the greens and on the practice chipping area, this bright, eye-catching golf ball could help you better understand roll and spin. It’s obviously a striking, standout ball that you won’t struggle to identify out on the course. The colours are bold but not overly dazzling. That’s because the finish is matte and the colours are not painted on as usual. Instead, the entire thermoplastic urethane cover is infused with bright pigments, so the colour won’t scratch or tear. This two-tone ball can act as both an alignment aid and a guide to how well you’re rolling the ball on the green. Line it up as in the photo. If you putt it on a perfectly straight path, the two colours will stay…

How does it give you the edge? On the golf course, the M5 GPS is light and easily manoeuvred. Its ergonomic design makes it comfortable to operate and it moves smoothly and without effort thanks to its powerful motor, allowing you to focus on your game. Off-course, it folds down compactly as the rear wheels invert and the front wheel folds underneath. Assembly takes under five seconds with practice and requires just two latches to be undone. It folds away with the lithium battery in situ, too, saving time and effort. The touchscreen is big enough to see everything on show, but it’s the style of the display – think modern-day smartphone – that enhances the clarity. It’s one of the best around. It allows Motocaddy to incorporate more information,…

How does it give you the edge? The first thing to say is that this is a super-comfortable and lightweight walking shoe. It’s 20 per cent lighter than the Adidas Tour360 XT and you really notice that reduced weight immediately. But Adidas hasn’t stripped out any underfoot cushioning to achieve this weight reduction at the expense of comfort. If anything, this has been enhanced via the mix of Lightstrike EVA foam and Boost under the heel. This provides immediate softness and a memory foam sensation over time to help keep a spring in your step and reduce foot fatigue towards the end of the round. This shoe looks the part, feels fantastic and fits perfectly – snug without pinching. The soft tongue tops off a very pleasant sensation when you…

How does it give you the edge? Many golfers don’t think about potential performance benefits when buying golf clothing, but Kymira products were born in a research lab and are quite different from the golf shirts you might find on the high street. It’s hard to picture a shirt penetrating your muscles, yet this is the process encouraged by KYnergy Infrared technology. It’s responsible for a variety of positive effects, namely pain relief, injury prevention and recovery. For battle-worn golfers, especially those with lowerback pain, this will be welcome news. Indeed, wearers have reported a reduction in soreness and pain both during and after their rounds. Kymira Golf products have also been shown to reduce the incidence of soft-tissue injury. According to the brand, golfers can “nitric oxide prime the…

How does it give you the edge? This highly accurate laser rangefinder will give you precise yardages and GPS distances, plus further information (outside of tournament play) to make sure you select the right club and shot in every situation. The laser is good and easy to use, but the absolute standout feature on this device is the 2D hole map overlay, displayed to the side of the view as you look through it. This map provides front, middle and back distances, as well as a full view of the hole, to give you a picture of what lies ahead. Furthermore, if you input your typical driving distance before play, the device shows you via the hole map roughly where you should expect a good drive to end up. A…

How does it give you the edge? Sturdy and well made, the CT6 GPS is one of the most complete electric trolleys on the market. It has all the features you would expect, with the stress of set-up minimised and its reduced weight making it easier to lift in and out of your car. PowaKaddy has moved to a full touchscreen for the CT6. You access the different screens, and features like hazards, by swiping in different directions, enhancing usability. The screen is more readable than on previous models, and graphics have been freshened up for a more premium feel. The other big improvement with the CT6 GPS is the folding system and how small it is when collapsed. Its spacesaving credentials, further enhanced by the facility to invert the…

For us, when it comes to comfort and stability, the Ecco Biom H4 is just about the best spikeless golf shoe on the market this year. We can’t stress enough how good the Boa lacing system is and, thanks to its arrival, you can really customise the fit to make your golfing experience even more enjoyable. Its styling won’t make a difference to how you play, but the premium, ultra-modern look only adds to the appeal of this spikeless model. Of course, it’s your performance on the fairways that matters most, and we were equally impressed here. If you’re looking to upgrade, then look no further. What’s the tech? ♦ The Biom H4 features an upper made from durable Ecco leather with micro-perforated embossing and Gore-Tex waterproof technology. ♦ The…

