Welcome to this month's newsletter and September means only one thing - The BMW PGA Championships!
My wife and I make a habit of attending this event every 2-3 years and this year we decided to take my son Grayson (7) with us. Grayson had only ever experienced live sport in the way of his favourite football team Tottenham, so I had a brief him on a slightly different etiquette for the golf course which he quickly assured me he already knew!
This year was one of the highest profile fields with not only the big names like Rory, Tommy and Rose but more players from across the world such as Adam Scott, Brooks Koepka and Wyndham Clark.
There was one player in particular that I wanted to see and he is a friend of mine from the Hampshire Golf days - Brandon Robinson Thompson. I first met Brandon when I played with him in a Pro/Junior competition. I had just turned professional and he was playing for Hampshire as a 17 year old junior. I remember the day well, it was at Hockley Golf Club and Brandon strolled round with confidence in about 69 while I struggled in the mid-high 70's!
Since that day I followed Brandon's journey through his success in the US college system and then watching him rise through the ranks of the mini tours. His big year came last year when he gained his DP World TOUR card through automatic qualification from the feeder 'Challenge Tour'.
It was the Thursday of the BMW we attended and Grayson made a sign for Rory asking for his ball. The sign tactically folded in half to reveal only 'Can I have your ball please' when watching other golfers and needless to say with a quick hello to Brandon as he walked between the 3rd green and 4th tee he gave Grayson his ball! As you can see in the video below, Grayson's day was made. Hopefully this moment (and the day) is an inspiration for him to one day become a DP World TOUR player (as well as a Premier League footballer, astronaut, policeman, fireman and Youtuber!).
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If you watched the Sunday morning featured groups you would have seen Brandon playing with none other than Rory himself! They both sat on -5 after the first 3 rounds and Brandon got the golden ticket to play a Sunday round with one of the best golfers of our generation! One thing you'll see when watching Brandon is his calm and confident nature. Although he would have had some nerves that Sunday morning, he believes (as he should do) that he belongs there - and you'd be surprised how players would feel otherwise put in that same situation. Watching on the TV I spotted Brandon and Rory chatting, at one stage he had Rory in laughter - I've no idea what was said but that just shows his character, not intimidated at all, and this will be a huge factor in his continued success on tour. Brandon went on to shoot 68 finishing on -9 and Rory 67 finishing on -10... I think if I had to hit a ball in front of Rory I'd probably miss it!!
Brandon is playing in the FedEx Open de France this week so keep an eye our for him.
In total Grayson managed to get 6 balls (Brandon Robinson Thompson, Erik Van Rooyen, Jeff Winther, Kristoff Reitan, Thomas Detry and Zander Lombard) and he told us it was the best day of his life!
The Scoring Club
Coaching and Community app
I'm excited to announce that I am launching a golf coaching and community app! This is something I have wanted to do for some time and I am now at the stage where it is possible. The aim for this app is to provide golfers with two main products. First, a library of video content covering all aspects of the game from fault fixing to short game, golf fitness and nutrition to on course management. This content will be in the way of online courses, video series as well as eBooks and manuals. Secondly, a community. A Facebook style group of golfers like you who want to improve. Golf can be a lonely place at times so being part of a community can really help with our game improvement and keeping us on track. Within this community you will be able to set goals for your game, take part in challenges and share your wins or struggles with the group for support and advice from your coach, me.
To start with I will be launching the community feature as this can be accessed before the app and other content is ready. My aim is to build the community up and get some activity going to test the waters. If you are on my monthly VIP program you will have access straight away to the community. I will also be accepting 30 other community members on a first come first served basis. Keep an eye out for an email in the coming weeks with details on how to join.
Interested in golf fitness?
I recently met with a local personal trainer who has a keen interest in helping golfers improve their game by moving better and becoming stronger. Joe currently trains clients from the Old Thorns resort and is trying to grow his online client base. He has several golfers who he trains remotely via his app and I said I would give him a shout out and see if any of my golfers might be interested.
If you are interested in golf specific fitness please reach out to Joe.
IG: @jwcoachfit
Student Case Study: Josh Bleach
This month's student of the month is Josh. Josh is a member at Puttenham and has been a student of mine for a few years on my monthly VIP program. He visits once a month for a 30-minute lesson and is proof that with consistent coaching, the correct information and persistence you can improve your game immensely. When Josh started with me his aim was to simply achieve a handicap. He hadn't played in any club events as he wasn't confident enough in his game. I said to him that sometimes you just have to jump in at the deep end and do it, you'll realise that everyone finds the game hard and just because others compete in events, they are no better or confident in their game than you are.
Josh achieved his first handicap of around 28 and soon set himself the goal of getting down to 18 which he achieved quite quickly.
Fast forward to today and Josh is still breaking his personal best rounds and most recently recorded a score of 80, so close to shooting in the 70's which only a very small percentage of golfers will ever do.
His handicap now sits at 12.4 and his next goal is single figures!
If you want to make these kinds of strides with your game then please get in touch and I'd love to help you!
Thank you for taking the time to read this months newsletter!
See you on the tee!
Adam.
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