Table of contents for Dec-2018 in Golf Monthly

Ever since the Articles and Laws in Playing at Golf were published in 1744 by the Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, the Rules by which golf is played have been a work in progress. Many of the revisions over the intervening 275 years have been evolutionary and sought to address the changing nature of variables such as golf equipment. At other points in time more fundamental changes have been introduced, driven by the rulemakers' desire to review the overall philosophy and presentation of the Rules. The new Rules that come into effect on January 1, 2019 certainly fall into the later category, and the changes are widely acknowledged as the most comprehensive revisions for decades. The number of Rules has been cut from 34 to 24 and many of the changes…

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TAYLORMADE P760 IRON TaylorMade has added a new iron to its P700 series in the form of the P760, a progressive forged players' iron. It replaces both the P750 and the P770, giving players the performance of P750 in the short-irons and improving on the performance of P770 in the long-irons. Each iron is individually optimised to provide tour-calibre shaping and performance, but the progressive design of P760 isn't just in the shaping. They transition from single-piece 1025 carbon steel forged heads in the 8-PW/AW – which results in excellent feel and shot-shaping capability – to forged hollow bodies injected with TaylorMade's SpeedFoam in the 3- to 7-irons. Like we saw in the popular P790, the hollow cavity in the long-irons produces consistently long distance, while adding forgiveness to maintain…

1 Which model in the line is your favourite? I would say the Fetch. It was fun to see this project come to fruition and we feel very proud to have a new model with such unique and valuable features, as well as a great, intriguing look and sneakily high forgiveness for a smaller putter. Personally, I love the look of the ZB 2. With softer ballasts than an Anser, it blends a classic design with modern engineering. 2 Why is getting the right length of putter so important? Simply put, because people putt better when they can adjust the length to something comfortable for them. We've tested multiple ways and always find that a simple self-adjustment by the player yields better distance control in particular. 3 How have you…

Marc Leishman won the CIMB Classic with Callaway Rogue woods in his bag Eddie Pepperell won the British Masters with Mizuno JPX919 Tour irons Lee Westwood has switched to the Ping Sigma 2 Fetch putter Players have begun using the new FootJoy StaSof glove on tour Sergio Garcia defended at Valderrama with Callaway Apex MB irons Brooks Koepka won the CJ Cup with a Nike Vapor Fly Pro 3-iron in play…

2010 Makes the cut in the HP Byron Nelson as an amateur 2012 Finishes T-21st at the US Open and low amateur 2013 Earns his first PGA Tour victory at the John Deere Classic and is named the PGA Tour's Rookie of the Year 2014 Finishes runner-up to Bubba Watson at The Masters and makes his Ryder Cup debut at Gleneagles 2015 After winning the Valspar Championship in March, he wins his first Major at The Masters in record-breaking fashion. Follows it up with victory at the US Open and wins the FedExCup 2016 Matches Tiger Woods by winning his seventh PGA Tour event before the age of 23 2017 After winning the AT&T at Pebble Beach and the Travelers Championship, he wins The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, his…

1 Step drill One of the most common faults in the game is the reverse pivot – when your body weight shifts in the wrong direction during the swing (away from the target during the downswing). This causes inconsistent contacts and is also one of the key contributors to slices and pulls. To rectify the problem, try the step drill. Address the ball as normal, but before you start your swing, move your left foot over to your right. Make a normal backswing from here, and then start the downswing with a side step. This will get your weight moving in the correct direction through the downswing. 2 Barrel drill Another great way to check how your body is working is to place two alignment sticks in the ground either…

The slice is one of the most common afflictions among club golfers, especially with the driver, which has the least loft and therefore accentuates any sidespin. At best it robs you of distance and takes greens out of range; at worst it sees you deep in the forest or having to reload after cutting one beyond the OOB fence. Golf Monthly reader Simon Thorne was having such problems with his driver that he had actually stopped carrying one, and although relying on his 3-wood meant he could keep it on the course, this too was costing him yards. Realising this, Simon applied for one of our ‘Help!' lessons with renowned Top 25 Coach Barney Puttick, and a couple of weeks later found himself on the practice ground at Ashdown West…

