News - Harold Swash - Putting School of Excellence

Bjorn again! Thomas lands Qatar title

2011-02-12T20:15:07Z

Congratulations to Thomas Bjorn who won the Commercialbank Qatar Masters presented by Dolphin Energy at the Doha Golf Club.

After a first round 2 over par 74 Thomas produced scintillating rounds 65,66 and 69 to finish at fourteen under par and complete a four stroke victory over Alvaro Quiros.

A big factor in Bjorn's win was his putting. Bjorn started to consult putting coach Phil Kenyon in 2010 before deciding to focus more intensely with Kenyon at the beginning of 2011.

A productive session at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship in early January, Bjorn's first outing this season paid dividends in Qatar, as Bjorn's form on the greens returned to that of old.

Björn parred his first 14 holes, before a wonderful six iron approach to the 15th led to his first birdie of the day, and he made further gains at the 16th and 18th.

"I said yesterday it was going to be one of those days where it's a question of hanging in, and that's all I did earlier on," said Björn, who turns 40 later this month.

"I didn't play particularly well for at least the first six holes. I was really struggling and didn't hit any fairways, and just kept holing a few putts for pars.

"I knew it was going to be a tough day, but from there on I started playing a lot better and got more control over the ball and just kept making pars. I stood on the tenth tee with a four shot lead and I knew it was going to be difficult, if I parred every hole on the back nine, it's going to be difficult for them to catch me."

Quiros came closest to catching the Estoril Open de Portugal winner - the big-hitting Spaniard turning one under before defying windy conditions to reach the par five tenth in two for birdie.

He picked up further shots at the 11th and 14th, but a missed five foot par putt on the 15th shortly before Björn's birdie on the same hole provided a crucial two shot swing and effectively ending the contest.

Thomas Bjorn and the Qatar Masters Trophy

Fleetwood Continues Fine Form

2010-09-26T21:04:26Z

Congratulations to Phil Kenyon pupil Tommy Fleetwood, who finished 2^nd at the recent Russian Open on the Challenge Tour.

Fleetwood's runner-up finish moves the talented teenager up to 55th in the Challenge Tour Rankings after just two events as a professional, and guarantees him a category on the Challenge Tour in 2011 and a place in the field for the next event, the ALLIANZ Golf Open du Grand Toulouse.

As he was after his appearance as an amateur at the English Challenge earlier in the season, where a costly bogey on the last handed the title to Daniel Gaunt, Fleetwood was keen to take the positives from a week which saw him enhance his reputation as one to watch in the future.

He said: "I played really well, and hardly put a foot wrong all day. My only bogey was on the 12th, which is probably the hardest hole on the course. I stood on the 14th tee and though I'd need to get to 11 or 12 under to win, and I gave it a good go by holing some clutch putts on the way in. The putt on the last was a bit too firm - I still though it was in, but it just slipped past as it did at the English Challenge.

"But I can still take a lot of positives from the week. I came so close to winning again, and hopefully if I can keep banging on the door, it'll open sooner or later. Since I've turned pro my results have got better with every tournament, so if that trend continues it's looking pretty good for my next event in Toulouse! I'm feeling more and more comfortable all the time, and if I keep giving myself chances, hopefully I'll be able to take one of them sooner or later. And at least I've now secured a Challenge Tour category for next season, so I'll have somewhere to play if I don't make it through Q School."

Tommy Fleetwood in action in Russia

Thai Instructors join the Accredited Instructor Programme

2010-09-25T15:00:15Z

HSPSE are pleased to announce the success of their first visit to Thailand to deliver the ever growing and popular Accredited Instructor Programme. Nine of the best teaching professionals from Thailand, and a Malaysian Teaching Professional joined the programme to discover more about the swash putting philosophy.

The programme Instructors were Director of Instruction Phil Kenyon and Level Two Accredited Instructor Shay Smart. The programme was delivered at the fantastic Lakewood Golf Club located just outside of Bangkok.

Day one consisted of an introduction to the Swash Putting philosophy and coaching methods. The coaching professionals themselves also were assessed using SAM Puttlab and video analysis. The data was then used to allow the instructors to relate theory into practice and allow the attendees to learn through experience.

The 2nd day saw practical sessions where each professional worked through the proposed changes and the instructors demonstrated how as a coach these changes are implemented and how putting fitting forms and integral part of coaching.Teaching Aids where also covered and how they can be used to enhance the coaching experience.

