Welcome to the latest edition of my newsletter. It has been another lovely week here at East Devon Golf Club, the course and the Pro Shop has been nice and busy with lots of happy golfers enjoying the extended spell of decent weather.

 

The October Medal attracted an entry of 70 players last weekend. Scoring on the day was far from easy with the tees well back and a stiff easterly breeze thrown in for good measure, so it was time for the "big boys" to come out to play. 

The star performer on the day was David Handford who returned an excellent nett 67 to scoop the best overall score prize and top spot in Division 2. Geoff Millardship took the honours in Division 3 with a nett 68 and Paul Newcombe led the way in Division 1 with a nett 69.


 

The ladies were out in force on Tuesday for an EG Medal. The leading lady with a tremendous nett 73 was Sue Fowler.


 

The Senior's Stableford on Monday proved to be a very close run affair with two players locked at the top of the leaderboard. By virtue of a card play-off Steve Newton came out victorious with 39 points. Barry Devetta was the leading venerable vet with 34 points




It didn't disappoint

Apart from the comfortable 17-11 score line in the Americans' favour, the 2016 Ryder Cup didn't disappoint. From the USA's Friday morning whitewash to McIlroy and Reed's enthralling ding-dong encounter on Sunday, we were treated throughout the three days.

"I've never seen golf of this quality before"
"We are watching golf you can only dream about"

These were just a couple of plaudits from the commentators during Sunday's play, one of which was from Ryder Cup veteran and 2014 Captain Paul McGinley. The level of golf really was that good. Take Garcia and Mickelson's titanic battle for example; they were a combined 14-under-par for their round - that's a scintillating 58.

Pressure? What pressure?

In what can only be described as a cauldron of emotions, the atmosphere was on the edge all week. Fist-pumps, heckling and shushing aside, the players' ability to produce their best golf in that situation was amazing and is something we can all learn from.

The key to performing under pressure - whether that's the Ryder Cup or in our Monthly Medal - is to have a consistent pre-shot routine. It is probably one of the most overlooked parts of the game, but it really will help to keep you calm and focused no matter the situation.

What's your pre-shot routine?

Come and speak to one of the team, or get in touch here for a lesson.