FEATURES Plentiful. Off the tee, lay-up arcs and the moveable pointer help plot strategy, while the list of distances to carry and reach hazards is useful to scroll through on all shots. DISPLAY Large, bright and extremely clear – it really is like looking at a modern-day smartphone. It's also glove friendly and it's easy to navigate through the different viewing options. This handheld GPS is aimed at golfers looking for lots of features, as well as accurate, easy-to-digest distance information from their device. Key technology Replacing the Touch, the SX500 features a 5” full HD colour touch screen and uses in-built Wi-Fi to download the latest, ground-verified courses from more than 35,000 available for improved accuracy. The green view will dynamically rotate to show the information from the golfer’s…

STYLING It manages to look both premium and understated. It feels soft to touch and is surprisingly lightweight and stretchy when you swing. FEATURES The drawstring hem at the waist allows for a tailored fit and the low-cut collar ensures it doesn't interfere with your swing. There's also a double-zip if you need it. This is for golfers seeking a warm, stylish and versatile jacket to wear through the changing seasons. Key technology The Norse Primaloft Zoned is part of a range that includes the Norse and Norse Fleece. It is engineered for warmth and wind protection using Zoned Primaloft Silver Active Insulation on the upper front and back, combined with a lightweight, stretch outer fabric. It also has a highly breathable and water-resistant finish. How we tested We wore…

Asparkling new set of irons is a hot contender in golf’s ‘most exciting purchases’ category. It’s also one of the most expensive investments you’ll make, so it’s important to be fully up to speed before you go punching in your PIN. In recent years, material and design improvements have allowed manufacturers to target every skill level, from game improvers and beginners to single-figure handicappers and professionals – and everyone in between. The plus side is that consumers have numerous options, although it can be difficult to reach a decision and make the correct choice. What head design will best suit my ball-striking ability? Will a standard set from the pro shop shelf be adequate? (Answer: most probably not). What’s the difference between forged and cast heads? Do I need steel…

SANDIWAY Cheshire This undulating and extremely enjoyable course will celebrate its centenary in just over a year. Packed with variety, it was originally laid out through forestry by Ted Ray with subsequent modifications in 1926 by the great Harry Colt. Free-draining, it runs through beech on the higher ground as well as oak and fir, and every hole is a new and fresh challenge. The stiffest test comes from the long par 4s, especially on the back nine where there are lovely views over neighbouring Petty Pool. An absolute joy from start to finish. W: sandiwaygolf.co.uk GF: Round: £60wd; Day: £70 KILLARNEY County Kerry Bordering the shore of the exceedingly pretty Lough Leane, the Killeen course at Killarney is understandably one of the most photographed in golf. The opening holes…

The GM view: It was initially hoped the level of detail in Green Books would speed up play, but most would concede they have had the opposite effect. Golf’s governing bodies have now limited their size and scale, but some have questioned how much this will change. Morris Slade: In my mind, this situation isn’t dissimilar to the anchored putter debacle, in the sense that the game’s lawmakers allowed something to be introduced that probably shouldn’t have been and were then forced to take action. I would guess that size and scale have been limited instead of a widespread ban because of fears over potential legal action. Stephen Bonnington: Green Books are just another way to slow up the game. Gary Player was right when he said that being able…

A common cause of power loss is hanging back coming into impact. This prevents you getting the required pressure across to your left side that initiates power as you won't be able to push off properly. This drill will help you develop a powerful rotational move through the ball. Start with your feet together on your backswing as this is ideal for rotating fully. Then, just before you get to the top, move your left foot 12 inches towards the target. This lights the blue touch paper for power by giving you the forward momentum that will allow you to generate the required pressure in your left foot, from which you can then rotate and push up. This downward movement into your left foot loads the muscles by stretching them…

FOOTJOY PRO/SL SHOE FJ has added a new upper pattern and colours. The black and grey styles are available from Nov 15; the others pictured come on Jan 15, 2019. ZEROFIT HEATRUB ULTIMATE BASE LAYER Special fibres on the inside rub against the skin to create instant frictional heat, making it feel warm as soon as you put it on. GOLFSTREAM WATERPROOF CART BAG Weighing just 2.1kg, it has nine pockets and 14 dividers with soft-top shaft protectors to stop damage when going in and out. SUN MOUNTAIN SPEED CART GX PUSH A redesigned handle allows for a larger mesh, while a built-in bracket holds the accessory Speed Cart seat.…

