GOLFING IN PARADISE

By JOSE CALLEJA
General Manager, Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course

This week’s tip covers the Texas Wedge shot.
Ben Hogan is largely responsible for the ‘Texas wedge’. This is the term given to the shot which utilizes a putter as a short approach shot from off the green over flat bare ground.
It was the dry Texas fairways in summer which brought about Ben Hogan’s club selection of the putter. No days with all the club technology many professionals prefer the 3-wood or the hybrid. However, the great Seve Ballesteros always advocated that a poor putt was better than a great chip.
Another reason for the popularity of the Texas wedge is also attributed to the condition of greens. In the early days of golf, greens were not manicured as they are today. Green speeds would probably be running at 5 or 6 feet compare to the 10.5 feet for tournament golf now days. Putters also had lofts far greater than today’s modern putters which allowed the ball to be lifted out of the grass and roll towards the hole.
The Texas wedge as an ideal way to play an approach shot especially on Scottish link courses where the wind is the dominant factor. The wind factor at Natadola Bay Golf Club is a major reason why such a shot should form part of your game.
Tiger Woods grew up playing golf in California which is far from the traditional links courses of the British Opens. However he has adapted to the style of golf necessary to allow him to win 3 Opens.
Below is his quote,
“Your putter is an underrated weapon from off the green. Mine won me the Open at St Andrews”.
Keys for success with the Texas wedge.
Ideally you can use your putter when you are 20 to 25 meters off the green, even though it may seem ridiculous to most golfers. There are other clubs which can be used such as the lob wedge, pitching wedge or sand wedge. However, your putter can help you get out of trouble if your confidence is low and your last shot was a fluff.

Implementation
1. Rest the putter-head lightly behind the ball and avoid pushing into the grass to avoid it catching on the takeaway.
2. Keep your head and upper body steady during the stroke
3. Keep a firm left wrist
4. When playing from the fairway or light rough ensure the flagstick is visible and no hazards are in your way.
5. Remember to hit the ball harder from the light rough and even more so from an uphill approach to the green.
6. Solid contact is essential.
7. Take a slightly wider stance and flex your knees to keep you still.
8. Resist picking up the club quickly with the wrists, use your shoulders.
9. Accelerate the putter through impact and keep the club moving toward the target.
10. Finish the stroke and do not de-accelerate.
An excellent indoor putting drill that will help you develop your Texas wedge play is to practice on a thick pile carpet. The object is to make solid contact and get the ball rolling.
Happy Golfing this week end.

EQUIPMENT REVIEW AND TOUR UPDATES
BY RAJNESH GOUNDON DIRECTOR OF GOLF NATADOLA BAY GOLF CLUB

This week we provide a review on the Oakley Cipher Golf shoes.

Oakley Cipher is the first ever with NanoSpike technology that allows your feet to be closer to the ground, ensuring better balance with a lower center of gravity. This shoe is designed to minimize weight thus reduces fatigue, improves flexibility, free movement, reduces heat retention, and maintains uncompromising durability.

The following are the Features of the Oakley Cipher Golf shoes:

• This shoe is the lightest performance golf shoe
• It is Lightweight with breathable textile upper
• This shoe has moisture wicking textile liner
• Dual densit y insole with shock absorbing EVA and moisture wicking

If you are looking for a Golf Shoe with the above features then please contact the Natadola Bay Golf shop on 6733500 and we will order one for you.

PGA Tour events update   
Last week’s World Golf Championship – HSBC Champion played on the par 72 Mission Hills Golf Course, China was won by Ian Poulter. After entering the final day four shots behind 54-hole leaders Lee Westwood and Louis Oosthuizen, Poulter carded a final-round 65 to defeat Jason Dufner, Ernie Els, Phil Mickelson and Scott Piercy by two strokes and win his second career World Golf Championships title.
This week’s event: This week on the PGA tour we have the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital Classic scheduled to be played from November 8 to 11. This event will be played on the par 72, 7516 yards, Magnolia Golf Course, Lake Buena Vista, Florida. The prize purse for the event is $4.7 million. The defending champion is Luke Donald who won on a total score of 17 under par.

LPGA Tour
Last week’s  Mizuno Classic played on the par 72, 6,506 yards Kintetsu Kashikojima Country Club, Japan was won by Stacey Lewis. Lewis made a powerful charge in Sunday’s final round to beat second-round leader Bo-Mee Lee by one stroke. Lewis was 7 shots behind Lee entering the final round but carded 10 birdies and two bogeys to finish at 8-under par 64. This win is her fifth-career victory and her fourth this season.
This week’s event: This week the LPGA Tour heads off to Mexico for the Lorena Ochoa Invitational. This event is scheduled from November 8 to 11 and will be played on the par 72, 6,644 yards Guadalajara Country Club.  The defending champion is Catriona Mattew who won on a score of 12 under par. The prize purse for the event is $1,000,000.

NATADOLA BAY COMPETITION RESULTS:

Last week’s competition results are as follows:

Event:  Wednesday Mixed Competition – Stableford
Date:  October 31, 2012
Winner:  Paula Greenville – 31 Points
NTP: 15th: Ann Ridley

Event:  Saturday Open
Competition – V/Par

Date:  November 3, 2012
Winner: Neil Stokes +3
Runner-up:  Krishna Singh +1
NTP: 7th: Jose Calleja

NEXT WEEK’S COMPETITIONS AT NATADOLA BAY GOLF COURSE

• Wednesday October 14 – Stableford Competition
• Friday November 16 – Stroke Competition
• Saturday November 17 – 2 person Ambrose Competition

Jim Van Tilborg

PLAYER REVIEW

This week’s between shots is Jim Van Tilborg
What clubs do you use? We use Brosnan clubs.
Where is your home club? Warkworth Golf Club, NewZealand
Who is your favourite player?
Michael Campbell.
What course do you love to play? I love to Natadola Bay Golf Course.
What is your favourite hole? The 4th hole at Natadola Bay
What shot will you always remember? Tee shot on the 4th hole.
Who are your dream playing partners? Vijay Singh, Michael Campbell and Tiger Woods.
This was what Mr. Tilborg had to say about Natadola Bay Golf Course: “Natadola Bay is an awesome course. I loved playing it”.