What's Happening
Leon Fricker Wins Andalucian Junior European Open Title
Leon Fricker more than lived up to his pre-tournament favourite label, winning The Andalucian Junior European Open by two shots from Yorkshire's Jonathan Fisher. Yelverton Golf Club's teenage talent was the only player to remain under-par throughout the Spanish competition. The 16-year-old, likened by golf writers to a young Tiger Woods, brought home the trophy with a final total of 218. Leon admitted he will draw great confidence from winning on what is considered one of the toughest tests in junior golf.
Gary, who has been coaching Leon and his older brother, Ryan for almost 2 years, says "The two boys are fantastic to coach. They understand the huge value and significance of short game and have committed themselves to a process of continual improvement. They work with me on every area of their game and are sure to be challenging in major events this year. What a fantastic start to the season!"
The finals at the Andalucian Junior European Open is the only championship in Europe where the finals are played over five rounds of the tough Alcaidesa Links and Heathland courses, set in Spain's southern region. Having made the cut to the final, Leon then conquered the course at Finca Cortesin, where the Volvo World Matchplay was staged in December.
Leon, who plays off plus-one, said he can look ahead with more optimism. He said: "Obviously, I'm really pleased to have won the title. It's a hard course and the competition was keen right up to final. But I was pleased with my form all the way through which was consistent and that will give me great confidence for the rest of the year. I needed this win for my morale as much as anything as I don't feel I had a great year in 2009. I put that down to growth spurts but now I feel fine and a lot stronger and a lot more confident because of the win in Andalucia."
Leon was just as impressive in the qualifiers at Tewkesbury Park in Gloucester in December, recording the lowest round in the four-year history of this championship. His gross 68, five under par, proved a two-stroke winning margin and a new course record. 10 February 2010
Gloucester Junior Team is the Best in England!
Gloucester Juniors have topped the England Titleist/Footjoy Junior County Performance League Table for 2009 with Chris Lloyd & Adam Carson (both pictured right) in 2nd & 3rd places in the individual boys order of merit league table.
"A fantastic performance from our young players & dedicated coaches." says Ian Watkins, Gloucestershire Secretary.
Gary who has been the Short Game Coach for Gloucestershire Juniors since 2001 and in that time has coached Chris Wood, Chris Lloyd and Adam Carson among many talented players in the county, says, "This is a great result for the county and I am proud to have been involved for nearly ten years with Gloucester. They have a wonderful team behind the juniors, especially Dave Hares and Mark Powell, who have developed a fantastic coaching system and it is great to work with them and the boys." 8 February 2010
Coaching Camps 2009
Gary has been involved in several residential Coaching Camps this year, Ridley/Smith Coaching Camps with his fellow EGU Coach, David Ridley and the EGU initiative The England Experience both held at Woodhall Spa, plus mini Camps at Wokefield near Reading and Golf Breaks at Arcos Gardens near Jerez in Spain.
Gary said, "I have really enjoyed all the residential Camps this year. There is a Camp for all levels of golfer, whatever their age or sex. They are very sociable, with 'Campers' as we call them, swapping email addresses and asking us to run follow up Camps for the group. We know we have the formula right and deliver the highest quality of coaching within great facilities."
Plans are already forming for 2010, so if you would like to know moreClick Here or email or give Gary a ring.
England Complete a Great Year with a Convincing Win in Home Internationals
England has completed 2009 with a clean sweep of all three Home International opponents at Hillside last week. England Technical Coach Gary Smith, who was at Hillside for the pre match preparation, said, "I am delighted that the guys have had such a great win. We knew that the other nations would really want to beat us after 7 of our players were selected for the 10 man Walker Cup Team. But the team are so talented and focused and wanted to finish with a high. The EGU England Squad has a great support team which gives the players the best opportunities to succeed, with a great Lead Coach in David Ridley, a very efficient and supportive Manager in Bob Meston, an excellent Captain in Colin Edwards plus the other talented coaches that I am priviliged to work with. I am looking forward to the 2009/10 coaching year, which kicks off in the next couple of months"
The roll call of England Team successes in 2009 are.....England won The European Nations Cup, then beat Spain in the biannual match at La Reserva. Took Silver Medal in the European Team Championships and won the Home Internationals. England beat Australia in the Ashes match at Royal Birkdale and had 7 England players selected for the Walker Cup Team.
