The winter months divide amateur British Golfers between those that play all year round, however cold or wet; and those who prefer to escape the winter with a holiday or golf break to warmer climates such as Turkey, Canary Islands and the Mediterranean.  Letting family and friends know your preference well in advance is a good idea when it comes to receiving Christmas presents.

Buying new golf clubs is an obvious choice for any keen golfer and in the main I am fortunate that most of my family know my clubs of choice.  Every golfer has particular fancies when it comes to which make and model he or she believes suits their ability and style.

The good thing about buying Christmas presents for a fellow golfer in the family is there are plenty of small inexpensive and useful presents such as golf gloves, socks, tees and of course golf balls.  But as for receiving golf clothing, well that might depend on your current plans as to whether you prefer a t-shirt and shorts or jumper and waterproofs.

Fortunately for golfers, we have had a mild winter in the south of England.  The north-east and Scotland have had snow but nothing on the scale of the last two winters where golf courses were closed over several weekends between December and February. Today is bright and dry, with nothing more than a breeze.  Perfect winter day conditions to play a round of golf; out in the fresh air, away from any family feuds and walking off any over indulgencies from the festive period.

For me, the worst thing about the winter months is not so much the cold, but the dark nights.  Like many golfers, it’s difficult to find the time during the day to play enough golf, so I have to play at the weekends with everyone else trying to book a tee time before mid-afternoon.  It’s not long before we will notice lighter evenings and the possibility of playing nine holes or even squeezing in a quick round in the evenings; and with it warmer weather.

Until then, you take your choice to play throughout the year through whatever weather, keep to the driving range, or book a mid-winter holiday break.

Eléa Golf Club in Cyprus

An important new reciprocal arrangement with Mission Hills China will help to introduce golf in Cyprus to one of the most exciting golf markets in the world

Eléa Golf Club in Cyprus, part of the prestigious Eléa Estate development near Paphos, has signed a reciprocal agreement with the World’s largest golf facility, Mission Hills China.

The arrangement will see members of Eléa Golf Club receive privileges to use the members’ facilities at Mission Hills, – a development that boasts golf courses designed by some of the game’s modern-day greats including Sir Nick Faldo, Annika Sorenstam and Ernie Els. Mission Hills’ members will also be offered the same courtesy when visiting Cyprus.

Ross Robertson, Director of Golf Operations at Eléa Estate said: “Our aim has always been to create a golf course in Cyprus that operates and upholds the ethos and values of the great golf courses of the world – both Eléa and Mission Hills have golf courses designed by Sir Nick Faldo so we already have a common link.

“Mission Hills is, without doubt, one of the world’s great golf destinations and a development we are proud to have a reciprocal arrangement with. We look forward to a strong and valuable partnership and welcoming the first Chinese guests to Cyprus in the very near future.”

Eléa Golf Club, opened by six-time Major winner Sir Nick Faldo in October 2010, has rapidly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting new golf destinations.

It recently won ‘Best European Leisure Development’ and ‘Best European Golf Development’ at the 2011 International Property Awards in London and has also been recognised by one of the World’s largest consumer golf journals, Golf Magazine in the USA, as one of the ‘Top 10 new international golf courses of 2010’.

Ross added: “China is set to become one of golf’s great superpowers in years to come and it is key Eléa Estate creates strategic relationships with major developers, like Mission Hills, going forwards. In just 12 months, Eléa Estate has helped create a global awareness of golf in Cyprus and associations like this are instrumental when introducing our brand to emerging markets around the world.”

For further information about Eléa Estate, visit www.eleaestate.com.

Many commentators are suggesting that now Rory McIlroy has won his first major title he will dominate the future of golf for some years to come, filling the void left by Tiger Woods in the past couple of years following a recurring knee problem and a breakdown in his personal life.

McIlroy has got much to live up to if he is going to be as successful as Tiger Woods who has won three US Open titles in 2000, 2002 and most recently in 2008 when he was playing with the knee injury that subsequently had him miss the rest of the 2008 season.  Since his return Tiger Woods had failed to find his form and is now in danger of dropping out of the top 20 world ranking.