Game tracking Arccos Caddie bundle Shot Scope V3 GPS/laser Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Slim laser rangefinder Garmin Approach S42 GPS watch Garmin Approach Z82 laser rangefinder GolfBuddy Aim W11 GPS watch Precision Pro R1 Smart laser rangefinder SkyCaddie SX550 GPS TAG Heuer Connected Golf GPS watch Trolleys Big Max Ti Lite push Motocaddy M5 GPS electric PowaKaddy CT6 GPS electric Stewart Golf Q Follow electric Shoes Adidas ZG21 Ecco Biom H4 Boa FootJoy Pro SL Carbon Boa Payntr X 001 F Under Armour Spieth 5 Training aids Dexon 3M Golf Net PuttOut Academy Studio Srixon Q-Star Tour Divide ball Bags Ping Hoofer Craze-E Lite stand Sun Mountain H2N0 Lite Speed stand Wilson Staff Eco stand Apparel FootJoy HydroTour jacket Galvin Green Action jacket Kymira Golf apparel Ocean Tee Oceanic polo…

Photography: Getty Images Let’s just say it: we categorically and emphatically lost the Ryder Cup. Like every European fan watching I was extremely disappointed and, like most, I wasn’t particularly surprised. The reasons for the USA’s record-breaking victory are eloquently described and explained by Bill Elliott on page 36. I’ll leave it to his powers of penmanship to deliver the deconstruction. Despite the doom and gloom from a European perspective, from a sporting point of view I felt the action at Whistling Straits made for compelling and interesting viewing. Firstly, the match play format is one we rarely see in competition at the very top level, particularly not pairs match play. Most of us regularly play fourball and foursomes at our clubs and that’s because those formats provide the most…

Across 1 Winner of this year’s British Masters plain and simple (5) 7 His seven Major victories came between 1958 and 1964 (6) 8 Played 87 Majors without winning any, but won three Senior Majors (4) 9 Love that stand-in has rhythm (5) 10 Turn to move pins (4) 11 Branch by secluded valley at Royal Portrush’s former 17th (7) 13 Crows take to this at Shiskine’s 3rd (4) 16 Links North Berwick and La Manga (4) 19 Don blue outfit for winner of last year’s Swiss Ladies Open (7) 23 County with three clubs that have hosted The Open (4) 24 Beth has the key (5) 25 Portrush-born golfer who won the 1947 Open (4) 26 Force out Rockefeller clan from club that hosted USPGA in 1932 and 1954 (6) 27 Waterville’s 4th…

After two successful stints as Europe’s Solheim Cup captain, Catriona Matthew insisted it was time to let someone else take charge as the contest heads to Spain in 2023. The 52-year-old Scot did what no other European captain had done before her in winning the cup back-toback, so it was only natural for some to wonder whether she would go for the three-peat. “Nope,” Matthew said after watching her side edge out a 15-13 thriller at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. “It’s over to someone else now. We have so many good past players and I think everyone deserves their chance to be captain. I was lucky enough to play in nine and I’ve captained two, and I’ve had a fantastic time, but it’s someone else’s turn. I wonder who…

Among the inland courses in our Top 100 rankings, only the two Sunningdales eclipse Woodhall Spa’s Hotchkin layout, where Tom Doak’s renovation was completed in 2019. Harry Vardon, JH Taylor, Harry Colt and Stafford Vere Hotchkin all contributed at various stages, while Donald Steel added a second course here – the Bracken – in 1995. Doak’s work, carried out in three phases from winter 2016/17, was guided by a vision to restore more of the Hotchkin’s original heathland character. Trees, shrubs and gorse have gone where appropriate, with bunkers returned to their original, more natural style and other long-lost ones re-introduced. Many holes now play over relatively open heathland, while others, especially on the back nine, venture in among the trees a little more – and plenty of trees remain!…