The response from the Thai professionals was excellent, with a high level of knowledge already established by the professionals it made for an interesting and very interactive couple of days.

The feedback from the attendees was fantastic and Harold Swash Putting is already planning a level two course to follow up on the demand from, and success of, this initial visit.

Khob-Kun-Ka Thailand!

List of Attendees

Somchat Noomchaiphom (Thai PGA)
Kitipong Srithongkul (Thai PGA)
Lackchai Thongsripong (Thai PGA)
Pompetch Sarabuddhi (Thai PGA)
Kavipong Meanpetch (Thai PGA)
Premchai Limvorratre (Thai PGA)
Prataan Naraballobh (Thai PGA)
Pornsit Chaikul (Thai PGA)
Haris Rodpetch (Thai PGA)
Stephen Hiew (Malaysian PGA)

Director of Instruction Phil Kenyon (bottom left) and Level Two Instructor Shay Smart (Top left) with the Thai Attendees

Asian Instructors Pass Level Two Programme

2010-09-25T14:55:05Z

HSPSE are pleased to announce the successful completion of its 2^nd Level Two Accredited Instructor Programme in Asia at the Palm Island Resort, Guangdong, China.

After completing Level One, David Largent (Hong Kong PGA), Kantinan Siritanasab (Thai PGA), Patrick Foy (WGTF) and Chris Mars (South African & Hong Kong PGA) attended the 2nd tier of the coaching programme to further educate themselves along their journey as specialist putting instructors.

On day one of the 2 day course, Director of Instruction Phillip Kenyon presented further insights into the Swash philosophy. The first day consisted of an in-depth seminar looking at the common putting faults and their fixes, as well as practical demonstrations on to how to integrate modern technology such as high speed video, forceplates and SAM Puttlab into day to day teaching

The first day Phil Kenyon also presented example case studies and insights into his work with the likes of Ross Fisher, Martin Kaymer, David Howell, Henrik Stenson and Oliver Fisher amongst others, to allow the coaches a clearer understanding of the philosophy in practice. Day 2 presented a different challenge for the attendees as they themselves were observed and assessed as they delivered a series of lessons to students.

Overall the coaches expressed their enjoyment of the 2 days, and all passed on positive feedback on how the programme is helping them help their students to become better putters.

A big thank you to Shay Smart and Plam Island Resort, China for hosting the event.

Phil Kenyon (2nd from left) with the new Level Two Instructors
From left to right, Chris Mars, David Largent, Patrick Foy and Kantinan Siritanasab

Accredited Instructor Programme Success in China

2010-09-25T14:48:19Z

The Harold Swash Putting School has just returned from China where it delivered the 3^rd annual Level One Training Programme in the country.

The programme as delivered at the Palm Island, in Guangdong, China, The 2^nd consecutive time it has been held at the resort.6 Golf Teaching Professionals from different areas of Asia attended Level one of the specialist Putting Instruction Programme, while we also had 2 club fitters (who received certificates of attendance) join in attempt to broaden their knowledge and insight into putting.
The programme Instructors were Director of Instruction Phil Kenyon and Level Two Accredited Instructor Shay Smart.

Day one consisted of an introduction to the Swash Putting philosophy and coaching methods. The coaching professionals themselves also were assessed using SAM Puttlab and video analysis.

The data then used to allow the instructors to relate theory into practice and allow the attendees to learn through experience.
The 2nd day saw practical sessions where each professional worked through the proposed changes and the instructors demonstrated how as a coach these changes are implemented and how putting fitting forms and integral part of coaching.Teaching Aids where also covered and how they can be used to enhance the coaching experience.

The feedback from the attendees was encouraging and all were appreciative of the opportunity to add to their knowledge and experience, which ultimately enables them to be better coaches and club fitters

Also attending the programme were 2 club fitting technicians that received a certificate of attendance for taking part.

List of attendee's

David Norquay (New Zealand PGA)
Matthew Coote (Australia PGA)
Tony Ho (Hong Kong PGA)
Randy Mawuntu (Indonesian PGA)
Tan Chin Teck (WGTF)
Koh Yong Thye (Club Fitter)
Peng Siong Wee (Indonesian PGA)
Tom Lin (Club Fitter)

Phil Kenyon (far right) and Shat Smart (back centre) with the Level One particpants

Molinari Recieves Ryder Cup Wild Card

2010-08-30T18:57:44Z

Colin Montgomerie, faced with arguably the most difficult decision any Captain has had regarding wild cards, has named Padraig Harrington, Luke Donald and HSPSE pupil Edoardo Molinari as the three men to complete his line-up.