Rory McIlroy will need to win the US Open a further three times to equal the record of four wins jointly held by Willie Anderson, A-Robert T. Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus.  The latter being a mentor to the young Irishman over the past two years.

The next major championship in the golf calendar is the British Open which this year is being held at the Royal St George’s Golf Club in Sandwich, Kent.  So why not go online and buy a new set of golf clubs learn to play the shots the pros make look so simple.

You can buy the same golf clubs, balls and clothes as Rory McIlroy at Direct Golf.

Anna Nordqvist

Sponsored by Puma for footwear and apparel since her rookie year in 2009, Sweden’s Anna Nordqvist now joins the likes of Ian Poulter, Johan Edfors, Lexi Thompson, Jason Gore, and an ever expanding team of professional golfers using Cobra clubs.

The 23 year old followed a spectacular rookie season with earnings of $442,088 in 2010, competing in only 21 events, she is currently ranked at No 14 in the world.

Brian Zender, Senior Vice President and General Manager of COBRA-PUMA GOLF said:

“Anna’s performance and presence on the course make her an ideal Tour ambassador for Cobra, and her signing demonstrates our focus and expansion in the women’s market. She’s a rising young star with a promising future ahead as a professional golfer, and we’re thrilled to have her representing Cobra Golf.”

An excited Anna Nordqvist said:

“I’m really excited to be involved with this great brand, Cobra is well-known for its innovation, technology and performance. I chose to play Cobra equipment because I’m convinced that it will help me perform better and catapult my game to the next level.”

Growing up in Eskilstuna, Sweden, Nordqvist was involved in many different sports from an early age and shared an athletic interest with her brothers and parents. She began playing golf at age 13 because she claims she didn’t want to be the worst golfer in her family.

That desire quickly led to a burning passion. She eventually attended Arizona State University, where she helped lead the golf team for 2½ years before leaving to pursue her dream of playing professional golf. The six-foot-tall star now resides in Orlando.

Anna will now feature prominently as the face of COBRA-PUMA Golf marketing campaigns as well as attending consumer and trade events on behalf of the sponsor.

So, just what does Anna Nordqvist have in her Cobra bag?

S3 9.5° Driver with Mitsubishi Bassarra Hawk 53g Regular flex shaft
S3 Fwy 15° with Graphite Design DI 6S shaft
Baffler Rail 3/H with Aldila NV 75S shaft
S2 Forged 4-PW with Nippon 1130 R shafts

Nike Golf Club - SQ Machspeed Black Driver

The aerodynamically engineered Nike SQ Machspeed black driver will be coming to the UK very soon and has caused a stir in the golfing world.

As well as looking rather stylish the Nike Driver has certain characteristic that will enhance and increase your performance on the golf course.

The 460cc Titanium head has been shaped and sculpted using ‘360° air flow’ optimal aerodynamics technology.

This ensures that the air moves quickly and cleanly over the clubhead, with the minimum resistance, on every swing.

Nike’s famous STR8-Fit hosel can be adjusted with the simple twist of a specially designed wrench to create 8 different head positions that can either correct your slice or hook or just perfect your favourite shot shape.

This ‘Round’ head version of the Machspeed Black driver is suited to the golfer who desires more workability and shot shaping, whilst also delivering a lower spin rate and launch angle for a penetrating ball flight.

Brought to you from the talented engineers at Nike-this Black driver generates less drag, more speed and greater distance – available to pre order from Direct Golf UK.

Rent Golf Clubs Online

Rentaclub.co.uk, the online golf service, which has been renting drivers since February, has now launched iron sets to rent, giving golfers the opportunity to hit their best shots with top equipment including the Nike VR Split Cavity Irons used by Open Champion Stewart Cink and the TaylorMade R9 TP Irons favoured by Spanish Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia.