Quite how many books have been dedicated to the mental side of the game is anyone’s guess – safe to say it runs into the thousands. You might have one on your desk or bedside table; perhaps there’s even one in the smallest room in the house. And we’ve all watched videos and pored over articles in a bid to find the secret to having a stronger mental game. Often we’re encouraged to find a preferred state, do a ‘thing’, or adopt a process, whereby what you do is supposed to allow you to take control and master what is seen as a critical element of golf. It might be a finely honed pre-shot routine; a positive affirmation to tell yourself before or after each shot; a dot on your…

Late on Saturday night in Slovakia, crowds gathered in public places to watch Rory Sabbatini’s closing round in the Tokyo Olympics. Up until that point, they only had a shooting Gold Medal and a canoeing silver to cheer, but now they had Sabbatini, the oldest player in the field, screeching his way up the leaderboard. The reason he was playing for Slovakia was through his wife, Martina, and she was literally right by his side as his regular caddie had quit on him to go and work for Jason Dufner a month previously. To make matters even more interesting, CT Pan of Chinese Taipei had his wife, Michelle, on the bag as a one-off and he was in the middle of tying the course record of 63 and also threatening…

Alignment is one of the key basics for golf, but it’s really easy to get a little bit off. Poor alignment can affect your swing and prevent you getting the rewards you deserve from good shots. It’s really important that you aim exactly where you want to at address, but it’s worth noting that you might not always want to align straight at where you want the ball to finish, such as the flag or the middle of the fairway. You need to take your natural shot shape into account, so aim left to allow for a fade or right to allow for a draw if you’re a right-hander, and the reverse for lefties. 1 Check your alignment Go to the range and line up at a target, then put a…

1 In stroke play, the only way for Fergus to take his stance is to back into a gorse bush, causing a branch to break. What is the ruling? A There is no penalty. B Fergus gets one penalty stroke. C Fergus gets the general penalty (two strokes). 2 During a match, Fergus goes to mark his ball on the putting green, but before putting the marker down, accidentally moves his ball. What is the ruling? A There is no penalty and Fergus must replace the ball. B Fergus gets one penalty stroke and must replace the ball. C Fergus gets one penalty stroke and must play the ball as it lies. 3 In stroke play, Jezz is searching for his ball in deep rough when he causes it to…

GM Verdict The latest iteration of the T100 has been made even more compact to better suit the eye of tour pros and better players who gravitate towards irons with a little more technology compared to the more traditional musclebacks. Looking down at the iron in the playing position, you’d be forgiven for thinking it was a blade because of how compact it is, especially the topline and the distinct lack of offset. This profile is perhaps intimidating at first, but it also narrows your focus on the strike – connect with the ball out of the middle and the feeling is sensational. The denser tungsten weights help deliver a solid, crisp ‘thud’. The forgiveness on offer becomes apparent when your striking strays from the centre of the club, manifesting…

A relatively niche club, perhaps, but a utility iron can become a useful option if the course or conditions dictate or you simply don’t get on with hybrids. To assist you in your search, we tested the latest models indoors on the Foresight Sports GCQuad launch monitor with Titleist Pro V1x golf balls to get some quantitative data, before hitting them all outdoors to assess feel and ball flight. Looks In the utility iron category, you have a choice between more iron-like models and those that are larger and a little more hybrid-like. At one end of the spectrum, the Titleist T200 and Srixon ZX have the narrowest toplines and the least amount of offset – ideal in the eyes of better players. We assessed the pros and cons of…

How does it give you the edge? On the wrist, the Shot Scope V3 has a much lighter, more modern fit and feel than the V2. The streamlined, everyday design makes it instantly appealing, and the tacky rubber strap is comfortable to wear and stays in position when walking and swinging a club. Once it’s on, you won’t notice you’re wearing it. Yardages are clear and measurements to the front and back of hazards give all the information you need when it comes to strategy. After your round, you can check out a map plotting all your shots around the course and see your total score. The information available on the dashboard is comprehensive. You can see your distances with each club, which side you tend to miss fairways and…

