Swing right at Rockliffe Hall

Tom Godwin, Head Professional at Rockliffe Hall, the north-east’s newest golf destination, is launching an innovative teaching concept in the region this season which is expected to significantly improve the play of club golfers at all levels.

The 32 year old Englishman, who has more than 12 years teaching experience at some of the best-known venues in the country,  is one of only three “Plane Truth Certified Instructors” in the UK.

The concept emanates from the US and is based on the premise that all golfers fall into one of two categories of swing path, a one or two plane swing.

In basic terms they either swing around the body like Lee Westwood or more upright in the manner of Colin Montgomerie and a series of tests have been devised to determine the best method for each individual player followed by a programme of exercises to improve technique.

The concept is the brainchild of US Golf Coach Jim Hardy who has taught some of the leading professionals on the PGA Tour over a  career spanning more than 40 years, culminating in the best selling instruction book “The Plane Truth For Golfers”.

Tom, visited the Black Horse Golf Club in Houston, Texas in 2009 to take part in an intensive training programme to qualify as a certified “Plane Truth Instructor”.

He is now coaching a number of golfers throughout the north east who are seeing a significant improvement in their game by finding the correct plane to suit their frame, strength, flexibility and gender.

The former Senior Teaching Professional at Gleneagles joined Rockliffe Hall last Spring and recently said: “I am delighted with the opportunities that lie ahead as we head into our first full season here at Rockliffe Hall.”

Tom brings a wealth of experience in the golf industry to Rockliffe and was previously based at the prestigious Queenwood Golf Club, Surrey where he regularly joined fellow members and Ryder Cup stars Darrren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Thomas Bjorn and former Open Champion Ernie Ells in friendly matches and observed them at first hand.

In addition he has coached elite boys and mens squads in Scotland and is a qualified Tri Golf Tutor which is a mini version of golf designed specifically for young children at Infant, Primary and Junior Schools.

*Lessons with Tom start from £35 per 30 mins or £65 for one hour or book “Four For Three Lessons at £195. Tel: 01325 729980.