We had a team of players from Golf At Goodwood playing in the Sunningdale Foursomes. Defending champions Marco Penge and his partner Sophie Lamb were unfortunately defeated in the 2nd round, whilst Golf At Goodwood General Manager Stuart Gillett and Club Ambassador Holly Aitchison were knocked out in Round 1.

However, myself and Phillip Waugh (Brampton Golf Club) managed to reach last 16. We were defeated 2&1 by Jason Kelly and Rodrick Bastard, but took huge positives from the week with wins in earlier rounds against European Tour players. It was a great way to start the season and I’m excited for my individual tournaments to begin.

For many of us, the golf season starts when we view the first professional major of the year – The Masters. It’s going to be an exciting tournament around the Augusta National Course in Georgia with a whole host of players wanting to get their hands on the green jacket.

Tournament favourite Dustin Johnson will be full of confidence after recently winning the World Matchplay Championships. If conditions are wet and the course is playing long then his length off the tee could be a deciding factor. However, every year we talk about the longer hitters having the best chance of winning when actually the short game and putting is equally important.

Defending champion is Englishman Danny Willett – will he handle the expectation of being a past winner? Possibly, as The Masters always brings out the best in past winners and previous high performers with course knowledge and the feel good factor around the week.

I am predicting three-time winner Phil Mickelson will claim another green jacket. This guy has massive resilience around the golf course, able to hit the most shocking shots but still somehow winning tournaments. At 46 he is still undoubtedly the master of the short game. If you’re a betting person you can get Mickelson at 25/1 and by not missing a single cut on the PGA tour this season, he is showing the form needed to win.

Back home the clocks have changed, so it’s the perfect chance to work on your game. Going out for a few holes after work or hitting the range with a bucket of balls is only going to benefit your play on the weekends. I find getting out to play a few holes in the quiet evenings is very productive as I’m able to drop a few balls around the green to sharpen up the short game or perhaps hit a few putts from different angles.

Email golfacademy@goodwood.com for any lesson or equipment enquiries.