Table of contents for December 2017 in Golf Monthly

Photography: Getty Images The GM view: A lot of people, including several GM staff, felt it was curtains for Tiger’s career after he pulled out of the Dubai Desert Classic in February. While it’s encouraging to see him hitting full shots again, any optimism about a fully-fledged return has to be considered misguided at this point. @mrbpconnelly: If he just stays relaxed with the big stick and understands that he can’t outdrive everyone, we might get to see him compete again. shortgame: Admittedly I’m a cynic, but I think the videos are as much about him staying relevant as anything else. It’d be great if he could actually challenge again, but I fear his body is broken, his head has gone, the game has moved on and he’s not feared…

Copyright: 2017 TI Golf Holdings, Inc, reprinted with permission It can play as short as a wedge, but the par-3 17th on the Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass is the most feared hole on the PGA Tour. Water is a common feature on golf courses all around the world, so here's how you can stay high and dry the next time you face an island or a semi-island green. 1 Know your number Picking the distance to the hole isn't enough – you need to know the number to the back and front edges if you want to make the right club selection. Take an iron that lets you hit the green even if you don't hit the middle of the club, but that won't fly the putting surface if…

BIOFLOW WRISTBAND Now with added durability, Central Reverse Polarity magnet technology is said to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation and restore natural pH levels. WILSON DX2 OPTIX BALLS The low-compression range now boasts a scuff-resistant matte finish in five colours, a larger core for more yards and shallower dimples for a higher flight. MIZUNO FRAME WALKER STAND BAG The external framework provides strength and added shaft protection. It also has a four-way top and an umbrella holder. VOLVIK VIVID SHERBERT ORANGE BALLS The eighth colour of the world’s first matte-finish coloured golf ball. Aimed at golfers with slower swing speeds.…

Irons Mizuno MP-25, 3- and 4-iron, Mizuno MP-5, 5-PW, Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 TX-Flex shafts. Fairway wood 2017 TaylorMade M1, 15°, Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana D+ 80TX shaft. He sometimes uses a 2017 TaylorMade M1 19° 5-wood. Wedges Titleist Vokey SM6, 52° F Grind, 56° S Grind, 60° K Grind, Nippon N.S. Pro Modus3 Tour 120 X-Flex shafts. Putter Scotty Cameron Newport 2 Prototype. Driver 2017 TaylorMade M2, 10.5°, Mitsubishi Rayon Diamana LEX D+ 70TX Prototype shaft. Ball Titleist Pro V1.…

“Surely the proper test should be avoiding the hazards rather than reaching the green?” YES What a timely moment for this debate, with the USGA presenting this year's Walker Cup competitors with the shortest par 3 ever used in a USGA championship. They moved the tees on the 15th at Los Angeles Country Club up to a mere 78 yards – not even a full lob wedge for most playing. Reaction was mixed among the players – some really liked it, some were a little bemused. Perhaps more importantly, the fans loved it. This may, in part, have been because they were able to stand around the green not fearing the arrival of a stray ball, as even top players are nowhere near as accurate with long clubs, especially those…

Photography: Tom Miles It's been a frustrating season for me with respect to injuries. I hurt my right wrist earlier this year and it flared up again at the Alfred Dunhill. I had to withdraw from that, as well as the Italian Open. When it gets to the point where it's affecting your swing, you have to just step away and make sure you get to the root of the problem. It's hard when you're missing Rolex Series events, but I should be playing again by the time you read this. The injury probably stemmed from trying to get my wrist set a bit stronger and overdoing the practice. It's a pretty common place for a golfer to get injured, and it can be hard from a psychological standpoint to…

Antalya, Turkey, November 2014. The European Tour has reached its penultimate stop of the year: the Turkish Airlines Open. With a total prize fund of $7 million, this is one of the most lucrative events of the season. Wherever you look, players are working hard on their games and hoping to unlock that magical, career-defining performance. For one player, however, this is the end of the road. Once his final putt drops, there will be no more grinding, no more hotel hopping and no more prize money. Having won €8 million over the last 18 years on tour, David Lynn has decided that golf is now his past, not his future. Despite the fact he's exempt for the following year, his mind is made up. Enough is enough. Fast forward…

