Inside the Swing: First Impressions of our New Social Golf Clinics

At La Grande Mare, golf has always been about more than just scorecards; it’s about community, enjoyment, and continuous improvement, whatever your level. We recently brought together a group of regular golfers to share their experiences of our new social golf clinics, and their insights offer a glimpse into what makes these sessions so special.

How long have you been playing golf, and what level are you currently at?

Colin: My current handicap 19.5, but I haven't been playing much since La Grande Mare closed. I know I'd like to improve it, but also accept I'll never be a single handicapper at my age! However, it would be nice to knock it back down 16.2, or that sort of region.

Jacqui I’m off 21.8, but I’m not really playing to that. So, my first ambition is to get back to playing at my handicap and then start reducing it further. When La Grande Mare closed, I moved somewhere else, but I didn't see my game improve and I’m just starting to get back into it.

Jaine: I’ve always been more of a social player. I never really had time to practice, so I wouldn’t describe myself as competitive. Really, I’d like to improve enough to enjoy how I play, and I know that involves more practice, which I never used to do. For me, it’s about getting myself to a stage where I'm enjoying playing.

Sue: My golf has been very up and down over the years, and I’ve stopped whenever I’ve run out of patience with it! I don’t play many competitions, and I broke my arm a couple of years ago, so my handicap isn’t very accurate, but I’d like to get into the low 30s.

Tracy: I’m a complete novice. I’ve had a few lessons before, but I got myself quite confused, so I stopped. Coming to Sue has made things a bit clearer.  Her advice and concise instruction have been great, it’s what I’ve really needed. This has been a great way to get started properly.”

So, do you think the clinic has helped improve your driving?

Colin: Yes, definitely. Just small changes to my grip made a big difference straight away. I was hitting the ball straighter and with better distance. Sue’s taught me two small changes that have made an immediate improvement.

Tracy: Absolutely. It’s helped me understand things much more clearly and get rid of some bad habits.

Jacqui: The individual feedback is fantastic. Everyone gets something tailored to them, and having video feedback to take away is really helpful.

Tracy: Normally, you leave a lesson trying to remember everything. With this, you’ve got something to refer back to, which makes a big difference.

Sue: I really like that Sue treats everyone as an individual. It’s not about making everyone swing the same way, it’s about what works for you. I think it’s better value for money than a private lesson, particularly if you just need a bit of practice to overcome a particular challenge.

Colin: You get expert tuition and time on the range at a very reasonable price—and the coffee is great too!

How did you find the use of technology in the sessions?

Jaine: To be honest, at first, I thought it might be too advanced for me and aimed at the professionals, but it wasn’t intimidating at all. It’s there if you want it, but it’s not overwhelming.

Sue: I agree, you can focus on improving without worrying about all the numbers. In fact, we didn’t really focus on the technology that much, unless we wanted to ask Sue questions about things like ball speed and what we should be aiming for.

Have you enjoyed the group aspect of the clinics?

Colin: Definitely, some of us have known each other for a while, but you also get to meet new people as well, so the social side is good. It’s one of the best things about golf - you can play with people of all abilities and still enjoy a game together.

Sue: The structure works really well; some coaching, then time to practice, then regroup. It keeps things relaxed and enjoyable. The group size is ideal, too. In some bootcamps, when you go abroad, there can be 16 people in the group so it’s not very tailored instruction, as the one who shouts the loudest gets the most attention!

Jacqui: I think that’s a nice dynamic, that we’re shown something, go away and practice and regroup, it’s also less tiring.

Will you be signing up for more sessions?

Group: Yes, it would be great to try out some of the other clinics planned, like short game sessions.

Get Involved

Our social golf clinics are open to all abilities and offer a relaxed, supportive way to improve your game while meeting other golfers. Visit the website to see upcoming sessions and book your place: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/69ac2103/?categories[]=Social%20Golf%20Clinics