The article below was written by Alex Perry, Digital Editor of National Club Golfer
The production team behind Netflix’s impossibly popular Formula One docuseries, Drive to Survive, is turning its attention to golf.
What do we know so far?
Well, not a massive amount. It doesn’t even have a name just yet, but Netflix did release a roster of PGA Tour stars that will be involved.
In no particular order, other than alphabetical, those who have already put pen to paper are Abraham Ancer, Daniel Berger, Cameron Champ, Joel Dahmen, Tony Finau, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Harry Higgs, Max Homa, Viktor Hovland, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Collin Morikawa, Kevin Na, Mito Pereira, Ian Poulter, Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Bubba Watson.
There are some notable absentees from the list, the highest profile of which are Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Patrick Reed and Bryson DeChambeau – the latter of which is the only player to offer a reason. But while they haven’t agreed – yet – to allow the cameras into their private lives, that doesn’t mean they won’t be involved at all.
Also good news is that, as well as the PGA Tour – who say they will have absolutely no creative control over the project – the four majors are also on board.
Why should we be excited?
Drive to Survive follows the Formula One season and provides a candid and fascinating behind-the-scenes window into the sport which, even for those who don’t follow closely, is captivating and, at times, unmissable.
I reached out to my former ESPN colleagues Nate Saunders and Chris Medland, prominent F1 writers who were involved in the making of Drive to Survive, to ask them what we can expect.
“It’s brought a whole new fanbase to F1,” Nate explains, in particular when it came to finally cracking America.
While that’s not a particular problem for golf, a pastime mostly popular in North America, Europe, Australia, and the Far East, Netflix can help reach parts of the world in which it has so far failed to capture the imagination of even the most ardent of armchair sports fans.
But what will get passionate and casual golf fans alike tuning in is the opportunity to see the world’s best laid bare.
“One of the best things about Drive to Survive was how it humanised the biggest names and gave us insight into the characters,” Nate explains.
“Before Drive to Survive, Lewis Hamilton was F1’s only genuine recognisable star, but it’s showed there are some incredible personalities across the sport.”
“It made people other than the drivers relatable too,” Chris adds. “Which made for interesting additional storylines.”
Nate agrees: “It captured genuine moments of animosity between [rival race team leaders] Christian Horner and Toto Wolff, for example, which you don’t always see when they have played nice on camera.”
Chris adds: “For me it was about getting people to connect with lesser-known stars in the sport. So they’ll be watching a race and find themselves rooting for a random driver in eighth place, and so on.
“Like golf, it’s not just about who wins.”
But, Nate warns, there can be an element of finding drama for drama’s sake.
“While new fans loved it for that reason, for us who follow F1 closely, the series created rivals where rivalries didn’t exist. For example, if you watched the series you’d think Max Verstappen and Daniel Ricciardo were arch rivals but to those of us in the know, there is no beef between them at all.”
And on that controversial final race of the season, he adds: “A lot of people said the race director forced that finish – breaking the rules he was meant to implement – because F1 has become more about the entertainment factor than the integrity of the sport. So there has been some negative impact.
“For the new fanbase, that’s been great, but it’s a double-edged sword.”
When can we watch?
The PGA Tour and Netflix are remaining tight-lipped about a launch date – most likely because they don’t have one yet – but filming reportedly started at the Hero World Challenge in December and is likely to continue through to the end of the FedEx Cup Play-offs in September, so expect to see it in the autumn.
In an
ideal world, when you buy new golf clubs, you get custom fitted – and when you
do so, your grips are perfect.
However, in
reality, this doesn’t always happen, especially when lots of golfers buy clubs
straight off the shelf. As a result, many golfers play with unsuitable grips. Often
it’s something as obvious as playing with the wrong size – and this can have a
big impact on the quality of your strike.
If you’re just about to dust off the clubs ahead of the new season, now’s the perfect time to take a look at those grips. If they’re shiny and worn, it’s probably wise to get them replaced – and when you do, here are some options worth considering. Just be sure to ask your PGA professional for a steer.
This multi-compound grip features ALIGN technology. Raised guides on the grip assist hand alignment to square the clubface and improve your swing consistency. Plus4 simulates having four layers of added tape on the lower part of the grip for lighter pressure and more power. It’s also designed to offer superb grip in all weather conditions.
