Golfer’s Corner

Hitting a moving ball is prohibited, but not always. Tune in to find out why.

Director of Golf Ian Cox with his monthly report to the Members. In this episode he provides updates on: (at the 47 sec. timestamp) the exciting final day of the Rank List.  (10:27) upcoming free consultations with the Player Development team. (13:17) why, unlike other places in the world, we don’t require players to submit a score every time they play.

John Lockyer brings Members up-to-date on; (at the 01:26 timestamp) this month’s greens maintenance. (02:57) The benefits of holes. Why greenkeepers punch holes. (06:37) Drought recovery. How the course is looking now, in October, after the hot and dry summer. 

Director of Golf, Ian Cox, talks with Ron Commans about the following topics.  Beginning at the (00:38 seconds mark) the race for the Rank List. Never have so many been in with a chance this late in the race. Ian and Ron explore the possibilities. (13:34) The End of Season Dinner and why you might like to attend. (19:57) The condition of the courses as they recover from the hot and exceptionally dry summer. 

Ben Sargent leaves The Wisley this month after 19 years of service to the Club. Ben leaves for a very exciting opportunity as the UK sales representative for the Travis Mathew clothing line. In this podcast, Ben talks about his memories of The Wisley, his love of golf history and what he is looking forward to in his new job.  

Director of Golf, Ian Cox, brings us up to date on his Golf Ops team. He introduces the newly appointed staff, the ones he has brought onboard during his first year in the role. Then (at the 9:03 mark) turns his attention to the team he inherited. Giving a run-down of their abilities and aspirations.   The conversation turns to upcoming events (12:44). Highlighting the Member/Member Tournament and the Charity Team Challenge.

Denis Pugh introduces plans for the practice facility renovation; the grass tee gets bigger (2:52), a gigantic new putting green (5:02), the chipping area increases in size (9:41), the Performance Centre studios get more than just an upgrade (11:19), and a brand-new covered range building and café (13:18).

In this podcast, Ron Commans untangles what is perhaps the most difficult rule in golf to understand. Responding to an email question from a Wisley Member, “can I hit a provisional on Mill no. 6?”, a question that surely resonates with others, Ron first strips away what doesn’t matter (3:29), then zeros in on the critical element (6:46). Two pretend scenarios are used as illustrations (7:47 and 9:20). The main point, the one thing to take away from this episode comes at (11:45) i.e., that penalty areas are different from out-of-bounds and lost balls in that you are allowed to play from them. On that difference the whole thing hinges. Fail to recognise that and the player will never understand this rule. Finally, a story about Rory McIlroy to drive the point home (14:59).