Golfers will also be able to sample the latest equipment from Callaway, Bridgestone, Cleveland Golf, Wilson Staff, Srixon and Mizuno for just £45 for a five-day trial, putting their chosen clubs into play just 24-hours after ordering online.

Matthew Fagan, Rentaclub.co.uk Managing Director, said: “The site has been incredibly successful since launching earlier this year, and we will now build on that success by giving golfers the opportunity to get their hands on the latest iron sets from golf’s biggest and best manufacturers.”

Rentaclub.co.uk features a simple process for golfers to select their desired clubs. They are then delivered securely next day by UPS to the golfer’s home, or a location of their choice, ready to be put into play.

Rentaclub.co.uk customers receive their clubs in pre-paid packaging, making it easy to return products. On the fourth day of their rental they will be sent an SMS text message reminding them to call UPS to arrange a pick-up the next day from a location of their choosing, including home or work.

Rent-A-Club - the UK’s first online golf equipment rental service

Rentaclub.co.uk, the UK’s first online golf equipment rental service, is giving golfers the opportunity to hit their best shots with top brand equipment, whenever and wherever they want.

The exclusive new service will enable golfers to test drive new products from Callaway, TaylorMade, Nike, Cleveland, Srixon and Mizuno, among others, just 24-hours after ordering the clubs online.

The new website goes live on Wednesday 17th February and features a simple, five-step process with a virtual assistant helping golfers select clubs beneficial to their game.

The clubs are then delivered securely next day by UPS to the golfer’s home, or a location of their choice, ready to be put into play.

Matthew Fagan, Managing Director of Rentaclub.co.uk, said:

“Golfers love talking about new equipment, including the latest drivers, and how it will improve their game. However, new clubs can be expensive, so this is an ideal way to test drive clubs thoroughly on your own course before making a purchase.”

He continued:

“Having returned the club, if the golfer then decides they want to buy the product, Rentaclub.co.uk will refer them to an experienced local PGA professional within the TGI Golf network for a free custom fitting to ensure the clubs are perfectly set up for their game, guaranteeing optimum performance. They will also benefit from a £25 discount off the manufacturer’s suggested retail price.”

The service, which has the backing of leading brands, will offer drivers only initially, with models including the new Callaway FT-iZ, Nike Victory Red Tour STR8-Fit, TaylorMade R9 Super Tri (available March) and Cleveland Launcher DST (available late February).

Driver rentals start from £25 for five days, including free delivery, pick-up and return.

Graham Martin, Callaway’s Regional Sales Director UK and Ireland, said:

“Callaway invests heavily in research and development to create equipment that give golfers an advantage. The best way for consumers to experience this is by enjoying playing and testing the clubs themselves, so we are fully supportive of Rentaclub.co.uk.”

TGI Golf, the UK’s leading network of green grass golf professionals and retailers, is also supporting Rentaclub.co.uk, with its 400 members offering free custom fitting services to the website’s customers.

Matthew Fagan added:

“Although renting clubs is a new concept in the UK, it is a well established practice in the USA. From our own market research, we know that golfers here are keen to try new products in this way and that they will appreciate the value, convenience and fun of turning up at their home course with the best new products – and hitting their best shots.”

Rentaclub.co.uk customers receive their clubs in pre-paid packaging, making it easy to return products. On the fourth day of their rental they will be sent an SMS text message reminding them to call UPS to arrange a pick-up the next day from a location of their choosing, including home or work.

Rental prices for fairway woods, hybrids, sets of irons, wedges, putters and full sets of clubs will be announced as the clubs are added to the rental list.

For more information visit www.rentaclub.co.uk

GolfGym Weighted Training Club

Over the past year three PGA Professionals have analysed my golf swing and given me the same critique.  The backswing is, apparently, pretty good.  But like many amateur golfers I have a tendency not to follow right through the ball in a straight swing; and as a result if I’m not careful, my driver shots can be affected by a fade.

