The trouble with watching the world's top golfers is that they make everything look so terribly easy. The answer for mere mortals, however, is lots of practice and a good basic technique, something which can only be achieved from a sound teacher. A good teacher will start you off correctly and keep you on the straight and narrow, and what better place to have a lesson than on the Practice Range at a major Championship, having spent time watching how it should be done.
Volvo have recognised this and, originally as part of their support programme for the Volvo Tour, introduced the Volvo Teaching School. The concept is simple - book space on the Practice Range, bring in top teaching professionals, and offer free 15 minute lessons to members of the public visiting the tournament. Introduced in Europe in 1988, it has been held successfully over the last ten years at the Volvo PGA Championship. A Teaching School will also run at this year's Volvo Scandinavian Masters and Volvo Masters.
The Volvo Teaching School at Wentworth will be situated in a special area on the Championship practice range and will operate:
- 10.00 am to 5.00 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 26-28
- 9.30 am to 2.00 pm on Monday, May 29.
Wilson are providing their Deep Red drivers, FatShaft clubs and Smart-Core ball for the school. Coordinated by Malcolm Thornley and Chris Mayhead from Wilson, the Wilson teaching professionals during the week will be:
- Ben Tarry (Thorney Park GC)
- Andy Blackman (Merrist Wood GC)
- Matt Tucknott (Sedlescombe GC)
- Wayne Allan (Blue Mountain Golf Centre)
- Peter Fuller (Sutton Green GC)
It is open to anyone, from single figure club players to complete novices who have never hit a golf ball before.
Anyone can book a free lesson by simply calling in at the Volvo Registration Unit near the Wentworth practice putting green. Registration is conducted on a daily basis with the Teaching School running on a "first come, first served" basis. Participants are given an appointment card which should then be handed to the teacher at the beginning of the lesson.