1 Keep it natural Many overcomplicate things at address and adopt some fairly unnatural positions that look awkward. It all works best if we let nature dictate how we stand to the ball. For example, when you're walking along, every step will typically be about shoulder width apart – not too wide or too narrow. When you clap your hands, the palms come together naturally in the middle – not too far forward or too far back. Everything is natural. As you walk, your back is straight, your chest is out and your head is held high, especially if you've just birdied the last! If you factor all this in and now just bend from the hips and flex the knees, you'll be in good shape no matter what club…

Is there anything more frustrating than hitting two great shots just short of a par 5, only to duff your pitch and somehow walk off with a bogey? It's an issue that has been plaguing Golf Monthly reader James Dandridge in recent times. The long-hitting 15-handicapper has the swing of a confident low-handicapper, but as soon as you put a wedge in his hand, it all seems to go wrong. Exasperated, he applied to take part in one of our reader lessons. Tasked with orchestrating the turnaround was Golf Monthly Top 25 Coach Paul Foston, a Kent-based golf professional who has taught beginners right through to European Tour winners. So, during an autumnal afternoon on the stunning short-game area at The London Club, could Paul give James some much-needed hope?…

 The MP-18 MMC is for the golfer who wants extra distance but in an iron that boasts a tour-ready profile at address. “THE IMPRESSIVE DESIGN MEANS THESE IRONS PACK PLENTY OF PUNCH WHILE STILL LOOKING TRADITIONAL BEHIND THE BALL” Joel Tadman, technical editor Key technology The MMC stands for Multi Material Cavity, and features both titanium (8g) and heavier tungsten (20g) components sealed within its 1025E mild carbon steel head to boost both ball speed and forgiveness. The MMC model will flow into any MP-18 split set, with the degree of offset carefully calculated to work equally well within a custom-built mixed set that includes either MP-18 or MP-18 SC irons, once lofts have been weakened to match up. How we tested We hit multiple irons in the set on…

The G400 Crossover is aimed at players who prefer the look of an iron over a hybrid. Key technology Ping has increased ball speed through use of a maraging steel face that is stronger and thinner than the previous G Crossover. This helps the G400 launch the ball 20 per cent higher, and with more speed, to provide 30 per cent more stopping power. A 20g tungsten toe weight increases forgiveness for 17 per cent tighter dispersion and 45 per cent less shot bend on off-centre hits. How we tested We used a 22° G400 4-Crossover over a number of rounds and collected dry-ball data from our GC2 launch monitor. LOOKS The new chrome finish matches the irons in Ping’s range and we think that’s a smart move. The G400…

The final straw? When are The R&A and the USGA going to bite the bullet? We've recently seen new course records at Carnoustie (63, by Tommy Fleetwood) and at St Andrews (61, by Ross Fisher, which could have been a 59). Is it not time to restrict the distance the ball travels? I admit that weather conditions over the weekend were very benign, but the Dunhill Links has been held in benign conditions before. I also checked the statistics for The Open at Royal Birkdale and the average driving distance on both the 15th and 17th holes was 307 yards. It's not rocket science to reduce the distance a golf ball will go – make it bigger or lighter or change the dimple pattern. Colin Tait, via email Editor’s response:…

"I'VE JUST SWITCHED TO THE TITLEIST 818 H2 AND IT HAS HELPED ME FIND MORE FAIRWAYS" Joel Tadman, technical editor You might only carry one in your bag (this could be your first mistake, but we’ll come onto this later), but the hybrid is one of the most versatile clubs at your disposal. So it’s crucial you pick the right one for your swing and how you plan to use it most. Hybrids are not exclusively limited to game-improvers, though – often tour players will opt for them over the intimidating long-iron. Why? Because they are easier to hit and they can be used in a whole host of scenarios during a round. Off the tee, they are worthy replacements for a driver on a tight par 4 where…

Tiger’s new irons? Tiger Woods was spotted using irons stamped with TGR during a clinic. An old Nike set rebranded, or a new model in partnership with TaylorMade? We shall see. FootJoy seeding in full flow Kiradech Aphibarnrat was one of a number of players wearing a new sporty prototype FootJoy shoe at the Italian Open. Who’s the Daddy? Sergio Garcia used at least one Callaway Mack Daddy 4 prototype wedge at the British Masters. The model has four weight ports in the back, similar to the MD3, to reposition CG higher.…

