Folks, a journey to the sacred grounds of Scottish golf demands more than just packing a sturdy windbreaker and a healthy dose of self-deprecation for those inevitable duffed shots. It requires a swing finely tuned to battle the elements and a mental game as steady as a seasoned caddie’s hand on a 40mph gust. Especially when you’re about to embark on the ultimate Kintyre golfing adventure and a swing that’s as unstable as mine.
A lot more body sway before (left) resulting in a higher less penetrating launch
Thanks to the fine folks at The Links Diary and The Fliers Club, we’re about to experience the holy trinity of Kintyre golf: Machrihanish Golf Club, Machrihanish Dunes, and Dunaverty. Each course promises a unique test of skill, a distinct character, and enough windswept beauty to fill a dozen postcards.
To prepare myself for this golfing odyssey, I sought the wisdom of James Maw, a golf swing guru whose reputation precedes him like a booming drive down the fairway. Nestled within the Seaton Carew Golf Club, James’ approach to coaching is less about Band-Aid fixes and more about diagnosing the root cause of swing ailments.
Lately, my shots had taken on a mind of their own, soaring skyward like a tipsy seagull. The culprit? A swing path that wandered too far inside, forcing a desperate hand flip to salvage the shot. This inconsistency, like a poorly mixed Scotch, was sure to leave a bitter taste in my mouth on Scotland’s wind-swept courses, let alone the rugged links of Kintyre.
In our session, James’ keen eye quickly detected this wayward tendency. His remedy was deceptively simple yet profoundly impactful: maintaining the position of my left shoulder down and forward throughout the swing, effectively “covering” the ball. This subtle adjustment didn’t merely tinker with the mechanics of my swing; it fixed the minor issues, resulting in increased shaft lean and lower, more penetrating ball flight. He has a knack for distilling complex swing theories into actionable adjustments, transforming a bewildered duffer into a confident ball striker.
This lesson was more than technique; it instilled a newfound adaptability and belief in my game. These qualities, much like a reliable rain suit and a flask of single malt, are essential for navigating the formidable links courses that await in Machrihanish.
As I embark on this Scottish golfing adventure, armed with James Maw’s invaluable insights, I feel prepared to face the challenges ahead. After all, a well-prepared golfer is like a well-aged whisky: smooth, consistent, and ready to take on whatever comes their way. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go pack my clubs, polish my lucky ball marker, and practice my best “fore!” in a thick Scottish brogue.
Find out more about James on his Skillest site, https://skillest.com/app/profile/james-maw