Mark Smith

Hello Golfers,

Welcome to another edition of our newsletter.

No doubt you had one eye firmly on Royal Portrush at the weekend as Shane Lowry swept to his first Major Championship – congratulations, Shane – but did you know the victory also laid to rest a painful memory from 2016 for the Irishman?

Whilst we are at it and with putting having played such an important role at The Open, we take a look at some interesting putting stats from the PGA Tour and explain why you should cut yourself some slack.

Enjoy the read!

Tour news

Lowry sends U.S. Open heartache to the bin

It would've been a good week to have had shares in Guinness after Irishman Shane Lowry kept a cool head at the 148th Open Championship whilst those deemed ‘the favourites’ lost theirs (sorry, Rory).

The title was also something in the way of redemption for the man who just a few hours before teeing off on Sunday revealed he was “so scared about messing the lead up” - just like he did three years ago at the U.S. Open when he held a four-shot lead heading into the final day's play.

However, on home soil (technically) there was no repeat as Lowry showed the composure and immense talent that secured the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in 2015, giving the popular Irishman the Major title he so deserves.

Quiz of the week

In honour of the Emerald Isle...

Can you name the eight Irish golfers who have won at least once on the European and/or PGA Tour from and including 2010 onwards?

Answers: Rory McIlroy – Graeme McDowell – Shane Lowry – Padraig Harrington – Simon Thornton – Michael Hoey – Darren Clarke – Paul Dunne

Rated: Garmin GPS watches

How many times have you stood on a tee-box and wondered what yardage it is to a specific point down the fairway, such as a tree or bunker? Likewise, how helpful would it be to know how far you have between the back of the green and the pin? This is where a GPS device comes in, and here are our top three picks in 2019.

Garmin Approach S10

All the key distance information you need without the frills in this simple and easy-to-use watch.

Our verdict – Superb budget option boasting incredible practicality and style

Garmin Approach S40

1.2 inch colour touchscreen that allows you to easily move the pin for more accurate yardages.

Our verdict – Our top pick for a combination of on-course info and smartwatch functionality

Garmin Approach S60

The very best GPS golf watch with a bird's-eye view of the entire hole and a large numbers setting.

Our verdict – A premium option that offers so much tech it is actually something of a bargain

watch our review >

Cut yourself some slack

It makes sense that the closer the ball is to the hole the more chance we have of holing it, but how much easier is a 5-foot putt than a 10-foot putt? Well, here are some stats taken from the PGA Tour's website the week after this year's PGA Championship, which we think makes for interesting reading…

Percentage of putts made from various distances

Bear in mind these stats are from the top 20 putters on the PGA Tour, you can bet your bottom dollar that the percentages would be a little lower for us mere mortals. Either way, they really do highlight the importance of accuracy with our approach shots, not to mention distance control with our lag putts.

Improve on the greens

Hopefully, you're feeling a little better about your putting and beginning to reassess your expectations when on the greens.

Although you have no divine right to hole any putt, improving your stroke and having a putter that is suited to your technique will help to improve your percentages.

Odyssey's range of stunning putters for 2019 has been designed to produce a better roll on every putt. They've combined two of our favourite technologies - Microhinge and White Hot - to produce their best putter face to date, not to mention its innovative Stroke Lab shaft to improve consistency on every putt.

Be sure to utilise our expertise and professional advice if you're in the market for a new putter.

explore Odyssey putters >

Video of the Week

Shane Lowry may have won the Open Championship at Royal Portrush last weekend, but who came out on top in the European Tour's Nearest the Pin Challenge with a twist? Don't try this at home.

Happy golfing until next week!

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