Individual Squad successes in 2009 are...... Luke Goddard is the reigning Argentinian Amateur Champion, and English Amateur Champion. Dale Whitnell is the reigning Portugese Amateur Champion. Tommy Fleetwood is the reigning Scottish Amateur Champion. Sam Hutsby won the Individual event at the European Nations Cup and was a finalist in both the Spanish and British Amateur Championships, and Matt Haines was runner up in the Welsh Strokeplay Championship. 2 September 2009
7 England Players Picked for The Walker Cup
Selection for the 2009 Walker Cup Team to be held at the Merion Golf Club, Pennsylvania, USA on the 12th-13th September was made following the English Amateur last weekend. 7 out of the 10 selections for the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Team are from England, which is a fantastic reflection on the English Golf Union coaching system. Gary, one of three England coaches, said, "This is a truly outstanding result following all the hard work by Lead Coach, David Ridley and all the support staff involved. I am especially delighted that Stiggy Hodgson is in the Team. Stiggy came through my South Region EGU Coaching system and is turning into one of the best players in the country. I shall be working with the England Squad at the end of August for their preparation in the Home International event at Hillside, where I fully expect us to put in a winning performance." 5 August 2009
English Golf Union Website Walker Cup Selection
Gloucester Junior Team wins SW Boys Championship
Congratulations to the Gloucester Team for their excellent performance in winning the SW Boys Championship on 15th July at Woodbury Park Golf Club. They won by 4 shots, ahead of host county Devon. This win takes the six man team into the national final which will be played at Whittington Heath on 18th-20th August. "Another excellent result for the ever improving county of Gloucester" said Gary. Chris Lloyd representing Gloucester won the individual trophy after finishing on -8 and is now off a handicap of +4. Gary said "I have watched Chris mature as a golfer from a very early age and have been fortunate enough to work on his short game over a number of years. He must now be ranked as amongst the very best young amateurs in the country and quite possibly one of the best in the world. His future looks very bright indeed". 21 July 2009
David wins The Chequers Plate
Ellesborough Club member, David Allison-Calvert has won the Club's, Chequers Plate event at the golf club recently. 10 handicap, David, who scored a net 66 and 74 in the 2 day tournament said, " I see this as just the beginning. I know I am doing the right things and I have a much clearer idea where I can go with this. My 74 yesterday was poor in places due to some mental errors which were spurred by technical problems, although I was extremely pleased with how I put them aside and battled through to a score."
Alex Palomeque wins County Junior Championships
Congratulations go to 15 year old Alex Palomeque, a member of the Gloucester Junior Squad, for his outstanding win in the Gloucester County Junior Championships, held at Cotswold Hills last Sunday 17 May. It was a clean sweep as he also captured the Under 17's and Under 16's trophies! May 2009
Busy April for Gary
Gary ended the winter programme of squad coaching in Switzerland and Spain.
In Geneva he attended a Coaching Camp for Switzerland's top players, to continue his apecialist short game coaching for the squad. During the camp Gary worked with Garry Malia and Paul Dougan from SPGL, the Swiss representative of the US based company GolfBioDynamics. These two British professionals draw on the coaching experience of one of the worlds leading BioMechanics, Dr. Rob Neal. Gary said, "I am really enjoying my work with Graham Kaye, Head Coach of the Swiss Golf Association, a very knowledgeable and experienced professional and it was good to meet and work with Garry and Paul. Switzerland has some players of real ability and it is great to have the opportunity to pass on my passion and knowledge to the guys."
The following week, Gary returned to Arcos, in Spain but this time with the Exeter University Squad working alongside, Andy Larmour, the sports physio for the England Squad.
