Sussex Player Development Coaching Session

The 1st and 2nd team met at East Sussex National on Sunday 13th April 

The programme commenced by introducing ex-Sussex player Sasha Gardiner back into the fold. Sasha played her last counties week at North Hants last summer before turning professional. Sasha worked alongside Sussex Coach Jack Budgen who focussed the mornings session on wedge play, bunkers and awkward lies, an area all players need to work on especially when under pressure in a match play situation. 

With practice games looming for the teams, counties week getting ever closer and the first match in the Stovold 2nd team trophy, players are being observed and scores tracked. There are 2 major county events before the end of May where Player Development Manager Sara Whittaker and coach Jack will be watching a lot of golf! Initially at the Scratch Foursomes to be held at Piltdown 25th - 27th April and then at the beautiful West Sussex for the Sussex Championships 30th May - 1st June. 

The morning session was split into 3 groups with Jack working on bunker play and awkward lies. Sasha worked on the wedge ladder exercise (30 - 100 yards) whilst the 3rd group worked on the range using peer observation and giving their target/intention before hitting every shot. They were asked to hit a range of shots with a variety of clubs and there was a need for improvisation (an essential skill for all at this level).

The invited juniors arrived to play and all ventured out for 9 holes on the East Course. To change it up a little, the white tees came into play off the 1st and 6th holes!! Scores in, with Karen Sykes achieving the best gross score with an eagle and a couple of birdies on the card and coming in under par. Best net score Sam Morfee who also had a couple of birdies and a great card after a shaky first two holes. 

Some great feedback and all players were armed with information and practical tips that can be drilled, practised and should lead to a benefit in performance. I think most players then had a late night watching Rory win his Grand Slam!!! What a night's viewing.

Our thanks to ESN, coach Jack Budgen, Sasha Gardiner and the players in the PDP and  County Captain Margaret Brown who again came and took control of the cards and scores.

Sara Whittaker
PDP Manager

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