Golf
he’s undertaken, but the course he was asked to create in Hertfordshire, UK – around a neglected 18th-century parkland littered with mature trees and beside the M25 motorway – was arguably tougher still. That it’s now one of the best courses in the UK is remarkable, and playing here gives golfers the chance to play 18 richly diverse holes amid a glorious slice of countryside. thegrove.co.uk
Have you played Here yet? the grove , hertfordshire , UK
Kyle Philips’ task to build a genuine links course in the desert (which he achieved with aplomb when delivering Yas Links) may sound like the toughest design assignment
HOW TO MasTer aWkWarD LIes Lesson #3 Lead foot higher than traiL foot
There are three stages to hitting the ball successfully from an uphill lie. Firstly, it’s vitally important that you select the correct club. As you are now effectively hitting the ball higher into the air, as it leaves the slope, it will travel less distance. Therefore, you should select a low lofted iron. Secondly, in order for
you to make solid contact with the ball you must take time to correctly adjust your set-up position. Try to simulate a level stance by aligning your shoulders with the slope, and induce the feeling that there is more weight on your trail foot. Obviously, to what extent you do this depends on the severity of the slope. On the higher gradient slopes, also be more aware than usual of your ball position, and edge forward in your stance to allow for solid contact. Lastly, make a smooth swing following the angle of the slope and try to maintain balance to the point of impact. Remember, golf is a difficult game even when hitting from a perfect lie, so don’t be too upset if you don’t get results straight away. Craig Waddell is a professional at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club.
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Were there an official award for the year’s best driver up for grabs, Callway’s outstanding Diablo Octane would blow away the competition. It offers exceptional speed; firstly through its lightweight shaft quickening your swing, and secondly through its chemically-enhanced cupface striking the ball faster. But the fact that you can connect pretty much anywhere on the clubface and still hit a straight-as-an-arrow drive is undoubtedly its most charitable offering. $300, callawaygolf.com