Lamkin’s best-selling grip delivers superb surface traction and outstanding torsion control. Designed to provide maximum feedback, this classic-looking grip has been a firm favourite on Tour for many years. It’s made from a highly durable synthetic rubber compound, too, giving golfers top performance round after round.
ALIGN technology features a raised ridge on the grip, which encourages more consistent hand placement and better clubface awareness. As a result, it should help produce a more consistent strike off the centre of the clubface. It’s easy to slip into bad habits, especially when it comes to grip – but this model helps you to stay on top of those important basics.
The S-Tech is designed for golfers who demand the ultimate in feedback and control – and it’s also the grip of choice for Major winners Jordan Spieth and Sergio Garcia. Created using a premium engineered rubber compound, it offers a blend of both softness and tack. Meanwhile, a refined surface texture offers incredible non-slip performance, ensuring high performance in all weather conditions.
If you’re
not familiar with Arccos technology, these grips can genuinely help you play
better golf. How? Well, inside the butt end of each grip is a GPS sensor that
tracks the distance and direction of every shot you hit. You can connect any
set of clubs to the Arccos app and capture all your shots, which gives you the
tools to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of your game.
Arcoss offers six types of single grips: Golf Pride MCC Plus4 (standard and midsize), Golf Pride Tour Velvet (standard and midsize) and Lamkin Crossline 360 (standard and midsize).
Lamkin’s Fingerprint technology is used to provide a consistent micro-textured pattern for enhanced comfort and traction. Meanwhile, the use of Genesis material, which is slightly softer than traditional rubber, makes it both tacky and durable.
The New
Decade Multi-Compound (MCC) is an innovative hybrid grip that fuses the
positive performance of rubber and cord for an exciting new look and feel.
As with many modern golf grips, they’re available in several attractive colours. However, the performance rubber material in the lower hand is the real standout feature, giving users the ultimate feel and responsiveness. The MCC also boasts the brand’s exclusive Brushed Cotton Cord in the upper hand area for firm all-weather control.
Best Putter Grips
This is another area of the game where many club golfers would do well to experiment. Often we’ll change the putter, but maybe we don’t give enough thought to the type of grip we use and whether a different style might work better for our stroke.
This feature-packed model is SuperStroke’s best-selling putter grip. Spyne technology incorporates a heavily embossed ridge along the underside of the grip. It’s easy to feel and allows you to place your hands in a repeatable position for a more consistent stroke. It also features a unique polyurethane material, which is tacky for increased control, while X-shaped Traxion lugs in key gripping areas provide an enhanced feel and comfort.
Pistol style grips like this are great for feel putters and players with arced strokes. The contoured and oversized design helps lock in the upper hands for a repetitive putting motion. It also has a flat paddle front for thumb placement and alignment. Meanwhile, the high-performance rubber provides boosted feel for enhanced feel and distance control.
Lamkin’s Fingerprint technology offers players a responsive feel, which is boosted by its tacky surface and a micro-textured pattern. This straight configuration features a parallel design with slightly rounded edges that encourages a smoother pendulum-style stroke.
If you’re struggling to square the putter face at impact, here’s your solution. Its shape helps you place your hands onto the grip and keep the face square at the address position, with a heavier weighted steel cone at the bottom to produce a pendulum-style putting stroke. The tacky surface also means performance doesn’t get comprised in wet weather.
Cornwall is
a long-established destination of choice for family holidays in the UK, but the
tranquil southwesterly region is also a magnet for golfers.
With
stunning coastlines, clifftops overlooking serene beaches, and natural beauty
scarcely bettered anywhere else in the country, Cornwall ticks all the boxes as
far as golf is concerned.
You’re almost
spoilt for choice as a golfer in Cornwall, so if you’re a first-timer, it’s
understandable if you need a helping hand.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the research so that you don’t have to. Here are the 14 best golf courses in Cornwall.
Situated on Cornwall’s gorgeous northern coast, Perranporth Golf Club is arguably one of the most underrated links courses in the UK.
Designed in 1927 by the Scottish golf great James Braid, Perranporth and its unique layout have largely remained the same ever since. The links course itself is built upon high ground, which means golfers are treated to stunning views across Perran Bay and its sandy beach while on the green.