The seven players had a week of coaching, skills tests, play and fitness with an order of merit table on the various events keeping the focus and competitiveness. April 2009
Ellis Youngest Winner of Surrey Ladies' Championship
Ellis Keenan who is currently Surrey Junior Girls' Champion has won the 2009 Surrey Ladies Championship, beating Kate Shepherd (Guildford Ladies) 2/1 in the final at St George's Hill Golf Club. At 18 years old she becomes the youngest winner of the event.
Ellis's coach, Gary Smith said "I am delighted with this win for Ellis. However, I am not surprised, as when I last saw her a couple of weeks ago, her play was outstanding!". April 2009
Fantastic Start to 2009 for England Squad
It is hard to imagine a better start for the young England Squad with wins in the Argentinian and Portuguese Opens, 3 runner-up finishes in Australia and Spain, the leading individual and winning team in the Nations Cup at Sotogrande, beating Spain in the annual match at Reserva, Spain and last weekend's win by Matt Haines in the Berkhamsted Trophy with Jamie Abbott as runner-up. Gary who has been one of three coaches with the EGU England National Squad for 13 years said, "Keep it up boys, this could be a year to remember for England golf" April 2009
Gary Presented with Advanced Fellow of the PGA Award
As accreditation of his prior achievement and learning, Gary has been awarded the status of Advanced Fellow of the PGA, and this week was presented with a plaque from Liam Greasley, South Regional Secretary of the PGA. The PGA's definition of an Advanced Fellow is someone who has a "very strong national - possibly international - reputation in one or more areas : Coaching, Course Design, Business, Retail, Equipment, Technology. Someone who has demonstrated strong leadership and has enhanced the world of golf". 17 December 2008
Gary Talks Short Game at St Andrews
This year Gary is presenting four seminars, entitled Passion for Short Game as part of the PGA's Continuing Professional Development programme. He has already presented at The Belfry and Wokefield and last week he went north of the border to the Academy of Golf at St Andrews, Scotland. Eleven qualified PGA professionals from Scotland, the north of England and Europe joined Gary to hear about his views and techniques of short game. The day consisted of a morning's powerpoint and video presentation, lively debate, followed by an afternoon of practical coaching by Gary at the Academy. Gary is delighted that 98% of the delegates from the three seminars rated his presentation excellent and gave some very positive comments ......
"Incredibly knowledgeable and great to listen to and learn from. Very impressive"
"Gary's delivery was professional, personable, his subject knowledge was first class, his demonstration was excellent and his ability to get people to do what he wanted was also first class. One of the best professionals I have had the pleasure of learning from."
"I came away more 'rev'd' up than any other seminar I have attended in a long time, thanks again."
"Very knowledgeable, with an excellent delivery. I found the course very beneficial to my game and coaching."
8 December 08
England Coaches Meeting in Spain
Last week Gary returned from a very productive EGU England Coaches' Meeting at Arcos Gardens near Jerez in Spain, organised by Director of Coaching, Peter Mattsson. The theme for the 2-day session was Coaches coaching Coaches. Gary gave a presentation on his beliefs and his approach to short game, followed by an on course practical session to improve the coaches own ability around the green. This was followed by further presentations including How Best to Formulate a Course Map by Graham Walker, Range Games by Paul Ashwell, Green Reading by David Ridley and Profiling Players by Hugh Marr. "This was a super opportunity" says Gary "to brainstorm the coaches' huge wealth of information and I sincerely hope we can repeat the exercise in the not too distant future". 28 November 08
Farren through to Stage 2
With an outstanding 5 under par 67 in the last round, Farren Keenan, secured a place in Stage 2 of the European Tour Qualifying School, which is to be held in the Andalucian region of Spain in three weeks time. Farren said "I played OK at the start of the event and maybe tried to protect the score a bit but felt really good before the last round and went for my shots and it was probably the best round of the year for me."
