The majority of people learn golf to play golf but I am seeing far more success with people when they play golf to learn golf. Let me explain.

Is the handicapping allowance a real handicap? Andrew Wild from Sandford Springs discusses whether high handicappers should be given such a significant advantage during singles match play.

You will read lots about Bubba Watson and how he hasn't had a golf lesson in his life. This however is not strictly true.

It was a beautiful still, sunny day in Scotland (yes, Scotland). We drove into St Andrews and had a guided tour of the town by our host, professor Ian Percy. Fortunately for us the professor is a member of the R&A, plus a few other notable courses.

Sunday was a great day of sport. Watching football, the Carling Cup final, and also the World Matchplay golf. Fortunately, I did go for a run in the morning just to make sure I didn't spend all day on the sofa!

 

This is the time of year most of us take stock of things and reflect. What sort of a year have I had at work? Did I achieve the goals I set for the year? How many of my new year's resolutions have I stuck to? Have I reduced my handicap this year? I am sure these are all familiar thoughts for you at this time of year.

I had a really interesting conversation with one of my members about belly putters. The member is a very good low handicapper, has himself been through the 'yips', and has thankfully come out the other side. This was done without changing his traditional style - plus he's still managed to maintain his sense of humour - not easy when the trauma lasted a couple of years.

Whether you realise it or not humans are very good at finding the path of least resistance. There are many terms that you could use; I guess lazy might be one although sometimes it is a subconscious decision as well.

The general manager of Sandford Springs, Andy Wild, has completed a few crazy challenges in the past year. This time however was different - it was time to hop on the saddle - Lance Amstrong style, accompanied by his son.