Attempting to train myself to swing true, I was told to place two clubs together and swing them several times.  It sounds simple but works.  The weight of the clubs helps to keep my forward swing inline and complete.

The problem with placing two clubs together is you cannot hold the clubs with a proper grip.  I thanked the Pro who recommended this to me last year and was surprised that, as far as he was aware, a manufacturer hadn’t produced a heavy club, as he said this was a tried and tested technique.

Well now GolfGym, a golf fitness company based in California, have produced a weighted club, and it works a treat!

The GolfGym Weighted Training Club comes in two weights: Club 38 weighs 38oz. (2.4 lbs) and Club 28 weighs 28oz. (1.75 lbs).

The GolfGym Weighted Training Club design distributes the weight to perfectly match a standard golf club, with half the total weight in the bottom third of the club.  The added weight increases flexibility and balance; and the weight of the club forces you to keep on the correct swing plane.

In much the same way as the excellent Explainar golf training aid forces you to follow the correct swing plane through a heavy weight system, the GolfGym Weighted Training Club works perfectly for me.  The only difference is the weighted club is portable and fits in my golf bag.  The Explainar is big, expensive and even though I could buy a portable version to fit in the boot of my car, it’s hardly practical to use as part of my warm up on the first tee!

The GolfGym Weighted Training Club comes with a  left or right hand grip that forces your grip, which I’m not overly keen on to be honest.  But that aside, I really can’t praise this golf training aid enough.

It includes a training DVD showing exercises well respected bio-mechanics golf coach Joey D employs with the five PGA Tour Pros he is currently working with.

The Weighted Training Club is part of a complete range of golf training aids from GolfGym and PGA Tour Coach, Joey D. GolfGym has just announced that the Joey D Signature Series is now being shipped globally.

The GolfGym Weighted Training Club costs $59.95

The new revolutionary Nike SQ Dymo Driver

The new Nike SQ Dymo STR8-FIT driver is more revolutionary than its predecessor, the Nike SUMO, and
will replace the SUMO range when it is released, this month; and I can’t wait to get my hands on one!

The new Nike Dymo driver has an adjustable head with an amazing eight settings that can change the club to give a choice of up to 2 degrees closed or 2 degrees open, giving golfers of all abilities a wider choice than any other driver out there.

The Nike SQ Dymo STR8-FIT driver also offers the golfer different lie angles to offer golfers of different heights a better setup.

The Dymo (which stands for Dynamic Moment of Inertia) will replace the SUMO range, which a couple of years ago was revolutionary.  Read more on the Dymo Driver.

The standard Nike SQ Dymo drivers will retail at £250 and should be on sale this month.

For further details on all the options and the entire 2009 Nike Golf range, please visit www.nikegolfeurope.com.

Because of this it’s worth looking out for second hand clubs and golf gear.  EBay always has plenty of new and used golf clubs and accessories but it does carry risks.  I have had both good and bad experiences with EBay and in my experience; they weren’t as helpful as I was led to believe when it came to making a complaint.

Therefore it’s better to buy clubs from a reliable source.  Golfbidder is apparently, Europe’s largest stockist of quality used golf clubs.  They are based in South-West London, but for those golfers not within driving distance, there is always their website – www.golfbidder.co.uk.

Golfbidder has an excellent reputation and every club you see on the website is ready for despatch from the Golfbidder HQ.

For those visiting the shop there is no risk.  But for those using the internet to buy anything, let alone a second hand golf club, it is a concern that the club will be in the condition that you expect and pay for.

Well, Golfbidder give a full 12 month warranty – and a 7 day no-quibble money-back guarantee with all clubs.  So as their website says, “You can test-run any of our clubs – and if you are not happy for any reason, simply return them within 7 days for a full refund.”

The clubs are either auctioned or offered as ‘Instant Buys’; and As I write this post, the website says – Golfbidder has 4730 golf clubs in stock today!

Please let me know of your experiences with Golfbidder, and of any other companies selling second-hand golf clubs online that you can recommend.