The thought of being able to improve your putting from the comfort of home is mighty appealing. This medium-sized mat is hard-wearing and the alignment and distance guides very useful. With a tacky underside, it stays put and doesn’t wrinkle. The mirror and gate set is ideal for working on starting lines, providing instant feedback on poor putts by rejecting pulls and pushes. The mirror provides feedback on your eyeline and head position as well as ball position. Finally, there’s the Premium Pressure Trainer with its scientifically shaped parabolic ramp that will return all but the perfect putt. There are many elements to putting and this collection helps hone them all. What’s the tech? ♦ The PuttOut Academy Studio is based around an 8ft mat with printed alignment guides, target…

A laser rangefinder will give you precise yardages to any visible target out on the golf course. Knowing these distances for certain allows you to play with a clear and confident strategy. The smaller size of the Bushnell Tour V5 Shift Slim means it fits better in the hand, helping you keep it steady. The clarity through the display is exceptional. Objects over 300 yards away become crystal-clear and distances appear almost immediately once you press the button. You can switch easily from yards to metres using the button on the side, while the focus toggle on top of the eyepiece is simple to adjust. A flashing red ring accompanies the Jolt vibration when the flag is picked out. The Slope technology you might use in friendly games for more…

This modern, sporty shoe offers excellent grip and stability, giving you plenty of support while walking the fairways or swinging the club. It looks and feels more like a trainer than a traditional golf shoe, delivering high levels of comfort too. Soft underfoot and around the ankle, you’ll have no issues walking for five hours on a hilly course and, although it’s spikeless, the X 001 F provides levels of traction similar to cleats, such is the configuration of the outsole. Payntr might be a newcomer to the market but its debut offering can compete with the big boys. What’s the tech? ♦ The Payntr X 001 F delivers a blend of traction, comfort and performance. ♦ Three-dimensional traction delivers better control over linear motion, meaning greater stability through the…

The big deal with the new Spieth 5 SL is the addition of internal traction. This comes via a unique footbed that features an additional wrap over the inside and top of the foot, which eliminates ‘gapping’ between your foot and the shoe from the inside. It creates a fit that’s tailored to your foot shape and offers a snug fit without pinching. Overall, it gives you a better connection with the ground. Testing has shown that more stable golf shoes help you generate more swing speed, and you’ll struggle to find a more stable spikeless shoe. It’s comfy too – soft yet responsive, so you retain a spring in your step all the way to the 18th. What’s the tech? ♦ This fifth iteration of Under Armour’s signature spikeless…

As bad as each other I’m watching the third round of the Dutch Open and noticed the two leaders, Kristoffer Broberg and Marcus Helligkilde, hit each of their drives way off line. Neither of them shouted ‘fore!’ and simply held up their arms in the direction of their ball flight. Helligkilde didn’t even follow his ball to establish where it landed or if it was a threat to a spectator or volunteer, which, in my opinion, is treating them with disdain. We’ve heard it in recent weeks that European Tour players are much better at shouting ‘fore!’ than their PGA Tour counterparts, however there is evidence this is simply not the case. It is time for administrators of both tours to penalise players. Handing over a signed glove or ball…

Harrington praises victorious US team How do you reflect on losing the Ryder Cup? Of course we’re disappointed, but the US outplayed us. It was a very strong team. They got their plan right, they got some momentum going and they started well. They just outplayed us at the end of the day. Do you think the fans had an impact? Quite possibly, yes. There’s no doubt the US had the momentum all the time. When they holed a putt, they got a cheer and their fellow teammates heard that, and they seemed to have that the first day. Every time we holed a putt, it was silence and it was definitely very difficult for us to create any momentum. We would have needed that to overcome this team. Is…

It began with the Europeans wearing daft cheesy hats but it ended with them standing around with egg on their faces, Rory McIlroy adding genuine tears of remorse. Somewhere, a scratchy violin was playing a lament. This wasn’t a defeat, it was a thrashing. At 19pts to 9, it was, of course, a record win for the USA, the widest margin of victory since continental European golfers joined the old one-sided rumble in 1979. It also wasn’t a great surprise. Even a cursory glance at the relative merits of the opposing players going into this 21st edition of the modern matches suggested that, if the Americans hit both form and the ground running, the power advantage of this new-look side would prove too much. What few of us anticipated was…