Farren has also been selected for the Men's England Squad which will no doubt entail a good deal of travelling to events probably all around the world and gives him the opportunity to receive full support with coaching, fitness and physiotherapy advice through the EGU coaching structure. Gary, as one of the England coaches, is looking forward to working with him within the England structure as well as being his personal coach. 29 September 08
Gary is off to Switzerland!
Gary has been invited by the Head Coach of the Swiss Professional Team, Graham Kaye, to attend the European Masters at Crans Sur Sierre, Switzerland, as a specialist short game coach to continue his work with the Squad. Gary says, "I am really looking forward to getting stuck in at a major European Tour event and following the work I did earlier in the year with the guys in Geneva, I am confident that they can put on a great show at this major tournament. I played in the Swiss Open in the 70's at Crans so it will be interesting for me to go back and see how the course has developed." 24 August 2008
Two of Gary's Students in England's Home Internationals Team
Both Sam Hutsby and Farren Keenan, who are coached by Gary, have been selected to represent England in the Home Internationals at Muirfield starting on 3 September. Gary says, "I am pretty sure this is the youngest ever team, the average age is 21, but don't underestimate the quality and competitive attitude of these guys. Following England's superb win last year in Ireland, I am confident that this squad of young players can do the business." Gary will be at Muirfield with the Team for the preparation days prior to the match together with Lead Coach David Ridley. They will be overseeing their on course practice, helping with strategy, work on enhancing team spirit and focus on short game strategy specifically for Muirfield. 24 August 2008 click here for Home International scores
Chris Lloyd wins North of England Boys Championships
Congratulations to The Kendleshire's Chris Lloyd, who last week won the North of England Boys Championship at Heswell by 5 shots, with a total score of 1 under par for the 4 rounds. Chris said to Gary "the last day was really tough!". Gary has been working with Chris on his short game within the Gloucester Squad and individually for some time with the idea of turning an already good short game into an outstanding one. Gary said, "Chris is recognised as having an exceptional short game among his peers and it has been a delight to be involved with a conscientious and hardworking young star in the making. He has really developed physically and technically over the last few years and there is no doubt in my mind that he is destined for an outstanding future in the game." 22 August 2008
Chris picked for Junior Ryder Cup Team
Chris Lloyd from The Kendleshire in Gloucestershire and member of the EGU England Under 16 Squad has been selected to represent Europe in the Junior Ryder Cup Team to be played in Kentucky, USA in September. This follows Chris's 5th place in The European Young Masters event in France. 29 July 2008
Cool Hand Luke wins South of England Amateur Championship
A Squad member Luke Goddard won the South of England Championship at Walton Heath last week, getting up and down from a green side bunker on the 18th to beat Elite Squad member, Gary Wolstenholme by one shot. Gary who was at the event for 2 days, said "Luke has been improving throughout this year and was a member of the Costa Ballena England team in January, where he showed tremendous fortitude in match play to be our best performing player and I am delighted he has now proved it in a major 4 round event. This win climbs him up to 5th in the current EGU Ping Order of Merit. 29 July 2008
Woody sensational in The Open
Chris Wood, from Long Ashton in Bristol, finished 5th yesterday in The Open, securing The Silver Medal with some draw dropping golf from start to finish. Gary said, "Wow, what a thrill for me to watch Woody play better and better as the Championship went on. I have worked with Chris on his short game for some time now through the EGU England Squad coaching system and Gloucester county coaching. His dedication and commitment to the task is unparalleled in amateur golf, in my experience and if anyone deserves success, it's Woody. Paul Mitchell, his life-long personal coach, must be congratulated for guiding him in the right direction and forging a great player/coach relationship. Everyone involved with Chris's development will be delighted with this awesome result. Go Woody!" 21 July 2008
What a year for Ellis!
There is no stopping Ellis Keenan! With numerous successes already this year, see below, Ellis produced more terrific golf to win The English Ladies's South East Championships last week. The sixteen qualifiers went to matchplay and in the final Ellis won 2&1, to become The Champion. 18 July 2008
Great golf Sam!