The course at Perranporth measures just over 6,200 yards and has a
standard par of 72. However, golfers will find that Perranporth is not without
its challenges. There are a total of seven blind drives alongside several
semi-blind approach shots, too, which can catch out first-timers in particular.
The landscape at Perranporth is also renowned for its somewhat moon-like
qualities. With holes winding up and down its natural dunes, it’s not the most
relaxing of courses, that’s for sure – but one that’s worth the challenge.
It doesn’t
take long to realise why Newquay is a holiday hotspot. It’s home to some of the
best beaches in Britain and the best surfing destinations in the world.
However, it’s also home to the stunning Newquay Golf Club, with its beautiful views across the headland and the world-famous Fistral Beach – an iconic surfing spot.
Newquay Golf Club was formed way back in 1890, meaning that its stunning golf course is not only a renowned landmark of sheer natural beauty but it’s jam-packed with history too.
This 18-hole, par 69 course measures more than 6,100 yards
long and is suitable for golfers of all abilities and skillsets – so it’s a must-visit
if you’re holidaying in Newquay or nearby.
But the maintenance of the golf course has not been without struggle. In fact, once upon a time, the land was nearly sold to developers with the intention of it becoming a housing estate – however, thankfully, those plans never teed off (pardon the pun!)
The greens at the Point are considered some of the best in the UK among
the golfing community, and it’s easy to see why.
Though the 18-hole golf course has been open for more than 20 years,
investment more recently to the site has allowed for significant improvements to
just about every aspect of the course. In fact, the course’s overall
presentation is pretty hard to fault.
Sitting nicely just above the Camel Estuary, five miles from Wadebridge and a mile from St Enodoc, the Point is in the ideal location for a relaxing golfing retreat. In 2018, the Sunday Times included the Point at Polzeath in a round-up of Britain’s top golf hotels, too.
The course itself has glorious views out over Hayle Bay and Pentire
Point, which make playing golf here an absolute delight, especially during peak
season.
China Fleet Golf Club is set in an impressive 180 acres of Cornish
countryside alongside the River Tamar, on the cusp of bordering Devon. It’s
also just 15 minutes from the city of Plymouth – so it’s just about as
connected and accessible as a golf course can be.
This superb 18-hole parkland golf course was designed by Dr Martin Grant
Hawtree – a golf course architect whose CV also includes world-famous courses
such as Royal Birkdale and Les Aisses.
The 72-par course at China Fleet is suitable for golfers of all abilities, with chipping and putting greens, a short-game practice area, and a 22-bay floodlit driving range.
You’ll encounter a few surprises as you work your way through the holes
here, though. Without giving too much away – think water hazards, tree-lined
fairways and out-of-bounds holes.
Golfers already familiar with this course will agree that the 14th
hole, in particular, is a memorable one. Here, the tee shot needs to carry over
140 yards of lake, so the weight of shot is key.
You might associate the name Merlin with magic – and this beautiful heathland
course on Cornwall’s northern coast is nothing short of magic either.
With amazing views of the sea, Merlin Golf Club is not far from Mawgan
Porth and its award-winning beach, meaning you can enjoy your golf in some of
the best surrounds Cornwall has to offer.
The course at Merlin is designed to suit golfers of all abilities, as
there are no long carries for high handicappers to consider but still enough of
a challenge posed to keep the lower handicappers among us engaged.
As greens go, they don’t come too much better than Merlin’s either. These greens, in particular, are arguably some of the truest you’ll ever come across as a golfer. This, combined with the stunning north Cornwall scenery, makes Merlin Golf Club a golfer’s magical paradise in every sense.
The 72-par, 18-hole championship golf
course at Carlyon Bay is one of the finest the region has to offer.
Situated on the south coast clifftops, the views across the bay are spectacular, while the course itself provides a challenge for any golfer.
Many have described the course at Carlyon
Bay as ‘one of two halves’. The first ten holes are played right alongside the
clifftop before winding into the parkland for the back-stretch.
However, aesthetically, there’s certainly nothing half-measured about Carlyon Bay, because as we mentioned before, most of the course yields sublime views across St Austell Bay.
Carlyon Bay also has a six-acre
practice ground with two excellent putting greens and a nine-hole approach
course on site, making it one of the best golf courses in Cornwall, and indeed
the UK in general, for both playing and practising.
