Golfmagic members get a lesson with Paul McGinley
'Jeev Singh had to move to let us warm up!'
Posted: 9 September 2008
by Bob Warters
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Paul McGinley watches James Hubbal at Wentworth
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Ryder Cup hero Paul McGinley, at the centre of the recent controversy surrounding Nick Faldo's back up team and the selection of the Captain's picks, took time out from the demands of the media to give three GOLFmagic.com members a golf lesson.
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Howe's that! Dave rip one away as McGinley looks on
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Dave Howe (Tin Cup), 11 handicapper from Wyke Green, Middlesex won the GM forum competition, sponsored by Sure for Men, to get a lesson with McGinley at Wentworth Club in Surrey before a late call-up for first runner-up Liam Somers, an 18 handicap at Styrrup Hall, in Nottinghamshire, had him racing down the motorway to join him.
Liam also brought along his golfing pal James Hubbal for company and the 16 handicapper received the McGinley treatment, too!
After checking out the clubhouse and pro shop, the trio headed for the range to warm up ahead of McGinley's arrival and where European Tour pro Jeev Milkha Singh was practising.
"Unfortunately he was using the bay which had been set aside for the competition winners to prepare. Understandably, the European Tour's 14th ranked player was asked if he would move down to let us warm-up!" said Liam smugly.
When McGinley arrived, later than scheduled because of the demands of journalists wanting his opinions on Team Faldo, he proved a charming host and told Dave, Liam and James about life on Tour and the equipment he uses.
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Dave receives a tip from Paul McGinley
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"He's very much Mr TaylorMade," said Dave. "All 14 clubs are from his main sponsor, as well as their balls, shoes, gloves and bag. He also revealed that his clubs are very heavy because of the ultra-stiff 7.1 Rifle shafts he uses and
his Rossa putter has especially heavy weights in the head. It was the heaviest putter any of us had ever held, but he told us it helps him to promote a smoother, less handsy putting stroke.
McGinley also revealed that he uses only white tees – one with green hoops (Celtic) and the other with claret and blue (West Ham).
"Based upon results so far this season, none of us had the nerve to ask any subsequent football questions," said Dave.
During a brief shot-making demonstration on the windswept range, McGinley revealed that he changes his shoes after every tournament. He reckons they get too soft and supple to properly support his legs in providing the foundation for his powerful swing.
During the coaching session with individual players, McGinley explained that while he isn’t a great technician, it's important to develop good practice drills.
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Paul McGinley explains the low punch shot to Liam
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Recalled Liam: "Paul was very complimentary about my swing which helped to relax me. He also altered my set up slightly by moving the ball back in my stance to helped me develop a lower punchy ball flight into the wind. Now I grip right down on the club and hit the ball off my back toe; I make a small swing but the control I get in the wind is sublime!
"He also adjusted my shoulder rotation through the shot. He said I tended to 'fall away' slightly in my downswing with the consequence that I leaked some shots to the right. He suggested I work on a more full shoulder turn and this has certainly helped me strike my irons a lot better.
Added Dave: "Paul is a very warm, down-to-earth man, with no superstar pretensions. He fielded a variety of questions with humour and with everyone, passed on something of worth to help our game. A great day we won't forget thanks to Sure for Men and GOLFmagic.com."
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Discuss this story
It sounds like the guys had a great time with Paul and I'm "Sure" that their games will benefit from the experience. I have been working on my short-game and in particular, shots from within 50 yards, including chipping, bunkers and putting. If I feel confident in this area of my game, then it helps to relax me as I know that I can compensate for errant shots elsewhere. So far things are working pretty well.
Posted: 09/09/2008 15:55
Putting & pitching. It used to be kind if you called my putting "an abortion" until recently but I've firmed up the technique side a bit and it's helping. I'm having a few of lip-outs at the moment as opposed to 6-10ft short, wide, long... 
Posted: 09/09/2008 18:44
Specifically? Trying to play golf in Northumbria later this week without sinking in mud and / or being p*ssed on  Tin Cup - congrats on the prize, I'm jealous as hell.
Posted: 09/09/2008 20:43
I am working on the mind of golf, trusting my swing, my direction, my Attitude, my consentration. Also will be working on approuch shots and Putting. I will be making sure I utalise my Practise area at Tylney Park this Autumn & Winter, to make sure I can knock some more Strokes of my Hcp
Posted: 09/09/2008 21:01
I was lucky enough to get in on the coaching session with Paul and the advice he gave me and the odd little changes he made to my swing have worked a treat i've dropped my handicap by 3 shots and won the last two comps at my club(first time playing after the advice i got from paul) it's amazing what a difference moving the ball in your stance can make to your ball striking and making sure your shoulders are not too open or closed this now let's me fire directly at flags knowing my ball will end up where i'm aiming.
Posted: 15/09/2008 23:57
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