Fighting Back: Rob Smith Golf Blog 3

Fighting Back: Rob Smith Golf Blog Two Steps Forward

As I mentioned in my last update, the next golf on my itinerary was a trip to Mallorca with a group of friends from the club where I am proud to be a member, Tandridge.

Blessed with perfect golfing weather, we played four varied courses which ranged from good to great, and by happy coincidence, each was better than the previous one.

I found it tricky trying to remember all that I have been working on with my coach Paul Foston (primarily alignment, stance and posture), at the same time as becoming more familiar with my excellent new Benross Hot Speed clubs – at the same time as fending off the jibes and taunts of my so-called friends.

The trip was a great laugh for all four days, but the severity of the courses meant that I didn't score anywhere near as well as I felt I had been playing.

This same odd mixture of hitting the ball better but failing to score was repeated back at home when I invited Steve Slinger to Tandridge to show him the substantial course changes that are nearing completion.

Steve is the General Manager at Mannings Heath Golf Club, and is a kindred spirit, a real golf course enthusiast.

He was very complimentary of all the work, and whilst I also wanted to talk to him about the difficulties in managing golf clubs through recession, I was keen to see what an experienced former teaching Pro' would make of my new swing.

Afterwards he told me, "What a difference a few lessons with a PGA professional makes! Your ball striking has improved tremendously, and with your new address position the control will certainly come - and so will the belief."

All very encouraging, especially as I am well aware that to become a better golfer involves changes that will from time to time see me moving two steps forward and one step back.

Next up will be a visit to Paul for my next lesson - number five - and then it will be time for some serious practice.