Overlooking St Ives Bay and the Hayle
Estuary is West Cornwall Golf Club (WCGC). Founded in 1889, it’s the oldest
existing golf course in Cornwall.
Though the WCGC course itself may not
be a championship layout, it’s still fully capable of nurturing championship
talent. The legendary Jim Barnes (AKA ‘Long Jim’), one of the few golfers to
win an Open Championship in both the UK and US, cut his golfing teeth at WCGC. Born
in Cornwall himself, Barnes went on to win four majors during his golfing career
– so it’s fair to say WCGC is a good place to start!
More recently, golfers such as Philip
Rowe and Harry Hall have all practised their craft out on the WCGC greens.
With a quiet railway line running
adjacent and Hayle Beach visible from across the estuary, WCGC promises the
perfect golfing experience all year round.
The course at
St Mellion was designed and built by none other than Jack Nicklaus. For many golfers,
that fact alone would probably be enough to prompt a visit, but St Mellion doesn’t
just talk the talk – it firmly walks the walk, too.
Nicklaus’
first European course design, St Mellion is widely regarded as one of the best
in the business, with golfers travelling from all over to test themselves on a
course designed by one of the game’s greatest.
In true Nicklaus style, there’s no such thing as an easy hole at St Mellion, each of them carefully crafted with their own individuality. If nothing else – it’s clear to see Nicklaus paid immense attention to detail (which would go some way to explain his enviable success!)
With high
elevations, tiered greens and plenty of water, you’ll know you’ve been in a
game by the time you reach the 18th hole, that’s for sure.
St Mellion
has been voted best golf course in the west of England and the second-best 4*
golf resort in the UK and Ireland.
It’s also hosted tournaments. For example, the Benson & Hedges International Open was held here between 1990 and 1995, during which time the late, great Seve Ballesteros clinched victory.
Cornwall’s
most northern town, Bude, has been a golfing hotspot since the late nineteenth
century, and the Bude and North Cornwall Golf Club (BNCGC) has stood proud for
more than 130 years.
This classic
seaside links course is located just half a mile away from the town centre and
has gorgeous views towards its two nearby beaches – Summerleaze and Crooklets.
Despite being somewhat ‘squeezed’ into a relatively small plot of land, the course still manages to boast a full 18 holes dissected by Golf House Road. The first five holes lie on one side, with the remaining 13 fairways dotted strategically on the other. Hats off to its original designer, Tom Dunn!
BNCGC offers
golfers of all abilities an opportunity to experience an older-style links with
various blind shots and fast greens.
There’s a
smaller, 9-hole pitch and putt course on-site, too.
There’s
something for everyone at Holywell Bay, so it’s another must-visit course if
you’re holidaying in Newquay or nearby.
Located around six miles from Newquay Golf Club, Holywell Bay has two 18-hole golf courses, a 16-hole mini-golf course, and a family-friendly ‘Pitch & Putt’ by the sea – so from novice to veteran and young to old, all tastes and abilities are well catered for.
Holywell Bay’s courses and facilities are kept in stunning condition thanks to the site’s dedicated Greens’ Team, and the gorgeous panoramic views overlooking the countryside and National Trust-maintained beaches below make this one of the best golf courses in Cornwall.
Unlike some
other golf clubs in the area, you don’t need to be a member to play a round at
Holywell Bay. So, you’re free to pay and play as and when you wish – what’s not
to love?
The Trevose
Golf and Country Club (TGCC) boasts three exquisite golf courses – the
Championship Course, Headland Course, and Short Course – each one catering for golfers
of varying abilities.
The oldest of the three is the Championship Course, which first opened in 1925 and is often regarded as one of the UK’s best links courses. Over the years, multiple tournaments have been held here, including the inaugural European Legends Links Championship in 2019 and the English Men’s County Finals in 2017.
As you stand on the first tee at the Championship Course, be prepared to be completely overwhelmed as the sights and sounds of the Atlantic hit you front-on. Another course of two halves, the first nine Championship holes stay close to the sandy coastline before heading back inland for the latter half.
The Headland
Course at TGCC opened in 1993. Although a much quieter course, the quality on
offer isn’t compromised an iota. All players are welcome on the Headland, and
there’s no need to show handicap certificates, either.
For beginners
to the sport, TGCC’s Short Course offers a sound environment to practice, too.
