Virtual golf lessons
Golf might be the least of your concerns right now and time on the golf course a wistful day dream, but if you can’t get on the course, and perhaps do not even have any green space to hone your golfing prowess, Hannah Ralph, Golf Professional at Cowdray Park Golf Course in West Sussex can help.
Hannah and Gary Player
A long time player on the Ladies European Tour, Hannah is a well-known fixture on the Cowdray fairways, having started her own golfing career at the club at the tender age of 10. Disappointingly for Hannah her success on the Ladies European Tour circuit was curtailed by injury but fortunately for the rest of us this led Hannah to where she is now as a passionate and effective teaching professional both for the local members but also as coach for the Sussex Ladies 1stTeam. Prodigies have represented England, won British Amateur competitions and many have won numerous club trophies and all of them have reduced their handicaps along the way!
So what are Hannah’s coaching tips?
“During these unprecedented times, I am keeping my mind active and sharp on the coaching side of things, Zoom and FaceTime have proved the perfect way to deliver golf lessons and all aspects of the game can be covered, no matter how big or small your garden is! Chipping, pitching, hitting full shots in to a net or duvet hanging up against a hedge to indoor putting if the weather isn’t too good!!There are numerous drills one can do and it has been great fun to see how flower pots, canes, bottles, string and hoops can be put to good, effective use! Practicing can be fun and it is an opportunity to learn and hone new skills. My players of all levels have seen big improvements in their shots just in five weeks and whilst many will return to face to face coaching when possible, this innovative way of delivering coaching will definitely have a place in the future.
Whilst good and regular coaching is beneficial for every golfers game, looking after the tools that you use, and by this I mean your body, not your clubs! Is critical. Yoga and Pilates are incredible for helping strengthen core muscles, essential for solid rotation and loosening the lower back and hips. Playing golf places incredible strain on one’s body and I certainly would have benefited from incorporating such techniques into my training regime earlier in my playing career and avoided the injuries I suffered. Pilates definitely added greater distance to my shots! I have also incorporated Yoga into my ‘lockdown’ weekly schedule and as well as the beneficial physical results of greater flexibility and strength, the breathing exercises and meditation skills you acquire translate brilliantly to the golf course. Mental strength and good process plays a big part in this game, so control what you can – breathing, pre shot routine and positive self-talk all help you achieve your expectations.. …and you never know, you might just be surprised!
Finally, if you haven’t picked up a club for weeks you may be nervous to get back out on the golf course. My advice is firstly be grateful to be out on those manicured fairways and greens - your course will no doubt look and play the best it ever has; enjoy the vistas that have never looked so amazingly clear; enjoy the company of your playing partner and remember, whilst there is never any guarantee how you will play what will help is a good mental attitude, calmness and a clear focus.
Please have a look at the example coaching session on the video clip to get a flavour of what can be achieved and what I can offer and then contact me if you are interested in trying a virtual lesson.”
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Instagram: @hannahralphgolf
Twitter: @Han_Ralph
YouTube.com: Hannah Ralph Golf