Irons Titleist 718 CB (3- and 5-iron), Titleist 718 MB (6- to 9-iron), Project X LZ 6.5 shafts. Fairway wood Titleist TS2, 15°, Mitsubishi Rayon Tensei 70 x shaft. Putter Titleist Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2 Tour. Utility iron Titleist 718 T-MB 2-iron, Mitsubishi Rayon Tensei 90 x shaft. Driver Titleist TS3, 8.5°, Mitsubishi Rayon Tensei Blue 70 x shaft. Wedges Titleist Vokey SM7, 46°, 52°, 56° and 60°, Project X LZ 6.5 shafts. Ball Titleist Pro V1.…

YES If golf club members utilise and enjoy their club to the full, it will be a lively, positive and welcoming place. The bar levy is not a way to squeeze more money out of the members, it's a method for ensuring they get value from their membership. The last thing a club wants is a brigade of ‘car park golfers', – those who turn up, play and leave. A club needs the members to want, and to get, more than that. If the members don't use the clubhouse, it has no character or atmosphere. The staff become demoralised and everything is a struggle. Visiting groups find the clubhouse dreary and unwelcoming and choose to go elsewhere for next year's event. The club steadily deteriorates. The bar levy reminds members…

Photography: Kevin Murray Us golfers are a strange old lot. Did I ever tell you about the time when I was a young assistant pro competing in events back home in Australia? One day, I was sitting at the cab rank waiting for my taxi to show up to take me to one of these tournaments. It appeared and in I popped, full of enthusiasm – in my last year of playing in these events I won seven out of the 11 that I entered. Not this time though! About 60 minutes into the journey I suddenly had a horrible thought and asked the taxi driver to stop. Much to my dismay, I'd left my clubs at the taxi rank. We turned around, but when we got back they were…

1997 The original ColdGear Mock has a soft, brushed inner layer that circulates heat and a protective outer layer 2003 UA launches its first women's clothing range 2005 UA enters the golf market with its first performance polo shirts 2006 Armour Fleece combines a soft, brushed inner layer with a smooth, fast-drying outer layer. The comfortable interior traps heat for complete warmth 2010 Under Armour surpasses $1 billion in annual revenue, almost quadrupling revenues in a five-year period 2011 Charged cotton is introduced. It has the comfort of cotton but dries faster and wicks moisture more effectively 2012 Coldblack is first used, a fabric that reflects heat to black out the sun and help you stay cool, dry and protected 2013 ColdGear Infrared debuts – a ceramic print that absorbs…

Gore-Tex has long set the benchmark in waterproof protection and it just so happens that its main office is less than an hour's drive from Under Armour's Baltimore base in Elkton. Given their close proximity to each other, as well as Gore-Tex's reputation for producing high-performance products, Under Armour is unsurprisingly a licensee and has a selection of Gore-Tex garments in its latest Autumn/Winter18/19 collection. The relationship between the companies is a symbiotic one. They get together a handful of times a year for brainstorming sessions, with Gore's development team showing UA designers the new fabrics and how they can be applied in golf apparel and Under Armour coming armed with golf-specific ideas to be incorporated into new designs. UA is always looking for fabrics that have good stretch to…

Lianwei Zhang Lianwei Zhang was the first Chinese golfer to enjoy significant success on the international circuit. He won the Caltex Masters in 2003 and in doing so became the first Chinese player to win on the European Tour. He played in The Masters the following year – the first Chinese appearance at Augusta. Shanshan Feng Shanshan Feng has enjoyed a glittering career on the LPGA Tour. She was the first player from China to join in 2008, she's won nine times on the circuit and she became China's first Major winner at the 2012 Kraft Nabisco Championship. She reached World No.1 in November 2017 and she's the current Olympic bronze-medal holder. Ashun Wu Ashun Wu has won three times on the European Tour – more than any other Chinese…

Barney’s assessment Simon had made a little change to his grip about a month before, which had helped as his new grip was much stronger on the club. But he had a little idiosyncrasy in his swing where his lower half tended to just slide a little bit away from the ball, with a tendency, I would imagine, for his knees and hips to slide a little more in the heat of battle. The trouble was that this slide then gave him a weaker position at the top, from where there was then a real propensity to cast the club, generating an out-to-in path that was causing his slice. Barney’s remedy A few simple drills got Simon hitting it more from the inside, with no slice and even a soft…

