Noah's Ark Golf Centre turns 20 years old on Wednesday, 26 July!

The business has grown and developed over the past 2 decades onto one of the leading golf driving ranges and retail stores in Scotland.

In this week's newsletter, I thought I'd give you a wee bit history of the golf centre.

My own time in charge started almost 16 years ago on September, 11th 2001, the day of the twin towers terrorist attacks. A date that I will never forget! My connection with the golf centre however, goes right back to the beginning.

In Range, as it was originally called was built by Newhouse Farm landowner Graeme Sinclair and opened under the tenure of Steven Harrier, a good friend of mine. I was drafted in by Steve to help out at the opening weekend back in 1997, where I was out on the driving range offering swing tips to all the golfers and guests.

At this time, I was playing full time professional golf on the Tartan Tour (yes, I did used to actually play golf!) and was attached at King James VI Golf Club. From the day the golf centre opened I was one of its most regular users and would be found here several hours per day when not competing, working on my game.

In 1998, David Murchie PGA Professional at Crieff Golf Club bought the business from Steven Harrier and the name was changed to Perth Golf Range. I was becoming increasingly more regular at the golf range and during the 1998 season, I switched my playing attachment from King James VI and started to represent Perth Golf Range at tournaments.

At the start of 1999, I headed off to work in the Algarve for a couple of years, so don't really know what went on then, other that when I came home in Spring 2001 it had changed its name to Noah's Ark Golf Centre!

With David Murchie wanting to concentrate his time at Crieff Golf Club the opportunity came up to buy the business in September 2001 and my brother Alasdair and I jumped at the chance!

The past 16 years have been a bit of a whirlwind, I really can't believe it has been that long! In that time we have made lots of upgrades and improvements, including constructing target greens on the range, building an 18 hole adventure golf putting course, introducing Perthshire's first custom fitting launch monitor and lots more. We have grown our business steadily over the years and have seen many others come and go over this time. Our customers are our friends and this is what makes it all work.

Here's to the next 20 years!!


 

Skechers - The most comfortable golf shoes in the world! 

We have recently become stockists of Skechers golf shoes and took delivery of the bulk of our order this week. Now, I have heard people talk about how comfy Skecher shoes and trainers are, but had never tried a pair on until Monday of this week. Well, since trying them on, they have not been taken off again!

We were a bit late coming to the game with Skechers this year, so only have 2 styles available. They are however the most comfortable golf shoes I have ever worn. Even if you don't want to buy a pair, please just come in and try them on…


 

Get through the ball

I'm getting back into the habit of recording regular video content and am really enjoying it. If there is something that is bothering you with your game, or you have a question you would like answered, then please email niall@noahsarkgolf.com and I will try to record a video on the subject.

This week's video tip is all about the importance of making a full follow through and I talk about the problems you can encounter if you fail to do so.

I also talk about the differences I see from the driving range golfer to the on course golfer.

Click here to watch


Homemade chips

When the weather is poor, it's great to have a few home practice exercises, so that you don't miss out on your golf all together!

Although the chip shot is one of the shortest shots in golf it can cause some of the most problems, and many players have a real difficulty making a consistent good contact with the ball which can manifest itself into a loss of confidence. Today's 'at home' exercise will help you re-gain your lost confidence and start reducing your scores.

Firstly, place a spare club on the floor, perpendicular to your direction of play and about 8 inches behind the ball. Your feet should be quite close together and your weight favouring your front foot about 60:40. Now make your swing, rocking your shoulders back & through ensuring that your weight remains on your front foot for the entire movement. When you do this correctly you will not make any contact with the club shaft on the ground and you will strike crisply down on the back of the ball.

If you try to "scoop" the ball into the air, then your swing arc will bottom out too early and your club head will strike the club shaft. It may take a bit of practice to build confidence and master this movement, but when you do, you'll never look back.

Once you have this working, you can start to focus on where you want to land the ball. When you achieve this focus change, you will become a much happier golfer.

If you are interested in taking some coaching to help improve your game, then don't hesitate, give us a call today on 01738 440678.


 

Flyover of 6th hole 

We have been back out with the drone taking some more aerial footage of the golf course and this time it's the tricky little 6th hole. At just over 100 yards, you would think it should be easy, but you really cannot miss the green!

Click here to watch.