Photography: Kevin Murray Private golf clubs have obviously been around for years and years, but I grew up playing on a nine-hole municipal course right next to my house in New South Wales, Australia. I used to go down and steal golf balls off the locals. I used to stand around and they would ask me, “son, do you know where that ball went?” and I'd tell them no, because I knew I could sell it to the next guy who came around. Boys will be boys, eh? One day, the local council splurged out on an extension, turning the nine-holer into a 15-hole masterpiece. You could play the front nine, or you could play the back six, which I think is a fantastic idea in this day and age.…

1 XANDER SCHAUFFELE Greenbrier Classic The 23-year-old Californian first caught the eye with a 5th-place finish in the US Open. Three weeks later, Schauffele shot a final-round 67 to claim his maiden victory, before going on to become the first rookie to win the Tour Championship. 2 JORDAN SMITH Porsche European Open The Englishman's rapid rise through the ranks has been nothing short of sensational. Two EuroPro Tour wins in 2015; two Challenge Tour wins in 2016 en route to topping the rankings; and then a victory in his first full year on tour in July's Porsche European Open. 3 JULIAN SURI Made in Denmark Suri won the D+D REAL Czech Challenge on the Challenge Tour in May, then shot 65, 64 over the weekend in Denmark to claim his…

Golf Monthly has teamed up with the market-leading electric trolley company, PowaKaddy, to offer one lucky reader the sensational new Compact C2 trolley and stunning Dri Edition cart bag. One runner-up will also take home PowaKaddy's feature-packed Premium cart bag. Powered by the thinnest 18-hole Lithium battery on the market, our winner's Compact C2 will also come with several accessories geared to help year-round performance, including Winter Wheels and an Umbrella. Launched earlier this year, the Compact C2 boasts an innovative simple-2-foldTM system that allows the sleek trolley to be set up and packed away in just two simple folds. As well as its incredibly simple folding mechanism, the C2 also offers a full-colour widescreen display and a USB Charging Port to charge GPS devices and smartphones. The winner's trolley…

I've always felt pitching is a real strength of mine. It's something I've worked on constantly – since I was 14 or 15 it's been a real emphasis in my practice. Then you come out on tour and the best guys in the world are so much better, which is another reason why I've really worked hard at it. I always start my practice sessions by putting cones out at 80, 100 and 120 yards and practising to them. I believe it's a part of the game where you can really save a lot of shots. I don't just mean hitting it in close for birdies, either. Rather than taking on the one in ten shot from the trees or over water, if you can hit it out to a…

1 Three keys to putting in the wind For me, there are three key elements to putting well when the wind gets up. Number one is stability –without it your stroke and strike will never really be consistent. The second thing is rhythm as wind can affect that; and finally distance control, which is vital on the long-range putts you're more likely to face when the wind gets up. 2 Stability is king Stability is the number-one priority in the wind, so I would recommend making your stance a little wider but with the ball in the same position relative to your front foot. Then place a little more weight on your left side so you're firmly rooted. The more stable you can be at address, the easier it will…

Photography: Daniel Gould Paul’s assessment James wanted to work on 40- to 100-yard shots, but the best place to start was from 20 yards so I could see his technique up close. I noticed straight away that his lead wrist was collapsing through impact, which helped explain the inconsistency he had with fats and thins. He also had quite a long swing for the length of shot, which was causing him to decelerate and lose out on speed – essential for spin creation. There were a couple of other small things – his grip near the butt of the club and his ball position – which were hampering the quality of his strike. Paul’s remedy We started by practising a simplified technique with less individual moving parts. So rather than…

The 718 AP2 is aimed at good players who want forgiveness and distance consistency, as well as a compact look. Key technology This forgiving, multi-material iron boasts a thinner forged body and face insert constructed of high-strength steel that increases launch and ball speed for more distance. An improved CG progression, with a lower and more centred CG in the long-irons, improves speed performance on off-centre hits for precise distance control. Forgiveness and stability are delivered through precise perimeter weighting and a unique co-forged construction, with an average of 57.4 grams of high-density tungsten placed in the heel and toe of the long-and mid-irons. How we tested We were custom fitted at the Titleist National Fitting Centre in St Ives using TrackMan and then tested the irons out on the…

This is for those happy to pay a premium for the best-performing golf outerwear. Key technology The full-zip Bruce jacket is made from windproof and highly breathable Gore Windstopper fabric. The upper body and sleeves feature a soft Polyamide fabric with PrimaLoft padding and Gore Windstopper lining. The lower front and back is made from lightweight Gore Windstopper three-layer fabric to sustain a core body temperature. How we tested We wore the Bruce jacket and the Dean Insula over a number of rounds, when appropriate. STYLING The mixture of padded and smooth areas creates a trendy and pleasing aesthetic. Yes, it is all black, but the subtle detailing, like the Galvin Green logos and the white zipper trim, add that hint of style. PLAYABILITY We liked how the Bruce jacket…