They join automatic qualifiers Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Francesco Molinari, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Peter Hanson and fellow HSPSE pupil Ross Fisher in Europe's Ryder Cup Team.

Montgomerie was left with five players in the Official World Golf Ranking Top 22 chasing a pick.

No brothers have played in the same match since Bernhard and Geoff Hunt in 1963 and Edoardo Molinari piled on the pressure with a three-birdie finish to win the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in dramatic fashion.

Edoardo earnt his place, alongside his brother Francesco, on the back their Omega Mission Hills World Cup victory together. along with personal victories in the Dunlop Phoenix tournament in Japan and the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond - as well as coming second to Ernie Els in the US PGA Tour's Arnold Palmer Invitational.

After announcing that Sergio Garcia will join the team as a fourth Vice Captain, Montgomerie had high praise for Edoardo sensatinoal performance at Gleneagles.

"Edoardo Molinari, what can one say about his performance today?"In my time on the European Tour, over 24 years, I have never seen a finish like that. All credit to him, having to win and doing just that." "What Edoardo Molinari did this week was incredible, he is the kind of player we need to regain The Ryder Cup. "Since my day - I was a Ryder Cup rookie in 1991 - I don't think any Captain has had the difficulty I have had today picking three from a possible ten.

"It has been fraught in so many ways but watching Edoardo birdie the last three holes, he has made our job very easy for us with his performance today."

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Edoardo Molinari with Putting Coach Phil kenyon at the recent Johnnie Walker Championship

Molinari Lands Scottish Double

2010-08-30T18:45:08Z

Congratulations to Edoardo Molinari , pupil of putting coach Phil Kenyon, who was once again victorious in Scotland when he birdied the last three holes to win the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

The 29 year old Italian was two behind Australian Brett Rumford with three holes to play.

He then two-putted the long 16th, sank a curling 30 footer at the 194 yard 17th and then hit a chip to within 18 inches of the final hole.

"Playing on 16, I thought I was one behind, and I had two par fives to play and thought that I still had a chance to win the tournament if I make two birdies in the last three," said Molinari.

"So I was playing very well and I knew I could do it and when I got on to the 16th tee and hit a great second shot I thought I had a great possibility.

"I knew I had to do two birdies on the last three at least to tie him and I had a big putt on 16, I think that was very important. And I hit it safely on the green on 17, and just before I hit the putt, Colin, my caddie told me I was owed a putt, because I hit a lot of good putts today that didn't go in, and he was right, because it went right in the divot and it was a difficult putt, as well.

Molinari has worked extensively with Phil Kenyon over the last 18 months, a relationship that has seen victories in the 2010 Barclays Scottish Open, the 2009 World Cup, the 2009 Dunlop Pheonix Tournament in Japan and topping the 2009 Challenge Tour Order of Merit.

In the past year the Turin golfer has climbed from The Challenge Tour into the top 20 of The Official World Golf Ranking.

Edoardo Molinari with the Trophy at Gleneagles

Harold Swash Putting Relocate to Formby Hall

2010-08-20T12:21:39Z

Harold Swash Putting Relocates to Formby Hall Golf Club.The brand new, state-of-the-art studio will comprise a 600 square ft indoor
putting green, complemented by technology such as SAM Puttlab (which measures the movement of the putter via ultra sound), high speed video, GASP coaching software and a balance plate built into the putting green which can be used to measure a player's weight distribution and movement during the stroke.

State-of-the-art technology combined with expert coaching, will provide the ideal environment to help any golfer putt to his or her maximum potential.As well as the indoor studio an outdoor green built to USGA specification is available if required. This enables more specific work, practice drills andgreen reading work to be completed.

Leading the instruction at Harold Swash Putting is Company Director and PGA Professional Phil Kenyon, whose students include Tour professionals Henrik Stenson, Darren Clarke and Chris Wood, as well as 2010 European Tour winners Edoardo Molinari, David Horsey and Ross Fisher.Joining him at the new venue will be PGA Professional Michael Kanski, who adds an extra dimension to the team with his speciality in working with newcomers to the game, juniors, ladies and custom fitting.