In the rolling
hills of North Cornwall, just outside Camelford, lies Bowood Park, among 230
acres of immense woodland.
To put the
surroundings into context, the site on which Bowood Park is laid out was once
the largest deer park in Cornwall, owned by Edward of Woodstock (the Black
Prince). However, it first opened as a golf course in 1992, and today, it’s one
of the best in the region.
As the name
would imply, Bowood Park is a parkland course and was very much ‘ahead of the
game’ in the UK when it was built.
From the back
markers, the course measures just shy of 6,700 yards, with the first nine holes
dotted along the Cornish hillside before the latter half snakes through the
valley of the River Allen.
The eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth holes are some of the easiest on the eye you’re likely to ever come across as a golfer. They’ve even been likened to the Amen Corner at Augusta National (for those that know it).
Overlooking
the Camel Estuary with views out towards nearby Padstow and the Atlantic, St
Enodoc is perfectly placed to offer an unrivalled golf experience.
There are two
courses at St Enodoc – Church Course and Holywell Course (not to be confused
with Holywell Bay).
The Church Course, in particular, has earned itself a reputation over the years as one of the best courses in the West Country and has hosted numerous amateur events, such as the English Ladies Amateur Championships and the English Counties Championship.
You’ll
encounter a few surprises on the Church Course – some unwanted, however – not
least the ‘Himalaya bunker’, which is rumoured to be the biggest in Europe!
Players
seeking a slightly less demanding round should give St Enodoc’s Holywell Course
a go. This course is maintained to an exceptional standard and is suitable for
golfers of all abilities. It’s the ideal spot for a relaxing round on a warm
summer’s evening.
Interestingly,
the course gets its name from the intriguing-looking ‘holy well’ you’ll find
just to the left of the twelfth hole.
Last but not
least, the Lanhydrock Hotel in Bodmin boasts one of the finest 18-hole golf
courses in Cornwall.
Hidden away
in a sheltered valley, the Lanhydrock’s golf course has been beautifully shaped
into the surrounding landscape over the years, and today offers a truly
enjoyable experience for every golfer.
The tone of the round is set from the very first hole. Lanhydrock is blessed with reasonably flat land, so the course isn’t too demanding on the legs, but it takes full advantage of its various water features.
After a
relatively calm start, the difficulty ramps up by the time you reach the tenth
hole. From here, you’ll be faced with a deceptive creek, uneven greens, thicker
rough and overhanging trees – so, don’t get complacent and be prepared!
There’s a
wide range of practice facilities on site, too, including a driving range with six
covered bays and two grass area practice tees.
If you
live and work in and around London, you’ll know only too well how difficult it
can be to get out and smash that little white ball around, especially in the
winter.
However,
there are some terrific driving ranges dotted around the capital, where you can
get that hour’s practice in to keep your game razor sharp.
Modern facilities have it all: bays, screens, data, teaching professionals, and, of course, food. Here’s a closer look at the best driving ranges in and around London.
Dukes
Meadow has one of the best driving ranges in West London, with 60 floodlit bays
looking out onto a wide, grass landscape. However, this venue is far more than
a driving range. With tennis courts, indoor skiing and numerous other
activities on-site, including a café, bar, retail shop and injury clinic, it’s
fully equipped for whatever your needs.
There’s more on offer for golfers, too, with an immensely popular nine-hole course, five-hole academy teaching course, specialised short game area, and a practice putting green. In addition, a large team of experienced PGA pros are on hand to give lessons, with access to all the latest technology to help you improve your game.
As driving
ranges go, they don’t get much better than World Of Golf. Its 60 bays, bookable
online, get plenty of use, not just because of its location – between Wimbledon
and Kingston-upon-Thames – but for the overall quality of the set-up.
Toptracer technology is installed on 32-inch television screens on each individual bay across the whole range. Meanwhile, there are ten dedicated teaching professionals helping those of all levels, from beginners to serious players. On-site, you also have one of American Golf’s largest UK superstores, a café, a physiotherapist and… dinosaurs. That’s right, Jurassic Adventure Mini Golf is something for the whole family to enjoy.
This
48-bay two-tiered driving range provides a relaxed environment in which to
practice. It’s popular with beginners, too, and those who enjoy the occasional
knock, with an enjoyable nine-hole course – plus there’s Adventure Golf (however,
check the website for details of when it reopens after maintenance has been
completed).
