Masters Slam

Rory McIlroy managed to get it over the line, it was worth the wait even if everyone’s nerve ends were a bit frayed! His name is in the history books as a complete Slam winners with only 5 others, which is an incredible feat.
Who knows how may more Majors he will add to his current tally of 5.

NEW PRO-AGENDA BOOKING SYSTEM NOW ACTIVE

You will have received an email regarding our new lesson appointment platform “Pro-agenda” it is a golf specific appointment booking system. I have attached a link for you to take a look. https://pro.proagenda.com/proagenda/#agenda
Any issues just drop me a line.

ON THE COACHING FRONT

STEEP AIN’T DEEP
A hotly debated topic of recent times amongst some of the highest profile coaches has been very interesting. Accumulating data and measurements from high profile club manufactures Titleist and Ping, we can measure what the best of the best actually do (not feel), I will summarise.
Swing planes (the club heads centre of mass) moves around 80 degrees (90 being vertical)
Moving through impact they, stand up (yes ,not head down)and their pelvis moves away from the ball.
The low point ( the lowest point of the arc) is in the region of 4” after the ball (1/2 way through the divot.) Angle of attack between -5 to -10
With the above impact conditions creating maximum friction we are seeing launch angles of between 25-35 degree with 54-60 degree wedges.
Quite a lot to unpack here, what we are seeing at tournaments now is elite players measuring short game data, not relying on feel only. Times are changing!


SWING SPEED STUDIES
Having witnessed Rory at Augusta driving distance on average just the 320 yards, how can we gain a little bit of extra yardage without a 6 month speed training programme?
Recent studies have shown that the longest hitters are swinging the club back (peak speed) 70% of their downswing speed. Conversely the shortest hitters were swinging the club back at much slower speeds ( 10% of impact speeds)
Even the slower “looking” backswing speeds are still creating a lot of torque and force through the ground.
So it would be worth exploring ways of getting that energy into the system globally as early as you can!

PUTTING EYE GAZE
In sports research there is a term known as the quiet eye, which refers to the final
gaze a golfer holds just before they strike the putt. In simple terms if a golfer can create a more consistent gaze then the likelihood is they will make a better stroke and hole more putts. Some interesting research from Ping by Dr Paul Wood has found that putters with alignment marks can aid that process and keep the gaze more focussed. Sometimes doing the simple things better gives better results.

AND LASTLY

Trackman is the most sophisticated launch monitor on the market, Rory used it on the range before every round at the Masters. It doesn’t give an opinion it just gives FACTS, coupled with incredible practice software to help bridge the gap between range and course. So if you think you deserve the BEST then you know what you need to do.

Aye in golf

Kurt

www.kurtmgolf.com

Regular Golf is good for your health

7 Health Benefits of Playing Golf
In light of the new year, golfscape has put together a list of health benefits that people can gain from playing golf.
The benefits range from your physical state all the way to your psyche. If you haven’t played in years, don’t play regularly or have been meaning to learn the game, these essential benefits are worth noting. Here are a few healthy reasons to get down to the golf course a whole lot more in 2019… You can thank us later

Golf doesn’t just add years to your life; it can also add life to your years” – Golf and Health Project

Let’s Get Physical
One of the many benefits of participating in sports is that it improves your physical fitness. Golf, specifically, provides moderately intense physical activity, such as walking, carrying your bag, and swinging. This increases your heart rate and blood flow, which results in a healthy heart, enhanced brain stimulation, and improved balance. Spectators and caddies can benefit from golf too! Research shows that golf spectators take more than 7,500 to 10,000 steps whilst watching a game, which is the daily recommendation for a healthy lifestyle.

Did Somebody Say Weight Loss?
Improved physical fitness also means weight loss… The recommended number of steps for weight loss is about 10,000 steps. Spending 4 to 5 hours playing an 18 hole round will definitely exceed that amount. So ditch the golf cart and burn away those calories!

Sleep Like a Baby
A combination of exercise and fresh air on a regular basis is the ultimate recipe for a perfect night of sleep. Not only will you fall asleep faster, but you will also stay in deep sleep for longer. Head to the course, embrace the outdoors, and get a fulfilling night’s rest.

Healthy Mind, Healthy Body
What most people don’t know is that being surrounded by nature, as well as exercise, benefits mental wellbeing. Studies show increased attention and happiness after walking amongst the greenery. This is caused by an increase in levels of endorphins and serotonin in your brain, leading in the reduction of anxiety, as well as improved self-esteem, and confidence. Luckily for golfers, they can surround themselves with nature by spending the day at stunning golf courses in picturesque locations like Marbella, Portugal, and France. As people say, a healthy mind results in a healthy body.

Make Friends & Take Meetings Outdoors
Playing golf also has a great social element, allowing people to not only spend time with friends and family but to also meet new players with different skill levels. With enhanced social connections, self-identity, interpersonal skills, and emotional control are boosted to a whole new level.

Looking for new business opportunities? Head to your nearest golf club and get networking… Tip: Use the game of golf as a platform to discuss business ideas and bring a positive vibe to meetings!

Exercise Your Brain
Playing golf requires a certain amount of concentration and memory. This counts as exercise for your brain, aiding in degeneration. Participating in the sport regularly is likely to prevent or reduce cognitive decline. Improve your old age before it’s even begun!

Academy pupils ranked in the top 25 in UK…

Merchiston is steeped in sporting excellence and the impressive achievements of the Golf Academy have only added to the School’s rich tapestry.

Director of Golf, Alan Murdoch says “I am delighted to see the Merchiston Golf Academy has 7 boys in the top 25 in the ISGA individual UK schools ranking list. We have a great group of boys who all have a true passion for the game and desire to succeed. With each boy challenging each other, this really creates a fantastic learning environment within our Academy.”

Hynek is the highest ranked of the Merchiston pupils currently sitting in second place with 72.55, with Daniel in fifth place, Pablo in ninth place, Constantin eleventh, Lyle twelfth, and Luke and Cameron in the early twenties. The individual rankings can be found on the ISGA website.

Our golf programme offers a completely customised approach that is implemented to cater for the specific needs of each player. Combining all aspects of training, coaching, a comprehensive match and tournament schedule and individualised conditioning and performance training, we have a proven track record in helping pupils to improve vastly in all areas of their game.

Merchiston is currently sitting at the top of the ISGA Senior School Rankings leader board.