Golf is often described as a game of tradition and class but etiquette is becoming an increasingly shunned element of the great walk ruined. It is concerning the number of players that are unaware of the proper manner to repair the course after play.

Pitch marks are a major proverbial pain for golf clubs, especially Britain’s soft parkland courses. They are created when approach irons generate spin and grip to the soft green surface - the result being indented holes that significantly impact on the ability to putt accurately. If you have never suffered at the hands of a badly repaired pitch mark you are in a minority.

The importance of repairing the landing zone…

It is a task that takes only a few seconds but failure to act can lead to weeks of damage to a green. Expert keepers advise that a properly repaired pitch mark can recover in half the time. So what is the big problem?

Using the right tools

Every golfer should carry a pitch mark repair tool. They are commonly sold as sets with ball makers but available for as little as a pound on their own. They feature two sharp points that should be inserted into the ground and pull the turf back to the surface.

If you do not have one during a round, a golf tee can serve the same purpose but should be used with caution.

How to Repair the turf properly

It is important to note the mark should be repaired from behind the rear and not the front (where the ball hits the ground). This ensures a smooth and complete restoration. Actively pulling from the entry point will leave a small area that is not smooth or green. It is known as the infamous ‘ugly brown scar’ and severely hinders greens across the country.

Insert at an angle, slowly pushing the compressed turf back to its original position, it usually takes a couple of attempts from either side of the hole to ensure it is surfaced correctly. Never turn the tool in the ground as it may cause further damage. It is also unwise to attempt to push up the fallen turf to the surface. Repairing a pitch is about limiting the damage and not re-landscaping a green. Lever towards the hole from all sides for the best impact.

When finished, use your putter head to tap down to ensure a level finish and remove any unwanted bobble sections.

Useful tip…

The depth of the hole can depend on a number of factors: the softness of the green, the club choice and the shot being attempted. Short irons are likely to cause more damage due to their lofty arrival. When you reach the green follow the line of your ball back and the mark should be obvious. If you land on the fringe around the green, there is a chance you have left a pitch mark so check shots that come up short or long too.

It is important that all golfers buy in to the importance of preserving our courses for the good of all players. Taking a few seconds to rake bunkers, repair divots and restore pitch marks are key to future of British golf courses.

At Foremost Golf we encourage all our customers to look after their course and stock a variety of pitch repair tools to aid your round. Visit our online store now for more details. 

Englishman James Morrison secured the second victory of his European Tour career at The Spanish Open in Barcelona. Morrison, 30, shot a superb bogey-free final round 69 to finish four shots clear of 5 players - most notable of which was the reigning champion, Miguel Angel Jimenez. 

The win bodes well for Morrison heading in to one of the European Tour's flagship events, The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. 

So, what was in James' bag?

• Driver: Callaway Big Bertha V Series (9º)
• Fairway Wood: Titleist 915F (15º)
• Hybrid: Callaway XR (19º)
• Irons: Callaway X Forged 2013 (3-9)
• Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 2 (47º, 54º, 60º)
• Putter: Odyssey Versa BMB Jailbird (Counter Balance)
• Ball: Titleist Pro V1x (2015)
• Apparel: J.Lindeberg
• Footwear: FootJoy
• Bag: Odyssey Golf

Chris Kirk nervelessly holed a 7 foot putt on the 18th to secure victory at the Crowne Plaza Invitational at Colonial. Kirk, playing in the penultimate group, was left to see if Ian Poulter could make up the two shot difference over the final two holes before the celebrations could begin. However, the Englishman could only finish par-par which gave Kirk the opportunity to celebrate with his family whilst watching on television. 

At one point during the final round there were 15 players within two shots of the lead, including notable names such as Masters Champion Jordan Spieth and the aformentioned Poulter. Thankfully for fans of the Tennessean he held on and sealed his fourth PGA Tour victory. 

So, what was in Chris' bag? 

Driver: Callaway XR Pro (8.5 degrees, neutral setting)

3 Wood: Callaway X2 Hot (15 degrees)

Utility Clubs: Callaway Apex UT (18 degrees and 21 degrees)

Irons: Callaway Razr X Muscleback (4-9)

Wedges: Callaway Mack Daddy 2 (47-11S, 52-12S, 58-14C)

Putter: Odyssey ProType PT10
Length: 35 inches
Loft: 3.5 degrees

Golf Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Byeong Hun An stormed to victory at the BMW PGA to claim his first career title. An, 23, shot a final round 65 to finish three shots clear of his nearet challengers Miguel Angel Jimenez and Thongchai Jaidee. 

It really was an extraordinary performance by the South Korean, who finally fulfilled the potential he's shown since becoming the youngest winner of the US Amateur Championship in 2009 at the age of 17. His final total of 21 under par was a tournament record and moves him all the way up to third in the Race To Dubai rankings. 

So, what was in An's bag?

Striking cleanly and precisely from a downhill lie can be as frustrating as making a hole in one when no one is watching. It is possibly the most extreme test of your grip, confidence and stance. We review the key elements in a successful downhill play and the easy mistakes that frustrate all golfers.

Club Selection

It is important to take less club when playing a downhill slope. The angle automatically de-lofts the clubface. It is also wise to avoid clubs that you are less confident with to reduce the risk of thinning the connection. Many players struggle with sharp faced woods so utility clubs have become increasingly popular to combat the issues faced on a slope. This allows for a more natural loft option without forcing it which is a recipe for disaster.

The technique

Top pros advise that each player should swing at just 75% of a traditional swing motion to eliminate errors and improve tempo from downhill lies. Position the ball back slightly in the stance from a usual setup and set your shoulders parallel to the slope. If you fail to angle your shoulders, your frame will be tilted back, resulting in striking behind the ball.

