Archive for October, 2009
Golf Laser Range Finders
Top of many golfers wish-list this Christmas may be a GPS Golf Rangefinder that are excellent for working out the distance to the pin and many other points on the course including hazards. They do however have their drawbacks with the main one being that you have to download the data for the course that you are planning to use it on. This is fine if you mostly play at a single course, but if like me, you do a lot of travelling and play at many courses it can get tedious as well as costly. Many GPS Golf Rangefinders require you to either pay per course, an annual subscription fee or both. If this puts you off, you may think of asking Santa for a Laser Rangefinder instead:
How Laser Range Finders Work
Most golf laser rangefinders use an invisible, eye-safe Class 1 Laser beam that is directed at and then bounced off distant objects. This laser is activated with the press of a button and the rangefinder then measures the time it takes for it to reach the target and return. They then instantly calculate the distance and show the range in either yards or meters in your view through the lens LCD Display. The best models are accurate to within + / – 1 yard and the entire process takes less than a second from the time you press the button to generate a laser beam to the time the distance to your target is displayed.
Advantages of Golf Laser Range Finders
Apart from supplying you with the distance, they are also great for getting a closer look at your target. The latest models come with up to a 7x magnification which helps you to evaluate your target area enabling you to spot places to aim for or hazards and slopes to miss.
Bushnell Laser Range Finders
Of all the golf laser rangefinders on the market, Bushnell, a trusted brand produce some of the best and are endorsed by some great players including Sergio Garcia and Paul Azinger.
Packed with many features including something that Bushnell call their PinSeeker Technology that senses and locks to the flag-stick, thus ignoring background clutter that helps in preventing the rangefinder from giving you false readings. Other features to look out for are models that can measure slope and thus compensate the range based on trajectory and club selection.
For more information take a look at this article on the Bushnell Range Finder, that also includes information on where you can buy them as well as some information on the Bushnell GPS rangefinders and the much cheaper Golf Scope.
About the Author
Jason Whitehead is passionate about wildlife, the outdoors and enjoys most sports including golf. He is a qualified Field Guide (safari guide) and has worked at a number safari lodges in South Africa. He owns and runs the Safari Holiday Guide and the Best Binoculars and Binocular Reviews websites and also works as a web developer for Generate UK that keeps him behind a desk most of the time, but is always looking for an excuse to get out on the golf course.
Greetings from Gareth
Beaujolais nouveau is a red wine made from Gamay grapes produced in the Beaujolais region of France. It is the most popular vin de primeur, fermented for just a few weeks then officially released for sale on the third Thursday of November.
I am sure you knew that but you may not have known this; every year on this day we run a Beaujolais themed golf day which is on the 19th November this year. The golf day consists of 18 hole team competition (best 2 scores from 4 to count) and includes Tea and Coffee with a bacon roll, ½ a bottle of Beaujolais Nouveau with your 3 course meal and an informal prize giving afterwards. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed teams and nearest the pin competitions.
To enter a team please fill in an entry form which can be found in the Proshop or you can download one on this page. Prices to enter are Members £25.00 per head and Non Members £39.50 per head.
Please check the notice board or website if you have entered the winter knockout competitions, the draw has been made and the play by date for the 1st round is 24th November, good luck.
If you are interested in a late entry to the night golf competition, it takes place on Saturday 31st, check the social noticeboard, there are limited places available.
The winter league starts again on the 29th of November with a fourball betterball competition to ease you in, entries sheets are on the noticeboard outside the changing rooms.
Two more dates for the diary; there is a poker night on Friday the 6th November which starts at 8:30pm and on the 5th December the Christmas Ball will take place in the hotel. Live music and Disco; tickets are £25 per head, check out the social notice board….don’t miss out!!!
We have a close relationship with Reading football club here at Donnington Grove and on Thursday 12th November there will be a Pro Celebrity Charity football match which should not be missed. England football greats and celebrities from film, sport and music will take on an All Star World 11. The Heroes Cup will be played in support of Help for Heroes charity. Tickets are £10 (Adults)/ £5 (Children) and are available from www.readingfc.co.uk or by calling 0844 249 1871.
Have a great week,
Gareth
Donnington Grove about to embark on major refurbishment programme
Since the opening of the six new rooms in The Summer House which have received rave reviews, the next area that will be upgraded is the main hotel.
Last year we invested heavily in redecorating of our function rooms and as a result have experienced a noticeable increase in our conference activity.
The redecoration starts with the windows and then on to each bedroom. All the baths have been resurfaced and we hope to have the rooms finished by March next year.
Then we will tackle the public areas.
In addition, our 5 new Lake View rooms will be open by the New Year which will increase the number of bedrooms available to 30.
Christopher Strong, Donnington Grove’s General Manager said “These are exciting times for Donnington Grove because now, with the ability to offer our guests rooms of a much higher standard and more of them, a Championship Golf Course which already attracts huge appeal we are looking forward to a busy 2010″
Donnington Grove Pro Shop
Donnington Grove Pro Shop
Many of you may have already met them, but for those of you that haven’t we have 2 new team members of staff now in the Pro Shop. Luke Williams who is Full time and playing off an excellent handicap of +1 and Wyn Roy who will be working Part Time at the weekends to help cover the busy times in the shop.
