Tavira, Golf and Coaching 8th October 2016

Thank goodness Robinson Club saw sense and withdrew their new, crazy single supplement policy. We can now return next year to this excellent venue.

I have said much in the past of the Robinson Quinta da Ria resort so won’t repeat it here, other than to say with a full house of 8 regulars and 4 new attendees it was much praised.

We began the coaching Sunday morning with a “get to know each other” session to ascertain individual objectives for the week and as usual trying to instill good practice ideas as opposed to just hitting balls down the range. I think by Thursday that message was getting through!! It really is difficult to understand “less is more” and good practice requires lots of rehearsal and slow motion movement to instill feel and muscle memory to make changes. In the afternoon I made a brief introduction to putting, but mainly concentrated on chipping and short pitches around the green.

Following another range session we played 18 holes on the Quinta da Cima course on Monday and one or two keenly fought 4BBB matches were played. This first game is observation time for me. A chance to evaluate not only technique, but people’s attitude to the game and key weaknesses.

Tuesday morning we concentrated on short game including bunker shots and a variety of shot saving tips around the green before a second round, this time on the very scenic Quinta da Ria course.

We leave a free day for rest and recuperation but as usual at least half the group played, 4 of whom sampled Portugal’s no.1 rated course at Monte Rei. If any course is worth €200 it is this Nicklaus signature layout, not only for a golf course out of the top draw, but also the overall ambience on arrival and in the clubhouse.

Thursday was back to the range and with fewer balls being hit, better practice ensued. A final session on the putting green to help a little with reading greens. It is quite an art on these courses with many subtle breaks. It is understandable why there are a few to many 3 putts, finding the pace is rather difficult if you don’t recognise uphill from downhill!

The final coaching session on Friday is not a time for new things but a recap, an individual résumé and a quiet prayer that people will continue their good work and see through new moves and feels. For the final days competition, friendly, but keenly fought, Hilary, Maggie, David and Ken were the victorious team, and Ken playing off 8 won the individual.

I, and I’m sure Barney, will look forward to returning here in 2017

Good golfing

David