GM editor, Mike Harris, reflects on a round under Morrison’s guidance… I’m constantly striving to improve, and over the last few years have worked on my swing and fitness. I’m lucky to have access to the latest custom-fit clubs, yet my handicap had risen from 6 to 10. I started to think that I needed a technique or process to improve my mental game, so I put out a social media post saying I was looking to work with someone. Andy didn't volunteer but was recommended. When we started chatting, what he was saying really resonated. He helped me understand that no one can get into, and stay in, a perfect state of mind, nor will we always be stuck in negative thinking. Nothing lasts forever - that’s the nature…

The idea, originally, was Rastislav Antala’s. Antala is now the president of the Slovak Golf Association and in 2015 he approached his cousin and Sabbatini’s now wife, Martina, about the possibility of Sabbatini taking Slovak citizenship. Then in 2018 he brought the subject up again, with the idea of the Olympics sparking more interest and growth in the game. Sabbatini was then given a very quick ultimatum to get the paperwork done and, in December 2018, it was announced he had secured Slovakian citizenship. “The week after Tokyo we saw a major uptake in kids being interested in golf in Slovakia. That was kind of the goal all along – to get people interested in the game of golf in Slovakia,” explains Sabbatini. “There are only something like 26 courses…

Chris Wallace, Rules manager at The R&A, explains what to do if your golf ball is damaged during the course of play. Over the course of even a good round, a player’s ball can find itself in various places both on and off the course, potentially landing on anything from lush fairways to rocky outcrops. Although their modern design means golf balls are generally exceptionally durable, there are always situations where a ball can get scuffed, damaged or cracked in the normal course of play. So, what is considered to be ‘damage’ to a golf ball; what are a player’s options should their ball become damaged during the course of play; and when can a player change balls during a round? Well, you can always change balls before starting a…

GM Verdict For golfers who like to get their golfing fix all year round, having a waterproof jacket that’s able to withstand the winter weather is imperative. The HydroTour is the headline garment in FJ’s new HydroSeries range for 2021. It comes with a full zip so taking it on and off is easy and it feels supremely comfortable to wear. It offers a nice, snug fit without restricting the swing, while it also kept us warm at all times. Truth be told, that is probably the only drawback in that, when the weather is warm and wet, something a little more lightweight would perhaps be more suitable. We found the material had a premium feel as well as providing golfers with the confidence needed to be able to swing…

As a golf architecture enthusiast, I was excited to spend some time with Paul McGinley at Sunningdale in the summer in order to discuss an exciting new project and his views on course design. The catalyst was that the former Ryder Cup captain and Sky Sports pundit had recently filmed the first of what is hoped to be a number of TV series featuring some of the greatest holes in world golf. Aside from tournament coverage, there has been little on television here that shows off some of the amazing golf holes you can find in all corners of the world. Nothing has really been dedicated to the subject, but happily that is changing with a new series on Sky TV devised and presented by Paul and BBC personality Chris…

East Devon Despite its proximity to the sea, this lovely clifftop design is not so much links as it is heathland in nature. There are also elements of downland and parkland thrown into the very tasty mix. Dating back to 1902, Herbert Fowler modified the original design before Harry Colt created today’s layout, which even has a smattering of James Braid thrown in for good measure. The elevated position means that wind is a factor, and what it lacks in length is more than compensated for by charm and variety. GF: 18 holes: £75 all week Fairmont St Andrews – Kittocks Most people heading to the immediate area do so for the Old Course, the New or Kingsbarns. Just up the hill, the Kittocks is one of two modern courses…

Thinking clearly, maintaining your cool and making good decisions are all central to playing good golf. If you’re fatigued, sleep deprived or anxious, then your ability to do these things could be reduced. Darren Clarke CBD oils can have a positive impact on your game. Both flavours are highly palatable. The recommended dose of Darren Clarke CBD oils is one full pipette per day (1ml). If you’re using it to help with recovery from muscle injury, take it before bed. When using it before golf, take an hour or so before teeing off. If it can make you feel more relaxed and take away those first tee nerves in any way, it’s got to be worth a try, particularly if it improves your overall health to boot. What’s the tech?…