Sam Hutsby, who has been coached by Gary for a number of years, has run into some good form lately. He led the qualifiers for the British Amateur Championship at Turnberry with sensational rounds of 68,71 in extremely difficult conditions. As a member of the England Team that came so close to winning the European Team Championships in Italy last week, Sam scored an impressive 4 out of 5 points for the Team and was unbeaten during the week. Unfortunately England narrowly lost to Ireland in the final. Click here for EGU Report
Sam is currently ranked 3rd best player in England this year on the Ping Order of Merit and has been selected for the GB&I squad for the St Andrews Trophy, which is a strong indication for Walker Cup 2009 selection.
Also look out for a Golf Monthly article featuring Sam Hutsby and Gary, to be published soon, giving an insight into what they have been working on and the future plans for Sam. 9 July 2008
Ellis Keenan wins Bridget Jackson Bowl 2008
More outstanding golf this week from Ellis with 2 super rounds of 4 under and 2 under, gave her a 6 shot victory in The Bridget Jackson Bowl, a 36-hole EWGA Order of Merit event, held at Handsworth Golf Club in Birmingham. This win has further reduced her handicap from 1.5 to 0.5. Go Ellis! 8 July 2008
Farren Keenan wins The Berkshire Trophy 2008
Farren, who is coached by Gary, achieved a good win in The Berkshire Trophy yesterday, held at The Berkshire Golf Club, with a total score of 279 for the 4 rounds. In the final round he was 3 over after 9 but managed 4 birdies in a row to take the title by 2 shots. Gary, who was at the tournament for the 2 days, said "Farren showed grit and aggression throughout the event, producing some outstanding golf against a quality field. He is becoming a truly class player and I would expect him to represent England in the very near future". This week Farren is attending an EGU Performance Session at Woodhall Spa with Gary, EGU Elite Lead Coach David Ridley and Sports Psychologist Dr Brian Hemmings. 23 June 2008
Matt Haines wins Lytham Trophy, 2008
Matt, a member of the EGU's A Squad has won the Lytham Trophy at Royal Lytham and St Annes. A Squad Lead Coach, Gary Smith said, "Matt has been one of the star performers from my EGU A Squad. He has masses of talent and ability and is destined to become a future star in the game". Click here for details 2 May 08
Ellis Keenan wins Surrey Girls Championship and Hampshire Rose
Ellis, who has been taught by Gary for a number of years, achieved a double in April, winning firstly The Surrey Girls' Championship at Hankley Common GC (par72) shooting 74 and 70 to win the event by 16 shots! She then went on to win The Hampshire Rose event at North Hants, equalling the course record with her afternoon round of 67 (-6 under par) - scoring 30 on the back 9. She won by 5 shots. Acting as caddie for the event, was Ellis's brother, Farren, who is also coached by Gary and who finished with a good result himself, 6th in the Lytham Trophy and is currently lying in the top 10 in the Ping/EGU Order of Merit - watch this pair! 2 May 08
2nd Coaching Camp - Woodhall Spa May 2008
"Access to this level of coaching is rare"
"A superb coaching course for those who wish to improve!"
"Absolutely blinding!"
"Thanks for a great coaching course and a laugh"
These are quotes from some of the students who attended the second coaching camp last month. For this camp, England coaches, David Ridley and Gary Smith brought on board the EGU's Head Sports Psychologist, Dr. Brian Hemmings to work on the students' 6 inches between the ears!
David highlighted the long game issues and worked on the students individual technical swing requirements and Gary was instrumental in honing and introducing new thoughts and techniques on short game. It was a camp that reflected all that the highly successful and respected England coaching system has to offer, from early morning jogs, or walks, pre breakfast through to the end of day squad review session with Brian.
Gary said "I know all the coaches thoroughly enjoyed their involvement with the players and I am delighted that each student not only enjoyed the experience but took away some really valuable information to help them reach the next level in their golf. Everyone got on great and there were plenty of laughs along the way". 9 June 2008
