The last few months has seen some stella performances from many of the top young players and pros I have beeen assisting with their technique and often more importantly creating belief in their golf swings so they just play.

On professional front the Manchester Alliance Matchplay Championship saw seasoned performer Tim Maxwell from Knutsford overhaul Anthony Millar to win the title. Click for article. I was pleased here because apart fom coaching Tim, a very competent coach himself, I also coach the other two finalists Graham Cox and Grant Hammerton too.

European Tour star Phil Archer has had a frustrating start to the season not scoring as well as he has been swinging or striking the ball. Putts dropping ball control and good course management are ultra marginal at top level and he is still very confident with his game and looking towards rolling some good finishes together. His recent result in the Portuguese Masters was a taste of what he is capable of where he was 2 shots off the pace during the 3rd round and ultimately finished 9 under par in a tie for 13th place.

England +4 handicap player James Robinson along with his Southport & Ainsdale stablemate Paul Howard have both had great wins in highly competitive Northern Order of merit prestigeous amateur events The Formby Hare and Hillside Pines Trophy.
Click to view James Robinson's article. Click to view Paul Howard's article.

Both wins prove these plus handicap players have the skill and talent to compete at the highest level. I was particularly pleased with Paul's win which has established the Lancashire player as serious contender at this level. This has also been re affirmed by a good finish in the Lancashire Amateur Championship followed by a great score of 71 securing one of only 17 places in the Regional Qualifying for the Open Championship at Mere last week. Click for article.

Paul will head off for final qualifying in Scotland this next week and I'm also pleased that he will be joined by two more pupils, +1 handicap Cheshire Team Member Luke Burrows who shot a creditable 70 at the Regional Qualifying in Coventry. Click for article. Luke has been a very talented player for many years and has the game to shoot the low numbers necessary to qualify so watch this space. He will also be joined by Davenport's Golf Clubs Graham Cox, Graham, the ex Warrington GC Assistant Pro is a very experienced professional and along with Phil Archer will joining the amateurs in their assault on securing a place in the oldest and best Major of all time.

Good luck guys.