Core strength is hugely important in the golf swing – a stronger core means you have greater stability and a better starting point from which to make a confident and powerful swing. This is a fitness tool that gives multiple exercise options for increasing core strength. It’s a low-cost version of a BOSU ball, which stands for Both Sides Up. You can use it either dome or flat side up, with the common factor its ‘wobbly’ nature that tests your balance on every exercise and means you have to engage the core muscles that play a major role in the golf swing. This Decathlon version is about half the price of the ‘official’ BOSU ball, but its functionality is pretty much the same. It comes with some detachable resistance bands…

The multi-purpose Decathlon Push Up Wheel Grips allow you to do a variety of different exercises and to vary their difficulty. They will help you get more out of exercises to develop strength in the arm, leg, pectoral and core muscles, where more stability and power can lead to longer hitting and more consistent ball-striking. The basic handles let you do deeper press-ups, while using their clip-in rounded bases introduces unstable press-ups, which are more difficult as this engages the core muscles to retain balance. They can also be used to help take pressure off certain parts of your body as you recover from injury, yet still give you a good workout. What’s the tech? ♦ The highly versatile Decathlon Push Up Wheel Grips are a four-in-one fitness tool that…

The great thing about the Hoofer Craz-E Lite stand bag from Ping is that if you want it to be, it’s super-compact and ultra-light. Pack it lightly, throw in a half set and it’s ideal for a quick nine on a summer’s evening. But if you want to take more kit out on the course with you, there’s plenty of scope to do so. It has no fewer than seven pockets, including a seam-sealed one for your valuables and a water bottle pocket. You can easily get a set of waterproofs in there and enough balls to cope with even the most brutal day out on the links. Ping has thought of everything to keep bag weight down, even making the stand legs out of carbon fibre. Without anything in…

Comfortable, well-supported feet throughout four hours on the course are an absolute must. We are all intent on finding a pair of shoes that delivers this effectively. But to really maximise performance, we should also consider our socks. With the wrong pair, you could be sliding about in your shoes, losing traction and risking painful blisters. These excellent ‘no-show’ golf socks from Swiftwick boast a range of cutting-edge fabric technologies to help you gain maximum comfort and grip from your footwear. The fit is excellent – snug yet minimal. You’ll hardly feel like you are wearing socks. But you are and the GripDry fibre delivers noticeable levels of friction inside the shoe to keep your foot in the same place even on aggressive swings. They’re moisture-wicking so feet will stay…

In conjunction with the app, the R1 Smart displays front, middle and back distances like a standard GPS device, which gives you far more detail when deciding what shot to play. The MySlope technology (which can be toggled off for competition rounds) takes into account a raft of information to give you the ultimate yardage, as well as advice on what club to hit. You have a huge amount of data at your disposal. If you’re playing a hilly course in poor weather, the R1 Smart will take those variables into account to give you a yardage and club recommendation based on those conditions, plus the launch monitor data you’ve fed into the app. Over time and with practice, it can give you confidence that you have the correct club…

SOUND BITES “IT STARTED FROM THE AGE OF FOUR, WHEN MY DAD USED TO PAY FOR MY EQUIPMENT. IT WASN’T MONEY WE REALLY HAD, BUT HE’D ALWAYS BUY ME THE BEST CLUBS. TO PROTECT THEM, HE PUT IRON COVERS ON. I’VE PRETTY MUCH HAD IRON COVERS EVER SINCE, TO APPRECIATE THE VALUE OF WHAT I HAVE”Aaron Rai on why he continues to put iron covers on his clubs “IT’S BEEN SIX YEARS OF HELL”After winning the Dutch Open, an emotional Kristoffer Broberg opened up on his struggles over the past few years “THE STANDARD OF GOLF IS A JOKE AT THE MOMENT”Tommy Fleetwood believes professional golf has never been as strong as it is now “I PERSONALLY PREFER TO THINK ‘I’M 31. I HAVE ANOTHER 14 YEARS LEFT. IF I…