Photography: Daniel Gould Golf clothing has evolved almost beyond recognition over the last 20 years, with lightweight stretch fabrics banishing thick woolly fleeces from the golf course forever. The relatively new ‘layering’ concept is also now widely seen as the best way to maximise your warmth and movement, while reducing the chances of overheating and sweating as you walk and play. FootJoy, a brand that only focuses on golf, has always been at the forefront of testing new fabrics that might help golfers improve their performance and on-course comfort, and its new Autumn/ Winter collection is no different. Keen to test the new styles and materials, we arranged for two Golf Monthly readers to receive a range of FJ clothing for this edition of Tested By You. Armed with their…

Photography: Tom Miles “It takes longer now than when I was a lad and it took too long then. It’s moved down so many gears it’s in danger of killing the whole shebang” Old, breaking news... golf voted world's most boring sport after online poll of 2,000 people who claim to be adults! Oh dear, who'd have thought it. Why would golf with its complex rules, its often irritating dress code and its tendency to take an age come out top of such a poll? Why would a game soaked in history, in myth and legend and, often, in downright lies have so irritated a modern world so irreversibly entranced by speed of movement and the ability to start something new before finishing the task already begun? Indeed, why would…

Photography: Getty Images A helping hand I felt compelled to write in having read last month’s debate on whether clubs should offer free membership to children. There were some good arguments made on both sides, but in my mind, the most salient point came from Jeremy Ellwood. We have to be proactive in order to secure future memberships and ensure there is indeed a ‘next generation’. Giving juniors the opportunity to become hooked on this great game is the best way to go about doing that. As Jeremy also notes, happy juniors mean happy parents, who may also choose to get involved. Jacob Thyme, Solihull Editor’s reply: Well said, Jacob. There are many people and organisations working tirelessly to safeguard the future, including the Golf Foundation. You can read more…

CALLAWAY APEX M & X FORGED IRONS Callaway last launched an Apex muscleback iron in late 2014, but a new model has been seen out on tour in recent months, including in Rory McIlroy's bag earlier in the year. Loyal Callaway staffer Phil Mickelson has also been spotted using a new cavity-back iron, and it turns out they are the new Apex MB and X Forged irons respectively. The Apex MB came about via feedback from tour players, who wanted a classic, traditional shape with a thinner topline. The irons are forged from 1025 carbon steel for the super-soft feel you expect from a muscleback model. Callaway has also optimised the centre-of-gravity locations inside the heads to improve performance. To reduce the effect of fliers from the rough, new high-performance…

1 What is the main thing to consider? You need to know what profile of attack you have before you start. If it's steep, a deeper face is usually better; if it's shallow, a normal or shallow face is generally preferable. Length of hybrids is also something to be aware of. Sometimes they are a little long for most people, so having one that's slightly shorter can lead to better control and a more centered strike. 2 What about the shaft? The shaft is important because the weight needs to flow with the set. The biggest mistake people make is getting the gapping incorrect and the shaft plays a part here, along with the loft. Know where the break line is – 5-iron to 4-hybrid, for example – and match…

TaylorMade has agreed to release Sergio Garcia him from his contract Chris Kirk has ended his deal with PXG, reverting to a mixed bag of brands Ross Fisher shot a St Andrews course record (61) with Mizuno JPX900 Tour irons Tommy Fleetwood put a Titleist 917 driver in play at the Dunhill Links Kiradech Aphibarnrat used the Callaway Apex MB irons at the Italian Open Pat Perez won the CIMB Classic with an M1 driver and the rest PXG…

One of the toughest challenges you'll face on the course is a delicate chip from a difficult lie. When the ball isn't sitting perfectly, you want to swing with conviction. So how do you do that when the flag isn't far away and the ball is on a scruffy patch of grass? One option is to hit the ball with the toe of your putter. Turn the putter around and take your normal putting grip, but narrow your stance a little and place the ball a fraction behind centre in your stance. You should also set a little more weight on your left side than usual. This will help you find the downward angle of attack into the ball that will prevent the club from getting snagged in the grass.…