After you’ve had a swing, why not grab a bite in the Metro Italia – not your average on-site driving range café – or stock up on golfing essentials in American Golf.
Founded in
2007 by PGA professional Declan Malone, Number One Golf (N1GOLF) started as a
golf academy business and now has several locations across the UK. ‘Golf for
everyone’ is one of its core values, so there are plenty of activities to get
involved in when you visit, which can certainly be said of its Greenwich venue.
This
riverside range sits on the bank of the Thames near North Greenwich tube
station on the Greenwich Peninsula. Booking a bay online is easy – so too is
getting a lesson in the diary with one of the PGA professionals.
With each bay kitted out with its own sofa and table, this is a venue where you can spend a couple of serious hours on your game but also relax with friends, have a drink, and enjoy a bite to eat.
Situated close to Chingford Golf Club, this facility has been open for nearly 50 years – and it knows how to look after its customers. The range features 24 bays and an outfield measuring 300 yards long by 200 yards wide. There are numerous targets and distance boards helping you to practice with purpose, while a friendly professional team is always ready to step in and help if you’re looking for one-on-one lessons.
Now we’re talking. The Seve Ballesteros-designed Shire London is one very fine course, so it’s no great surprise that it boasts such a terrific driving range facility.
Describing itself as a ‘social hub’ and located right by the clubhouse and the putting green, it’s a super place to warm up or work on your game. The open-air bays look out onto a large grass ‘fairway’, which slopes gently downhill, with the woods helping to frame the flight of your ball. Given its attachment to the golf club, it’s perhaps one for the more serious golfer.
OK, not strictly a driving range, but you need to head out of central London for grassy, outdoor ranges. Urban Golf, which opened in 2004, is London’s original indoor golf simulator venue, with its 11 simulators offering a truly authentic experience.
While serious golfers can put in some pretty long hours here if they want to, it’s also a place where you can try different versions of the game and test your skills in the longest drive and nearest the pin challenges. You don’t get to see your ball fizz off into the distance, of course, but there are 60 plus championship courses to work through, and between shots, you can always watch some live sport and grab a bite to eat.
Though the more serious golfer would probably prefer to work on their game somewhere quieter, this is a fantastic facility for the whole family to enjoy. Whether you’re a golf fanatic or a complete beginner, there are various games to enjoy – and they get quite addictive, too! Book a bay, order some food and drinks, and let the fun and games begin.
Alex
Elliott’s passion and knowledge of golf has seen him create a thriving
community on YouTube and Instagram. However, not only does Alex’s online
content help golfers improve their game, but he’s also an avid coach and can be
found teaching at Mottram Hall Golf Club in Cheshire.
We caught up with PGA Pro and YouTuber Alex to chat about his path into the sport, caddying on the European Tour, coaching, and social media.
When did you start playing golf?
I think I was about three or four years old. My dad took me to junior lessons at Bramhall Golf Club, just south of Manchester. Like many youngsters, I played all sports up until the age of around 10 or 11 – I was into cricket, football, and a bit of rugby – but then, I decided I wanted to take golf a little bit more seriously. I joined the junior section at Bramhall and played all my junior golf there.
What were your ambitions at that stage?
When I got
to the age of 16-17, I knew I wanted to play golf full time. I dreamt of being a
young pro on the European Tour, winning a Major and pulling on the famous Green
Jacket.
I wanted
to develop quickly as a golfer, so I went to Portugal to work for golf clubs and
use their facilities.
That’s where
I met Andrew Murray. For those who don’t know, Murray was a European Tour
regular up until the mid-nineties, and like me, he’s also from the North West.
From that moment, everything changed.
Your career went in a different direction, though, right?
Yes. I
started caddying for Andrew’s son, Tom.
Initially,
this was to gain experience and watch him play. We did Tour School, got to the
Final Stage, and Tom got his European Tour card. However, six or seven weeks
later, I found myself in the locker room with him at Leopard Creek in South
Africa and could see Sergio Garcia’s locker next to me.
I was
thinking, ‘what’s happening here?’
It really was a baptism of fire, but I learnt a lot.
Did you get the urge to try and make it on Tour as a pro yourself?
Looking
back now, I learnt more through my experience with Tom than I realised.
