2009 so far

A third of the year has gone already.....where did it go?

New Years Day and I packed up my family and headed down to Arcos Gardens. We met all the guys in the Tapas Bar to celebrate 2009, it was a lovely evening!

We really had a good turn out and my schools were full. The guys on Simon Holmes Junior Team were ready to go, Haeggman and Anthony Wall were getting ready for a new season. They both had good starts to the year and I am sure that our fantastic practice facility makes a huge difference to them especially with all our short game areas. Clive Tucker had David Howell down and it would be good to see him return to form.

The weather conditions in Europe were bad, snow shut down England's airports but the other European countries seem to be more used to it and although we has some battered travellers every one finally arrived.

The elite teams from Sweden and Finland were getting started ready for the first events of the year. My young guys had short game work to do and we spent some time on the course even though the wind was strong and cool. These young guys have so much speed but going out on to a course like Arcos with the difficult greens, and testing tee shots gave the guys plenty to think about. So many times we focus too much on the shots and not enough time on shotmaking and judgement. We spent alot of time just trying different clubs and different shots to give them something to think about.

I then zoomed off to Copenhagen to see the golf show and to meet some old friends. Despite the economic crunch all the booths were full and they had a really good volume of people.

My school continued at Arcos and I was hosting some guests from America and doing my golf school. The weather was much better and we got in some really good work. Running round the golf course, well they were running and I was offering encouragement from my buggy! Then it was back to London for Golf Night at Sky Sports. Malaysia and Johnnie Walker were on and the guys battled the tough grainy greens with the locals showing the visitors how it should be done!

I had a quick trip to Dubai to meet with the powers that be in Golf in Dubai. The golf courses were in super shape and very busy, proving that golfers will not be denied from their hobby despite then economic woes that we are all suffering. Everytime I go to Dubai, something has changed, this time it was the over ground which is a massive undertaking but will certainly take the pressure off the road system.

Back to Arcos and we were totally full. We had some super young players from the elite teams, England, Germany, Austria, Italy, Holland, Finland, Czech Republic all had their top men and women at Arcos and I was so impressed by the coaching and organisation. These young guys will only be as good as the coaching they receive and it has all come on leaps and bounds since my days as a junior. I had three lovely groups from Slovakia and Czech republic as well as some of my young players from England, with Di Setwart and Mark Roe from Golf Night it was lovely and with my family with me as well I was doing all my favorite things....Teaching all day and then home to see my little boys in the evening!

I went to see some guys in Madrid and also had a quick visit to the wine regions and then it was off to Miami for some golf with some friends. I played well at Seminole with a 71 in high wind but it was a few good shots with some junk and good chipping and putting. I have no idea how far I hit the ball at the moment so I have to get some time to go and do my yardages. If you don't know how far you hit the ball you cannot really pick a club so I had some pretty funny recovery shots!

From Florida straight to Dubai! A long trip through London with Olle Karlsson for company! I had some work to do and some golf to play, we had terrible weather which was really unusual but it did not dampen our spirits! I then visited some of the new projects in Abu Dhabi which will be spectacular. I think they will really create something very special.

Then home and the beginning of April!

We are working really hard on some motion analysis software which will be available through this web site. It is going to be a great way for you to load your swings and analyse your swing. You can do this with your coach or have a laugh with your friends.

The SHJT is testing it at the moment and we will advise you when it is available for everyone to consume.

Golf season is coming! Hope it is a good one for you:)

Simon