Winter has fast approached again and with so many days affected by rain it’s no wonder golf waterproofs are once again becoming the most popular sold item in the shop. It’s almost a given these days that if you play golf you will be spending at least half of your time wearing waterproofs. There are now a large range of golf waterproofs incorporating new manufacturing technologies that will keep you dry, warm and cool. At the cheaper end, lightweight nylon garments will keep you dry and are compact enough to squeeze into a bag. However they do come with some disadvantages, they are not breathable, so although you may stay dry you will find you start to sweat quite quickly and also they tend to be noisy. Sound is really not what’s needed when swinging the club. As the game needs concentration, small noises caused by friction in the garment could be very annoying and distracting.
So why not treat yourself or loved one to any of the latest Galvin Green Waterproof outfits with 30% off all Galvin Green until stock lasts. These Galvin Green Waterproofs are very easy to care for as with being made of Gore-Tex material they are very durable, but because you get the best performance out of them when they are clean washing frequently is the best option.
With Christmas fast approaching, why not treat someone to a Donnington Grove Pro Shop Voucher? Vouchers from £10 can be personalised with any message and is a brilliant idea to allow grateful recipients to buy and of the latest in technology available from in the New Year. Vouchers can be put towards anything like Green fees, Shoes, Golf Clubs, to Clothing.
Donnington Grove Marketing Partner Golf Day
The following post has been written by Joe Baily and is his review of the recent Donnington Grove Marketing Partner Day.
Donnington Grove’s Marketing Golf Day is all about Donnington Grove thanking their suppliers who contribute to the continued success of this fantastic Club, the day attracted over 50 golfers from golf societies and corporate companies.
Even during these tough economic times the facilities at the club are just getting better and better, new rooms being opened, more planned to open early next year, continued improvements on and off the course makes the stay at the club and a relaxing and enjoyable one.
I hadn’t played for a few weeks so I was excited yet slightly apprehensive at the prospect of playing a full 18 hole with strangers who were probably far superior in their golf skills than me!
At 9 O’clock I arrive at Donnington Grove with my business partner and was warmly welcomed by both Barry and Chris in the Spikes Bar. After a delicious bacon roll, endless cups of coffee and socialising with fellow suppliers and competitors we headed out for a 10.08 tee time off the 1st. The format was 18 holes stableford, where you receive a number of extra shorts per hole (depending on your handicap) and score 1 point for a net bogey, 2 points for a net par, 3 points for a net birdie and if your exceptionally lucky or skilful 4 points for a net eagle!
We met David and John, our playing partners in the bar prior to tee off, David who plays off 8 had come all the way from Swansea to play in this event! John use to play off scratch and could tell that he used to be a real player! However John would say ‘time has caught up with me’ and now plays off 17. Both seemed very nice and had excellent sense of humours, which is always good as it certainly makes you relax into your swing.
Whenever you attend events of this nature the first tee shot is always the most difficult, standing on the tee, eying up a great tee shot with 10 or so people watching you always makes you feel slightly nervous. Luckily I hit a pretty good shot (or so I thought!) so walked up the 1st with a spring in my stride! Until I reached my ball and it was perch nicely against a tree just into the rough, knocking the ball out sideways and ending up with a seven wasn’t the best of starts!
I won’t bore you with a blow by blow account for each hole! In summary the course was in its usual stunning condition, I played a very average opening nine holes but picked up the pace, started driving quite well on the second nine and managed to score 18 points, scoring 29 overall.
After a well deserved pint in the Spikes Bar we were treated to a fantastic three course meal in the River Restaurant. Charlie and his team really do serve great food with a smile that makes all the difference.
After a delicious meal Christopher Strong, General Manager of Donnington Grove was joined by Max Davies who is one of the owners to talk about the past year, thank suppliers and present the day’s awards.
The winner was David Snelling who scored 36 points which actually made me feel better about my own score however also rueing the three missed 3 to 4 foot putts I had during the round and my four rubbish bunker shots…you get my drift!
Thank you for your hospitality and I look forward to your two forthcoming events The Annual Beaujolais Golf Day and The Christmas Cracker Event
If you took part in this event and would like to add your comments below or share some pictures, please email us.
Donnington Grove News Update
We will be opening our newest accommodation of 5 bedrooms (10 twin bedded) situated alongside the walkway to the 1st tee and overlooking the lake and practice facilities. The new block opens January 2010 and as the location suggests the views are magnificent.
This new block now known as the “LAKE VIEW CHALETS” are already attracting a great deal of interest and advance bookings for golfing breaks are brisk. Special rates apply for groups with over 16 players. Why not come along this winter and see for yourself how we can cater for your every whim……… Catering is always a talking point with many members and visitors. Our reputation for good quality food has brought us many a return visit and the resident chef will only be too pleased to discuss menus with you and your party.