I’d say
that I learnt how to play golf by caddying for him and watching the pros on
Tour, instead of just going out and swinging the club.
We won a Challenge Tour event, but unfortunately, we didn’t manage to keep our card. However, the whole experience of caddying for three-and-a-half years and observing top coaches like Pete Cowen and Jamie Gough helped me on the path to where I am now – teaching.
So, your caddying days are behind you?
I learned so much. It was fantastic. However, the one thing I didn’t like so much was being away for 48 weeks of the year. It can be great, but I also wanted something stable, which is why I did my PGA qualifications. These took three years, and after that, I was a qualified PGA pro. It might not have been the route that I thought I’d take when I was 16 years old, but it’s turned out well in the end.
How did the YouTubing and social media come about?
The
YouTubing and social media came about via my girlfriend, to be perfectly honest.
It was her that first said, “You’ve got to be doing that – it’ll help you get
lessons” and so on. I’d say, ‘No, that’s not me, I’m not doing that!’
But, after
a lot of persuasion, I did it. I shot my first video about six years ago, and
it took about six hours to put together! It was great, though, and I just wished
I’d done it sooner.
Now, my YouTube channel, AlexElliottGolf, has nearly 125,000 subscribers (to date).
What sort of content can viewers expect from your YouTube channel?
There are
countless tips on every aspect of the game for golfers of all abilities. I get
a real buzz out of helping people play better golf. I’ve had chats with experts
like Karl Morris, too.
Karl has been involved with Major winners and provides all kinds of insight, which, as well as helping you play better golf, also provides light entertainment – something we all need at the moment (especially if we can’t get out and play!)
You’re clearly passionate about presenting – tell us more…
I
absolutely love it.
Instagram
came first. At first, I’d post fun stuff when I was on Tour caddying – pictures
of venues, locker rooms, and behind the scenes-type content. I enjoyed blogging
when I was on the road, too, and I started building a following.
That’s when I decided to move onto YouTube. It’s not the easiest thing to do in the world; in fact, it’s quite hard, but once you get going and people start relating to and engaging with your content, the momentum starts to build.
So, you learnt on the job?
Exactly. I watched a few other people and observed how they conducted themselves, but my girlfriend has been a massive help, too. She edits a lot of my content and tells me if I’m repeating myself or shouting at the camera. It helps that she can give me an honest opinion and tell me whether something is rubbish – you need that!
How do you deal with negative comments?
I just blank it out. I’m quite good at blocking those things out. It’s not that bad. However, when one of your peers tries to dig you out, that’s when it can hurt a little bit.
What’s your favourite piece of content you’ve created so far?
Playing
Carnoustie.
It was a course vlog with a bit of instruction on course management. With the grandstands up, too, it was like a boyhood dream of playing in The Open.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to amateur golfers?
I would
say that every time you go to the range, check your basics – so that’s your
grip, stance, and ball position.
These are
the fundamentals and have such a massive impact on what you do in your swing. Get
these basics as close to perfect as you can, and you’re already giving yourself
a much better chance of being a more consistent golfer.
I remember reading Ian Poulter’s book, ‘No Limits’. In that, he talks about perhaps not being the most naturally talented player, but he’s extremely diligent when it comes to the simple things, like the set-up. I see 99% of club golfers just wash over this and instead focus on more complex things.
What’s your finest achievement as a teaching pro?
During
lockdown, I started teaching someone that hadn’t played for a while.
He’d given up because of various injuries, and he wasn’t getting much enjoyment from the game anymore. Now, however, he’s joined a golf club, and he’s loving playing two or three times a week again. The more people I can help get out, the better.
Would you say that encouraging people to get back playing is what drives your YouTube content?
That’s right. I also think it’s a good platform to change the stereotype of the game. Golf is fun. We need to be doing all we can to get younger people playing, including juniors and ladies. There are currently many YouTubers doing some really good stuff to help showcase what golf is all about, which can only be good for the game.
And finally, what is TikTok?
TikTok is
a social media platform for short videos, often put to music, for the purpose
of entertainment.
That probably sounds horrendous to some people, but audience entertainment is integral to creating content. Although it can be rather amusing watching people dance, you certainly won’t see me doing that any time soon, however!
For all the
hype and media furore that often surrounds men’s golf, the quality of the
women’s game and women’s golfers mustn’t be forgotten either.