Located in between Southport and Liverpool, and less than an hour away from Manchester airport, Formby Hall Golf Resort and Spa is set amongst 200 acres of parkland, in the heart of England's Golf Coast, and offers the definitive golf resort, luxury spa and hotel experience.The venue is stylish and sophisticated after a £15 million pound refurbishment in 2008 resulted in the completion of a new four-star 62 bedroom Hotel and Luxury Spa. Formby Hall is now firmly established as one of the finest resorts and luxury hotels in the North West of England.

With 62 sumptuous bedrooms, it combines all the charm and individuality of a boutique hotel with all the facilities of a 4* luxury spa and golf resort. All bedrooms are superbly appointed with state-of-the-art facilities, each laid out with meticulous attention to detail and benefiting from the best in contemporary design.

The resort is also host to the UK's first PGA National Residential Golf Academy. The facilities include a 21 bay driving range, 3 teaching bays and a private swing-analysis rooms. While also the Academy boast a unique and superbly laid out and conditioned 9-hole par 3 course, widely regarded as the best of its kind with in the UK.

The relocation of Harold Swash Putting School to the PGA Academy not only strengthens the first class facility Formby Hall Resort offers but also the setting in which to receive world class putting instruction. Whether you combine a visit to the Putting School with an overnight stay, a game of golf or indeed to use some the other facilities on offer one thing for sure is
that it will be a memorable visit.

For more information on Harold Swash Putting please contact
phil@haroldswashputting.co.uk

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Images From The New Studio at Formby Hall Golf Resprt and Spa

Kaymer wins USPGA Championship

2010-08-18T21:09:52Z

German Martin Kaymer sealed a Ryder Cup debut in the grandest manner possible on Sunday night - by winning the final Major of the season after a three-hole play-off with left-hander Bubba Watson.It would have been a three-way play-off, but Dustin Johnson, the player who missed out on the US Open Championship in June with a closing 82, was penalised two strokes after it was ruled he had ground his club on the sand before hitting his second shot at the final hole.

He was one ahead with one to play and thought when he missed a six foot par putt that another chance was still to come in the play-off.The course on the banks of Lake Michigan has over 1,000 bunkers, but many of them are not easily defined, so the rules of play for the week are that "all areas... designed and built as sand bunkers will be played as bunkers (hazards), whether or not they have been raked."

As Johnson was left to reflect on another disappointment, Kaymer and Watson went at it alone after both finished on the 11 under par total of 277, one ahead of Rory McIlroy and Zach Johnson.Watson struck first by pitching to two feet at the tenth, but Kaymer who has previously consulted putting coach Phil Kenyon, responded with a 15 foot putt on the short 17th.

The decisive moment came when Watson then struck his second into the water when they returned to the 18th.He did hit the flag with a chip, but could do no better than a double-bogey six and 25 year old Kaymer, having laid up from the rough, won with a bogey five. Kaymer's victory makes it two European wins in the last three Majors following Graeme McDowell's Pebble Beach triumph.

Putting Coach Phil Kenyon working with USPGA Champion Martin Kaymer

King Fisher is crowned champion

2010-08-01T16:32:24Z

England's Ross Fisher won the 3 Irish Open in record-equalling style at Killarney - despite a thrilling late challenge from home favourite Padraig Harrington.

From three behind Harrington might have thought a closing seven under par 64 would seal his national title for the second time in four years.

But Fisher, pupil of Putting Coach Phil Kenyon, having lost the six stroke lead he held in the third round, responded with a 65 to take his fourth European Tour title by two.

The 29 year old's 266 aggregate, 18 under par, matched the tournament record set nine years ago by Colin Montgomerie - and with it Fisher climbs all the way from 13th to sixth in the race for places in Montgomerie's Ryder Cup Team.

When interviewed on Sky Sports by commentator Tim Barter, Fisher commented on how the work he has done with Putting Coach Phil Kenyon had helped him return to winning ways. He now heads into the Bridgestone Invitational (next week) and then the final Major of the season, the US PGA Championship (the weeks after) with renewed confidence.

The tournament leaderboard had very much a 'HSPSE' feel to it on the Sunday with pupils Chris Woods, Michael Hoey, Joost Luiten and Richie Ramsey all finishing in the top 10.

Phil Kenyon with Ross Fisher at the recent French Open