The golf course itself remains probably one of the best in the Southern Region and has a challenge like no other. Many Pro golfers return to improve their game ready for the forthcoming tours that are so demanding at their level. The greens designed to USPGA standard are playable during the Winter Months, so no temporary greens, just the true putting surfaces you’d expect from a quality course.
Talking about parties!!!!! Don’t leave it too long to reserve a table in the restaurant for your Special Christmas Dinner or perhaps book a private party of your own for family and friends. We are here for you to enjoy the festive season in style.
Join us as a member either 5 day or 7 day individual or couple, we have NO JOINING FEE at present, so now is the perfect time. Perhaps give your loved one a present of a membership or a special CHRISTMAS VOUCHER for Golf or Restaurant. We can prepare your day to your own specifications.
Golf Basics: Choosing the right clubs and driver
Irons
A set of irons will comprise the majority of the clubs carried by most golfers. Typically, a bag may contain a driver, fairway wood, perhaps a utility wood or two and a putter. The reminder will be irons; usually 3 to pitching wedge or 3 to sand wedge, though better players sometimes carry a 1 or 2-iron.The 3-iron is the least lofted iron, with a face about 20? from the vertical and is designed for long, low-flighted shots. Conversely, the pitching wedge and sand wedge, with lofts of 50-56?, are useful for high-flighted shots around the green, generally within 100 yards. The remaining irons, (4 to 9) have progressively higher lofts, with each club being able to be hit about 10 yards less than its predecessor. The lower the number, the lower the loft and the lower / further the ball will travel if struck correctly. However, lower-lofted clubs impart more spin on the golf ball, making them more difficult to control. Beginners and novice players should consider eliminating the 3 and 4 irons from their bag, replacing those harder to hit irons with no.3 and no. 5 hybrid clubs. These “utility” clubs are a cross between irons and woods, offering the control of an iron together with the forgiveness of a lofted wood. They are particularly useful from poor lies, as their larger heads prevent twisting, leading to greater control.
Drivers
Modern drivers tend to have oversized heads (460cc) which will lead to a more consistent strike and instil confidence in the new player. Many novice players make the mistake of buying a driver with far too little loft (about 7?). Whilst these are fine for the professional players who can virtually guarantee the same swing path and consistent striking, the amateur may struggle to even get the ball airborne with such a straight-faced club. Good amateurs (single-figure handicappers) may be best suited by a driver with a loft of around 9-10?. However, novice players should look for driver models with a loft of about 11-12?. Whilst this will sacrifice some distance, improved accuracy will compensate. Unless very short all tall, all golfers should use standard length drivers. This will allow the ball to be struck in the centre of the face more consistently, improving accuracy and distance. Modern lightweight materials have allowed driver lengths to be increased up to 46″. Longer clubs promote distance, but are hard to control, resulting in a loss of accuracy. Significant increases in driving distances are achieved with clubs up to 44″ in length, but thereafter, any minimal increase in distance is undermined by a substantial loss of accuracy. For this reason, do not use a drive greater than 44″ in length.
A popular misconception amongst golfers is that the more expensive a club, the more it will improve a player`s game. Many golfers have wasted hundreds or even thousands of pounds of the latest, “cutting-edge” technology, despite limited golfing ability. High prices, in themselves, will not improve a golf game, rather judiciously chosen clubs, taking advantage of the best golf prices.
Donnington Grove Wedding Testimonials
We’re very proud to have a full wedding licence to hold civil wedding ceremonies at Donnington Grove. We’re also very proud of the feedback and testimonials we receive from happy couples who have chosen to be married at Donnington Grove.
Below is a selection of our most recent feedback. If you would like to learn more or arrange a time to have a chat with our experienced wedding planner, please complete the form on our weddings page.
Testimonials and thanks
Dear Dani, thanks for all the preparation and arrangements you made for our special day. Everyone had a great time. Please thank all of the staff, they were brilliant. Zana & Mark Carne
Dear Dani, thank you very much for all your help with Julie & Steve’s wedding reception. Everyone had a really wonderful time. Janice Snelling
Dear Dani and staff, just a few words of thanks for the work you have put into today, to make this a special occasion for us and so enjoyable. Bob and Jenny Stevens
Dear Dani, Dave and I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Donnington grove that helped make our ‘Big Day’ the best day ever. Every single person could not have been more helpful. We are just back from our honeymoon so I am sure will be back to normal in no time. Thanks again.
Dear Dani and the staff at Donnington Grove. Thank you so much for all your hard work before, during and after the wedding on 20th May of our daughter. Everything was absolutely right, all the little touches that went into making the day go well were very much appreciated. Anne and Bill Bartholomew.
To all at Donnington Grove, thank you all for all your hard work on 27th August we cannot thank you enough for helping our day be as fantastic as it was. The food was fabulous, the service was exceptional and you were all fantastic. We would recommend Donnington Grove to any couple due to marry, not only for the wonderful views and setting but for the staff that work together to form a team that can conquer anything put to them. Thank you all so much. Justin and Emma Tidbury.