Like all sports, the pandemic has played havoc with women’s golf. However, the future has arguably never looked brighter as we enter the 2022 season.
Right now, the 2022 golfing calendar looks strong with more than 30 tournaments underpinned by the Aramco Series and the two Major Championships scheduled for Europe (The Evian in France and the Women’s British Open, which is being played at Muirfield, Edinburgh, in August.
As well as this, the Ladies European Tour, in particular, has benefited enormously from the success of last year’s Solheim Cup team, which won on American soil for only the second time in the event’s history.
We sat down with eight-times Ryder Cup player and three-times Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher to chat about which women’s golfers he’s tipping for success in 2022.
Here’s what he had to say…
9 women golfers to look out for in 2022: Bernard’s picks
1. Nelly Korda
Korda is currently ranked number one in the world (at the time of writing). At just 23 years old (at the beginning of the year), the daughter of Grand Slam tennis winner Petr Korda has already won an impressive seven tournaments in America. These include last year’s Women’s PGA Championship and the Olympic gold medal in Japan.
2. Leona Maguire
Irish superstar and former amateur number one golfer for a record 135 weeks, Maguire turned professional in 2018 and has impressed ever since. Most recently, she was a standout performer in the 2021 European Solheim Cup team. Her superb temperament and excellent technique make her one to watch this year for sure.
3. Jin Young Ko
Hailing from South Korea, Young Ko is ranked number two in the world (at the time of writing). She won the LPGA Golfer of the Year Award two years in a row in 2019 and 2020 and was the leading money winner in both plus in 2021, too. Young Ko has won 12 LPGA tournaments, including two majors to date. She’s an outstanding talent and certainly the one to beat in 2022.
4. Anna Nordqvist
Nordqvist is a quick, ‘no-nonsense’ type of player with an admirable technique. She currently plays on both the LPGA and European Ladies Tour. Nordqvist has won a total of nine tournaments in America, four in Europe and also has three majors to her name. One of her three majors successes came at the 2021 Women’s British Open at Carnoustie.
5. Lexi Thompson
A stalwart on the LPGA since first turning professional in 2015, Thompson is one of the most decorated women golfers. To date, she has 11 career wins under her belt, including one major. Her long hitting and dependable putting ability make her an exciting player to watch for sure. Interestingly, her two brothers, Nicholas and Curtis, are golfers, too. It must run in the family!
6. Georgia Hall
English star Hall has been playing professional golf since 2014 after a hugely successful amateur career. She currently plays on both the European Ladies Tour and the LPGA – the latter of which she has won twice. Known for her consistency, Hall won the Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham in 2018 and appeared on the European Tour Order of Merit in the same year and in 2017.
7. Charley Hull
Hull represents Woburn on both the European Ladies Tour and LPGA Tour, winning three times in Europe and once in America. In 2014, she became the first-ever golfer under the age of 18 to win the Ladies European Order of Merit. Hull is an excellent player to watch with an excellent swing – it can only be a matter of time before she wins a major.
8. Inbee Park
Another South Korean golfer on our list and my favourite women’s golfer, Park has dominated the LPGA Tour at times, bagging 21 wins since first turning professional in 2007. She’s also won three times in Europe, four in Japan and once in her native South Korea. If that wasn’t enough – she’s also won seven majors to date. Small in stature she might be at just 5’6’’, she’s not long off the tee, but an imperiously straight, superb putter with and the best tour temperament I’ve seen, female and male golfers included. The 33-year-old is totally calm under pressure and has many more career wins to come for sure. Remember the name.
9. Lydia Ko
New Zealander Ko is a real golfing prodigy. She was already a superstar on the LPGA Tour before she’d even turned 18, and to date, she remains the youngest player to win a Pro event and the youngest player to win an LPGA tournament. Ko is also the youngest player (women or men) to be crowned world number one. Still only 24 years old (at the beginning of 2022), she’s won 16 Tournaments on the LPGA and six on the Ladies European Tour, including two majors. After a slight dip in form, Ko returned to winning ways strongly in Hawaii in 2021. She also currently lies third in the Rolex Ladies World Rankings – definitely one to watch and look out for in 2022.
Many thanks to Bernard for sharing his favourite women’s golfers in 2022. Who are you backing on the fairway this year?