LOOKS A generous topline has been combined with minimal offset in a pleasing shape. The white bottom score line against the darker finish makes the clubhead very easy to align. PERFORMANCE We found the 7-iron provided ample distance with fairly low spin on a mid trajectory, with carry distances reassuringly consistent. This iron is aimed at mid-handicap golfers looking for distance and stability with a modern look. Key technology As well as a thinner and stronger forged 4140 stainless steel face for increased ball speed, a carbon fibre medallion dampens vibration to provide a softer, solid feel. High-density tungsten weights in the heel and toe of the clubhead mean the GC is lowered and centred for added forgiveness. The shafts feature progressive weighting, increasing in 3g increments from lightest in…

“WE’RE SEEING A TREND TOWARDS SMALLER IRONS THAT STILL GO A LONG WAY, BUT BEFORE YOU MAKE THE SWITCH, THINK ABOUT WHETHER YOU REALLY NEED TO HIT YOUR IRONS FURTHER” Joel Tadman, GM technical editor Blades look fantastic, but even tour pros often don't play them. Consider if you'd get more enjoyment from the game with a more forgiving iron set. Get custom fitted. If you want to get the most from the latest technology, avoid buying from the shelf – you'll just end up adjusting your swing to suit the clubs. Buying a new set may disrupt the gaps into your hybrids and woods. Each club should hit a certain number. A pro will help you get properly gapped.…

THE GOLF Par 72, 6,530 yards What surprises visitors is just how good this parkland layout is and why it isn't better known. Two lakes anchor the centre of the course, with tumbling terrain taking you on a rollercoaster over the county's famous drumlins. From the 1st you get no inkling of the brilliance that follows, but from the par-4 2nd tee that all changes. This is SI 1 and it doglegs around a lake before rising to the green. The view from the high tee makes it abundantly clear that beauty and drama await. Slieve Russell's unforgettable stretch starts at the par-3 11th and finishes with the constantly curling par-5 15th, clinging to Lough Rudd. Water threatens everywhere and this is where your mettle will be truly tested. n…

Photography: Tom Miles Apparently, the latest research suggests that among the advantages of growing older is the fact that one learns to care less and possibly love more. I'm not so sure, as my own research tends to show that results of recent research into anything ultimately will be disproved by further research by academicians who have nothing better to do with their – or our – lives. However, this study into the lives and foibles of those of us old enough to remember properly watching Tony Jacklin win his Open Championship and Neil Armstrong step on the big cheese in the sky offers some small advantages to counter the discovery that, ultimately, the knee joint isn't properly up to the job it was designed to do. Whatever, when it…

Twitter peak Brendan Steele tweeted an image of the new Wilson Staff D7 fairway wood, saying he was planning on putting it in play at the Safeway Open. Instant take up Images of new Mizuno ST190 and ST190G drivers were released during the British Masters. Staffer Marcus Fraser put one straight in the bag en route to making the cut. Blueprint for success Louis Oosthuizen was seen using new Ping Blueprint irons at the Alfred Dunhill Links. He told us the feel and workability were slightly better than the iBlade irons he used before.…

Jordan Spieth UA first contacted Spieth as a freshman in college. He has since won three Majors, as well as eight other PGA Tour titles and a FedExCup. He’s also been World No.1 Tom Brady The most successful NFL quarterback in history left Nike to sign for Under Armour in 2010 in a deal that included an equity stake in the company Stephen Curry Curry, who plays basketball for the Golden State Warriors, left Nike to sign for Under Armour in 2014 and has helped create five iterations of the Curry signature shoe Clayton Kershaw The Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher signed with Under Armour in 2008 when he broke into Major League Baseball. He was the 2014 Major League MVP Michael Phelps The record-breaking swimmer signed to wear UA’s ‘dry-land…

The Gore-Tex membrane is made from a polymer called ePTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which actually comes from a natural rock. The ‘e' stands for expanded. This was discovered by Bob Gore, Bill Gore's son, who in 1969 became frustrated at his efforts of using PTFE and pulled on a rod of it in anger. To his surprise, it stretched ten times its size and from there he realised its potential use in many different applications. The Gore-Tex membrane used in jackets is an extremely thin layer of ePTFE. It has more than 9 billion pores per square inch. These pores are 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet but 700 times larger than a water vapour molecule. This means it keeps water at bay while letting perspiration escape. Use of ePTFE is…