Bryson DeChambeau is well known for thinking outside the box and bringing a unique take to the tried and tested methods we usually see in professional golf. Here, the man himself tells us about how he prepares for competition. From driving to putting, he explains his meticulous routine and how it helps him play his best. We shouldn’t be surprised to hear his pre-round prep is slightly different to most other tour pros… What’s the focus and length of your pre-round warm-up? If I’m not driving it well, I’ll be working harder on that. It really depends on the week and I’ll pivot each and every week depending on what my Strokes Gained is in all of the categories. So, sometimes I’ll need to focus a little more around the…

Most golfers know that 14 is the maximum number of clubs you may carry. But what if you exceed 14, even inadvertently? Sadly, you will be penalised, but there is a cap on the number of strokes or holes it will cost you. In stroke play, there is a two-shot penalty for each hole at which any breach occurred, but it is capped at four strokes in total, with two strokes added to each of the first two holes at which a breach occurred. In match play, the score is adjusted by deducting one hole for each hole at which a breach occurred. Thankfully, again, there is a limit to the number of holes deducted, and that limit is two. If the breach is discovered between the play of two…

Ping i59 Iron £239 per club GM Verdict Better-player irons from Ping don’t come around that often and, when they do, there is always a lot to like about the way they look and perform. The i59 replaces the iBlade, which was launched five years ago and held a place in our bag for a couple of years. The i59 looks like a beefed-up Blueprint iron, which is no bad thing, but the shape is very similar to the iBlade. Offset, bounce angle and blade length remain the same, but Ping says the sole width has been reduced, although we struggled to see that. Testing both 7-irons in 34˚ on the Foresight Sports GC2 launch monitor with Titleist Pro V1x golf balls, the data told us that the i59 was…

Do wet-weather gloves really work? Rapporman, GM Forum The wet-weather gloves I’ve tested, FootJoy’s RainGrip in particular, undoubtedly enhance your grip when your clubs are wet. The wetter they get, the more grip you gain. A side effect, though, is that your hands also get a lot colder, which can be uncomfortable in the winter. The thicker feel, and the fact you have gloves on both hands, takes some getting used to, so it’s worth practising with them before you play to get accustomed to it. Which clubs should I use in a forthcoming three-club challenge? David Benson, email A high-lofted hybrid is a good option off the tee and also for your next shot on many par 4s and 5s. Then, you need a club for chips and bunker…

Will we see any significant new courses in the UK&I in the next few years? Chris Walker, Somerset A number of highprofile projects have fallen by the wayside or been put on to the back-burner in recent years, among them a second course at Castle Stuart designed by Arnold Palmer, although that was reported to be back on the cards just before Covid struck. Coul Links – a Mike Keiser project in Sutherland near Dornoch – may yet happen, too. Environmentalists are opposed, but local group ‘Communities for Coul’ believes it will be good for the region. Plans for the stop-start Tom Weiskopf course on the outskirts of St Andrews appear to have been resurrected under the new name of the Feddinch Club. And new life has also been breathed…

Pennard My only previous game at Pennard was over two decades ago, and ‘the Links in the Sky’ re-entered the Golf Monthly Top 100 four years ago. Just the view from the clubhouse is guaranteed to get the adrenalin flowing, and this undulating and at times enigmatic James Braid design is packed with excitement and charm. It also has some of the finest views in golf. Not long, it makes up for that with challenging approaches and elevation changes. Standout holes include the par-3 5th played down to a scarily small target, the short par-4 7th, which is flanked by the ruins of a castle and a church, and the testing par-3 11th played over a valley. If, like me, you value a course that is unlike any other, scenic…

Royal Portrush, Dunluce Links (8th in the Top 100) Hole 5, par 4, 382 yards A sharp dogleg right requires an accurate tee shot. A cliff-edge green threatens out of bounds. The Golf Course at Adare Manor ranked 23 Hole 16, par 3, 157 yards The tee shot is over water to a green that is 85 yards wide but just ten yards deep. Old Head ranked 33 Hole 4, par 4, 427 yards The cliff lines the left and natural contours feed the ball into the centre towards an elevated green with a view of the lighthouse. County Sligo, Colt course ranked 90 Hole 14, par 4, 460 yards Double dogleg with a wide fairway – the burn will catch anything too long and left. Enniscrone ranked 95 Hole…