The old saying DRIVE for show and PUTT for dough has been overtaken by modern technology as golfers find the new generation of drivers so much easier to use and control.Getting the ball into play off the tee has become easier with the development of the latest generation of Drivers.  Two of the leading competing Brands are Callaway and Taylormade.  The new Big Bertha featuring the Sliding adjuster to help draw or  fade the ball is very user friendly however the Alpha Big Bertha Long is even more impressive as the centre of gravity can  be moved to allow the player to have more loft without compromising their launch angle, there is also weight adjustment for draw or fade, loft adjustment and lie adjustment.  Taylor Made has weight, loft, and face  lie angle adjustment in their R1 Driver.  The new SDLR  drive has a sliding weight adjuster for shot shape and is probably just ahead in user popularity with tour players although I expect Callaway to catch up pretty soon.

Trying the latest kit can be great fun  and with  the cost of the investment trying before  buying is recommended.  Most professionals have demonstration clubs and welcome the chance to advise and recommend what is best suited to customers, we have extensive trial programme at Brora and all are welcome to come and sample the latest technology.  This week sees the first of the majors as the leading players in the world(sadly not Tiger) tee off at Augusta, the fact that the tournament  is played on the same golf course every year means returning players know how to navigate their way round the quirky hazards of the course, consequently they all have an established set of strategies and game plan. The wonderful shot making ability of these players,places more than ever the emphasis on who can PUTT the  best.

Forecasting who will prevail at Augusta is similar to picking the Grand National winner however, from the U.S.Harris English and Jimmy Wilson have won already this year and are on form along with Matt Kuchar.A European winner could come from Sergio Garcia,Lee Westwood not forgetting our own in  form Scotsman Stephen Gallagher.Once the jacket  is on and the circus moves on local players will be off and playing on our two local courses at Golspie and Brora  both of which are in great shape,confirmed by the many positive comments after the new and innovative very successful joint event staged last weekend.Congratulations to both clubs thanks and well done Sponsors Kincraig Fabrics,it would be remiss not to mention the gross 65 of  Chris Mailley scored in not the easiest of conditions a very fine performance and only the use of preferred lies preventing the score standing as a new record for Brora.