Photography: Paul Severn I've been out on tour for over 25 years now, and as you can imagine, over that time I've played with an awful lot of club golfers and amateurs in Pro-Ams – some very good and some struggling with the kind of typical faults you see at golf clubs up and down the country every day. Over the following pages, I'll be picking out four common golfing ailments – plus one that you see a little less often – and highlighting the most likely causes, along with some useful remedies. I hope that something in these pages will help you improve and work towards eliminating the faults that are costing you shots most often out on the course. 1 Heavy strikes Hitting it fat normally happens when…

1 Become a detective Acceptance is the first rule – scores will generally rise with the wind, so keep calm and play on! Observation is the second rule. If you're on a links, it's easier to work out wind direction in the wide-open spaces, but tree-lined courses present a few challenges. Dropping a few blades of grass isn't going to help as your ball is going to be flying a lot higher, so check out the treetops to get a better idea of what the wind is doing. Always keep a note of wind direction on the last hole you played as this may come in handy on the holes coming up. If you've just played downwind and the next hole plays at right angles, then expect a crosswind. A…

Photography: Kevin Murray 1 Beating a slice Don't cut across the line! Release the hands through the shot and try to feel like your swing path is going from inside to outside. 2 Reading greens Start the process of reading the green when you are walking up to it. You can often get a better idea of the general direction of slopes from afar. Up close you can see smaller slopes and breaks, but further away you get a feel for what the entire green is doing. 3 Winning in match play Never give up! Your opponent can be in a strong position, but he can easily make a critical mistake that can let you back. Believe that until the ball goes in the cup, it's anyone's hole. 4 Next…

The ball speed and distance we experienced was comparable to premium drivers. The stock shaft offering was a touch spinny, but there are enough options to cater for all swing types – the Tensei CK Pro Blue 70 working perfectly for us. Once dialled in, this driver provides an excellent balance of speed with control. We found it to be higher-launching and lower-spinning than its predecessor, while also feeling hotter and more stable on mishits. It isn’t quite as easy to align, but there’s an awful lot of value for the price.…

PERFORMANCE The Hot Metal gave us the most ball speed and carried the furthest of the three JPX919 irons. Interestingly, it also flew highest and still spun at nearly 6000rpm. LOOKS The JPX919 Hot Metal inspires confidence while maintaining that classic, signature Mizuno look. There's a thick topline but not much offset; it looks forgiving but not chunky or cumbersome. This model is aimed at golfers who want distance as well as good stopping power from their iron shots. Key technology The new Mizuno JPX919 Hot Metal iron features a stability frame, which comprises an open heel section which facilitates more perimeter weighting elsewhere. It also boasts a new Pearl Brush finish, which is said to reduce sun glare and enhance durability. The set’s matching wedges use a softer X30…

SUPER HIGH-TECH STEWART GOLF X9 FOLLOW This futuristic model takes remote-control trolleying to a new level via a hands-free ‘follow' setting. GPS-ENABLED MOTOCADDY M5 CONNECT This compact-folding trolley can send distance information to the handle from the free Motocaddy app via Bluetooth. STREAMLINED GOLFSTREAM VISION This sleek electric trolley has a Caddy White display that helps you see the screen more easily in bright sunlight. UNPOWERED BIG MAX BLADE IP This lightweight model is perhaps the pinnacle of non-powered trolleying, folding down to just 12.5cm in depth.…

STAY Forest Pines, Broughton This resort enjoys a great location just off the A18 and M180. The rooms are large, modern and well equipped and away from the golf there's an excellent spa, leisure club and pool, plus beautiful woodland walks to enjoy over 190 acres of grounds. The Eighteen57 restaurant is the pick of the dining options courtesy of its AA Rosette, but you can also eat in the Lounge bar or Pines bar, which is a popular spot with golfers. W: qhotels.co.uk EAT/DRINK The Greyhound, Louth This town-centre inn is a great spot for a bite to eat and a cask ale or two in a variety of ‘spaces', from the sports bar to the lounge bar and snug, or even the courtyard. W: greyhoundlouth.co.uk VISIT Grimsby Fishing…