www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver Weekend, Saturday June 2, 2007 - 29 Looking for new clubs? Best to buy to your ability Spring weather means digging out golf clubs and getting them ready for the season. For others, it's the time they start thinking this might be the year for a new set of clubs. But with so many options on the market, where to start shopping can be as big a challenge as hitting it straight once you get them in your hands. The key is to seriously assess your personal ability level and spend your money accordingly. Buy to your ability is the best way to put it. Have an honest conversation with the salesperson, let them know what you typically shoot and have them provide some advice. For some, any time is a good time to buy new clubs but there are at least three good reasons: your game has improved; there's a change in your swing; it's time to treat yourself. The best way to know if it's time to buy at the start of the season is to hit the local indoor range, hit a bucket of balls and decide if a new set will really help your game over the coming season. Once you have decided to buy new clubs, your biggest choice comes down to graphite or steel shafts. There's no right choice it's a matter of feel. Feel is everything- and everyone is different, so be sure to take some live swings. Any reputable retailer or golf professional will let you hit the clubs before you put your money on the table. This is a significant purchase, so don't take no for an answer. Traditionally, a basic set includes two or three woods, including a driver and two fairway woods; eight irons, usually a 3- through 9-iron and a pitching wedge; a sand wedge, and a putter. Many golfers no longer carry 3- and 4-irons, instead opting for fairway Learning the art of golf can be easy with the help of Signature Golf Academy Golf teaching professional Robert Cote believes golf has been difficult to learn for most people because of the way it has been taught...it does not have to be a struggle as his method has proven. After over 30 years of studying this great game as a caddy, player ,spectator and after receiving his professional teaching accreditation, he began his formal teaching career instructing the junior program at a private club in Cheshire England where he was also based at a teaching academy. Upon returning to Canada in '97 he founded Signature Golf Academy, whose motto " a swing as personal as your signature" embodies his teaching philosophy....... " a solid golf swing is best acquired by learning a few basic fundamentals like ball flight laws, grip, alignment, posture then how to swing on a consistent basis using one's own natural ability not by imitating someone else's swing or following a guru's specific teaching techniques" His method led to the development of programs like "learn to play in a day"; a game evaluation analysis system which when combined with teaching and supervised, structured practice sessions leads to rapid and sustainable improvement in scoring. Enhanced enjoyment of the game soon follows. From raw beginner to experienced player, anyone can benefit from one of his programs. Rob works with his students at the well equipped facilities of the Vic Hadfield Learning Center and can be reached at 905 848-3233 or siggolfacademy @yahoo.com How to improve your golf... and enjoy it more If you're tired of taking lessons and not improving then it's time for a personalized instruction program from Signature Golf Academy. Our time tested method combines your natural ability with the essential swing fundamentals to produce a consistent, repeatable motion which is personal to you NOT an imitation of someone else's method or swing. We guarantee your results ... AND as their testimonials prove our students' success is proof our method works. Begin with a video swing analysis and scores evaluation, then discuss a customized improvement program and schedule to meet your goals. Follow this with structured, SUPERVISED practice sessions and game monitoring all season long. Programs for all levels of ability. woods. Ultimately, choosing a set of clubs is a personal choice that should be made using the right information and advice. It's also a good idea to bring your new clubs to one of Oakville's ranges before hitting the golf course. Getting a feel for them is important, no matter how anxious you are to play the first 18 of the season. - News Canada Video Swing Analysis $ 995 Appointments by phone 905-848-3233 or email: siggolfacademy@yahoo.com SIGNATURE GOLF ACADEMYTM "a swing as personal as your signature" O BO NO LI K N E JOIN US FOR LADIES NIGHT Every Monday Starting at 5pm 9 Holes & a Sumptuous Dinner $44.95 · Monday to Thursday · Early Bird (Weekdays before 8:30am) · Twilight (Everyday after 3pm) · Friday to Sunday & Holidays $68 $50 $50 $78