Jon Jardine learns to swing under the sun
4 July 2005
There is a direct correlation between my golf swing and my mood swing. If the former is good, so will the latter be. So when a surly mood was becoming the norm, her indoors took action. She sent me packing... on a weekend away to Malaga in Spain to learn to play golf. She even transported me to the airport to make sure I went. Bless her.
We were picked up from the Aztec Country Club bar by our tutor Mitch, a tall relaxed British pro from Derbyshire who left his homeland to set up Costa Golf Clinic on the Costa Del Sol. It was clear from the start that Mitch was determined to ‘get you golfing’.
All the gear was loaded and we drove the 4km along the picturesque coast to the colonial style golf club overlooking a magnificent vista of mountains, fountains and spectacular landscapes. The group were full of expectation to conquer golf demons and to find new simple truths about inner golfing selves and in particular our golf swings.
Stepping onto the practice area and driving range we were totally inspired by the valley and mountainous backdrop, a view to relax even the most uptight handicapped golfer. We were ready to learn.
The lessons were tailored to suite the group I had joined, 1 good nine-handicapped and his 3 mates - absolute beginners – each with their own individual needs. They were already two days into their learning curve so my joining them as a rough 18 handicapper was about right at the point when they looking to improve their swing and understand the key mechanics of how to get it right.
Mitch shared his mantra with us “The best swing thought is no swing thought”. He started. “The golf swing takes around 1.5 seconds from start to finish, therefore the brain needs clear, accurate instructions to control the required muscles that perform the movements in such a short space of time. This is why the average player suffers from inconsistencies during a round of golf”.
What an eye opener. By the end of the two hour lesson every part my swing was improved and that filled me with confidence. The next day’s lesson was chipping and putting.. It was surprising how complex chipping and putting seemed yet how easily Mitch made it work for all of us.
Sunday came and I couldn’t wait to try out my newly found skills I won’t bore you with the scores, fantastic drives, great pitches the 12ft puts but needless to say we had a great 18 holes and a pretty decent 19th as well.
Back in Blighty, the wife met me at the airport. I could see the relief on her face when I walked into arrival with a beaming smile.
FACT BOX
Costa Golf Clinic offer a range of packages starting from ?199.00 per person for 2 nights. A 5 day Golf Clinic with 7 nights accommodation at the Aztec Country Club and All transfers starts from ?299 per person (based on 4 sharing).
http://www.costagolfclinic.com
Tel: 0871 871 4287
Getting There
British Airways flies from London Gatwick and Heathrow to Malaga six times a day this summer. Return fares start from ?69 (Gatwick only), including taxes and charges. For further information or reservations, visit www.ba.com or call 0870 850 9 850