1 Know how far you hit each club. Get on a reputable launch monitor and find out your carry distance for every club, from lob wedge to driver. Using a laser rangefinder, like the Bushnell Pro X2, gives you precise distances to the flag. 2 Keep the big numbers off your card. If you get a shot on a hole, know that a bogey is not a bad score. The key is to avoid doubles and triples. 3 Do your research. Know the best side to miss the fairway or green and hit away from the trouble. 4 Play within yourself. Go with your natural shot shape on the day and take risk out of the shot by playing the low-tariff option – the shot you know you are capable…

1 Common faults Good rotation is essential for strike, power, distance and control. If anything is out of sync, any or all of the above will suffer. One of the most common faults on the backswing would be the upper body swaying away from the ball to the trail side rather than turning, tilting and extending while remaining centred on the hips. Then there is the classic reverse pivot, where the weight moves way too much onto the lead side. Both of these lead to power-sapping inefficient moves in the downswing. 2 Good rotation With the sway to the right, yes, you've turned the upper body, but you haven't extended your spine angle to retain position and thus control your rotation. What you actually need to do is keep the…

Photography: Kevin Murray JORDAN SMITH THE STATS 300 Average driving distance (yards) 67.2% Driving accuracy 70.73 Stroke average 70.6% Greens in regulation It would be fair to say Jordan Smith's rise from EuroPro Tour to Challenge Tour and European Tour has been meteoric, with a maiden victory, a Major top ten and a world top 100 spot already under his belt. When you look at his swing, it's not hard to see why – it's pretty orthodox, with no dramatic or quirky talking points. He has classic angles at address, with the hips nicely under the shoulders – what I would call a ‘quiet' set-up. If you look at his head, there's just a hint of a look to the right before he takes the club away, as Jack Nicklaus…

This ball is aimed at those who want affordable distance without losing out too much on a soft feel or control. Key technology The UK’s best-selling two-piece golf ball for the past 11 years now features a lower-compression core, a new third-generation Spin Skin coating and a more efficient 338 Aerodynamic Speed Dimple Pattern. These three technologies combine to deliver balanced performance, including longer and more accurate driving distance, better iron control and improved greenside spin. How we tested We played a round using the new AD333 ball at West Hill Golf Club and compared it to our current ball of choice. DISTANCE The AD333 delivers excellent distance without feeling overly firm. In fact, off the tee, the feel is similar to that of a premium ball, but it offers…

"Garcia is no spring chicken and could be forgiven for cashing in on Major success" Sergio Garcia has been the TaylorMade and Adidas golf poster boy for 15 years, and in that time he's amassed 19 worldwide wins, culminating in the biggest of all at The Masters earlier this year. With money talking louder than ever, this kind of loyalty is a rare thing, which is why, in a way, it's sad to see the two part ways. One thing I'm certain of is that it has nothing to do with any concerns over the performance of the equipment. Sergio's record puts paid to that argument. The fact is that TaylorMade has recently been sold by Adidas to a private equity firm, whose job it is to scrutinise every financial…

SPORTY PERFORMANCE UNDER ARMOUR APPAREL This Windstrike half-zip has a four-way stretch fabric, like many other UA garments, to enhance your mobility. TECHNICAL FABRICS GALVIN GREEN APPAREL Lightweight Gore fabrics, like those in this Blake Windstopper half-zip top, offer maximum protection without the bulk. STYLISH LOOKS PUMA APPAREL This PwrWarm Extreme wind top is stylish and has a water-repellent finish, so you get the best of both worlds. TRADITIONAL STYLING PING APPAREL Ping has introduced new materials for 2017 which provide lightweight, thermal insulation and water resistance.…

STAY Guildford Harbour Hotel Don't be fooled by the name as this beautifully-appointed four-star hotel is far from the sea. A part of the Harbour chain, it is close to the town centre but with easy access to all of the golf clubs included here and more. There are 183 bedrooms, and you'll also find a spa, the award-winning Jetty Restaurant and the trendy Long Bar. W: guildford-harbour-hotel.co.uk EAT/DRINK The Queen’s Head, East Clandon The leafy villages of West Surrey are packed with characterful pubs, and the charming Queen's Head is no exception. Beneficiary of a recent refit and upgrade, the pub serves a wide range of local beers and gins from its extensive drinks menu, and the varied and regularly changing food offerings feature local ingredients whenever possible. W:…