It is essential to stay with the shot when the ball is below your feet. It is a common issue for players to lift their swing before completion and suffer a dreaded toped shot. This can often be as much a mental issue as physical so work carefully in practice to build a confidence in low swing trajectory.

Finally ensure to retain flex in your knees, they provide valuable pivot and movement across the uneven part of the swing.

Common Mistakes

Many club players are most likely spit shots from hill lies straight right because they do not follow through correctly or accept that the swing pattern needs to change. It is possible to use course hills to aid your ball manoeuvring so consider it an opportunity to add work and punch to your game.

Remember even top pros are found wanting from harsh hills at times so don’t expect perfection every time. As with all aspects of the game, your local Foremost Golf professional will be able to assist you further. 

Australian Steven Bowditch won his second PGA Tour event at the AT&T Byron Nelson on Sunday. The 31 year old shot a final round 64 to win by four shots from the American trio Charley Hoffman, Jimmy Walker and Scott Pinckney. However, the final margin of victory doesn't tell the whole story. Playing in the final group with Dustin Johnson, Bowditch was tied with his playing partner entering the 6th hole before a disastrous quadruple bogey effectively ended the American's challenge right there. 

A couple more challengers got close throughout the day but nobody could get close enough to apply any real pressure in the closing holes. 

Fun fact - The venue for the tournament, the TPC Four Seasons, was also the venue for Bowditch's wedding in 2011!

So, what was in Steven's bag?

Driver: TaylorMade AeroBurner TP (9 degrees)

3 Wood: TaylorMade JetSpeed (15 degrees)

Hybrid: Adams Pro Mini (18 degrees)

Irons: Mizuno MP-4 (4-PW)

Wedges: Cleveland 588 Forged Custom (50, 54 and 60 degrees)

Putter: Bettinardi Queen B Model 6 Tour Stock

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Søren Kjeldsen bounced back from a poor final round 76 to win the Irish Open at the first play-off hole. Competing against Eddie Pepperell and Bernd Wiesberger, the Dane birdied the par five 18th to break his six year wait for a win. 

Royal County Down played tough all four days, only five players finished under par with world class players such as Rory McIlroy, the virtual host of the event, and Sergio Garcia both missing the cut.

Kjeldsen's ability to play well in the tough conditions secured him a place at The Open Championship in July, where he'll need every ounce of grit and determination he has to be in contention. 

So, what was in Søren's bag?

Bubba Watson secured his second PGA Tour victory of the season on Sunday at the Travelers Championship. It was a dramatic final day with Watson having to beat Paul Casey in a play-off before he could walk away with the title. 

Playing in murky and wet conditions, both Watson and Casey played some incredible golf. Unfortunately for the Englishman he couldn't replicate this level of play on the second play-off hole: he drove in to a fairway bunker off the tee, hit his second shot in to another bunker before finally chipping over the green to all but secure victory for Watson. 

So, what was in Bubba's bag?

Driver: PING G30 (Grafalloy Bi-Matrix Rocket Pink X shaft), 9 degrees

3-wood: PING G30 (Fujikura Motore Speeder Tour Spec 8.2 X shaft), 14.5 degrees

7-wood: PING G30 (Fujikura Motore Speeder Tour Spec 8.2 X shaft), 19 degrees

Irons: PING S55 (4-PW; True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shafts)

Wedges: PING Glide (52SS, 56SS and 60TS degrees; True Temper Dynamic Gold X100 shafts)

Putter: PING Anser Milled Anser 1

Ball: Titleist Pro V1X

Pablo Larrazábal was faultless on Sunday in shooting a final round 66 to edge Henrik Stenson by 1 shot. It was always going to take something special from the Spaniard, the leaderboard was congested at the top throughout most of the final round and world number seven Stenson was playing some brilliant golf just ahead of him. 

His sixth birdie of the day on 16 provided the margin of victory and, although he had to watch the rest of the groups finish to be certain of victory, none of those players behind him could muster up anything spectacular coming down the last to threaten Larrazábal's place at the top. 

So, what was in Pablo's bag?

There is nothing more frustrating in the game of golf than reading greens. In theory it should be pretty straightforward but is the difference between decent players and genuinely great players.

We take a look at the key elements involved in understanding green play.

Patience

In reality, the golf ball will never react the same way twice therefore it is futile to become frustrated with gravity. Even the perfect read can result in a missed opportunity… this golf.

Remain patient and stick to your technique and preparation on every putt.

The Skill

Many players over think putting and this is the biggest issue. Simply get into position at address and line up initially straight at the hole. This way you have a clear mental image of the shot.

From here, adjust your aim based on the green slopes and consider the speed. Remember, uphill putting is always easier with less pressure.

Judging The Slope 

The best way to read a green is via practice. You can certainly aid your general ability by maintaining a steady role roll of the golf ball and complete the stroke.

Most misreads occur because players don’t judge a slope properly. Putting across the green can be tough but ignore any cuttings and focus purely on the target area.

Practice Drills

Scatter balls around the practice green and play repeatedly over the slope to gain an understanding of the depth of movement. The best way to learn is watch the movement of the ball off the blade on certain trajectories.

It can also be a useful exercise to place a ball in front of the ball you are playing consider how it will run differently along the same line.

Reading greens is about confidence and understanding what is required to judge pace and angle. There is a degree of natural talent needed but every player can improve and reduce their score with the basic principles or green reading. 

If you need any further assistance with this then please visit your Foremost Golf professional.