Considered by many to be one of the most comprehensive practice facilities in the UK and the ultimate venue for taking up the game of golf or improving skills, the Palmerston Golf Academy (PGA) located within the Brocket Hall estate, is about to elevate its status yet further.
Poised to become a venue for some of the world’s top golfers, the new look PGA, which is made up of a state-of-the-art indoor school supported by a V1 Swing Analysis computer, the newest Flight Scope Launch Monitor and the Titleist Sure Fitting Centre, dedicated short and long game practice zones, chipping and putting areas and a par 3 6-hole short course, will play host to some of the most respected names in golf from February who will offer an expanded variety of clinics, schools and special events for golfers interested in improving their skills and all aspects of their performance.
European and Asian Tour winners, the glamorous twins Samantha and Johanna Head, who took the golfing world by storm when they turned professional 15 years ago, will be joining the teaching staff at the Academy. Jo and Sam are now distinguished teachers and will be offering Family and Friends lessons for lady beginners who want to learn together. Designed to be fun and confidence-giving, the lessons are offered with the option of a sociable lunch in Auberge du Lac – the Michelin-starred restaurant on the lakeside at Brocket Hall.
The twins´ One day Tour Experience clinics are sure to be popular with advanced golfers who want to learn how to master the game from world-class tournament players, and include technique lessons and course management advice while the intensive Improve Your Golf clinics, which take place over two days and focus on all aspects of game-improvement, are combined with a stay in the luxurious Melbourne Lodge on the magnificent Brocket Hall country estate.
The girls will be joined by renowned golfing professional Barney Puttick, who is guaranteed to play a huge part in the development of the Palmerston Golf Academy. Voted one of the top 25 coaches in the UK, with over 30,000 lessons to his name, his teaching record is outstanding. As a Herts County Coach he has taught over 150 county golfers since 1993, some of whom have gone on to play for England. He has also nurtured the talent of a number of golf professionals and developed a reputation as a short game specialist. A Golf Monthly teaching panellist since 2003, Barney has held clinics on all aspects of the game including short game clinics with former Ryder Cup player Ken Brown, putting clinics with YES putter inventor Harold Swash and golf psychology sessions with Dr Karl Morris.
Of his teaching philosophy Barney says, ¨I always try to work with the individual player and with what they have, rather than being a method teacher. To me a swing is like a finger print and is unique to the individual. We only have to observe the top players to see the different styles, for instance between Luke Donald and Graham McDowell. By using positive swing drills and muscle memory techniques each player can improve their understanding of the game and ultimately their enjoyment.¨
Following the Academy’s relaunch, Puttick will be providing lessons for all levels of golfers as well as staging an inspiring programme of specialist golf clinics to build skills and improve all aspects of the game. He added, “I couldn’t hope for a better environment in which to teach. The unequalled facilities at the Palmerston Golf Academy have allowed my imagination to run wild. I have ambitious plans and will soon be announcing news of my clinics and residential golf schools.”
Brocket Hall´s Club Director Peter Tschernitz added, “Barney´s reputation as a highly-regarded coach and short game guru will be a great asset to us at the Palmerston Golf Academy. I am absolutely sure that everyone that enrols will gain skills that will last them a lifetime.”
Last but by no means least, the most recent appointment is that of Tom Motley who will take up the position of Lead Teaching Professional at the Academy. A fully qualified (Class A) golf professional, Motley has a proven track record in golf coaching having worked with David Leadbetter coach Bob Lore in Florida. He has a thorough knowledge of modern teaching techniques and a flexible approach to teaching golfers of all abilities; he is also a certified mind factor coach.
Brocket Hall http://www.brocket-hall.co.uk