Hi, my name is Steve Ritchie.
I'm the Professional at Chedington Court G.C. and have been for the past 5 years. I started as an amateur here when it was originally a nine hole course and represented the county of Dorset through the club. I was lucky enough to also represent England schools as an amateur whilst a member at Chedington.
I've now been a professional for 12 years, fully qualified as a class 'A' Pro for 7 years. I started my PGA training at Farrington Golf Club, where I taught for for a number of years.
As well as being the head Professional at Chedington I've been a full time player for the past 4 years. I've played on the PGA Europro Tour and Jamega Tour and have been to European Tour Q school. I've also competed at the final qualifying stage for the Open Championship on 3 occasions.
As well as the love for playing, I have a passion for teaching. I have lessons myself and regularly attend teaching seminars, as I feel you can never know enough about the game of golf.
At the club we are in the process of running regular group lessons and I also hold regular individual lessons.
My lessons will be conducted on either our short 9 hole facility or the practice ground, which is in the process of having some covered bays built for teaching. We also have a short game area with putting green.
GROUP LESSONS
For ladies and seniors the group lessons start from next week. Ladies on the 13th Feb from 10-11am and seniors on the 20th Feb at the same time. For each session a maximum of 6 players and it's £5 per player. If there are more than 6, then an additional hour will be added on at the end for the next group.
During these sessions we will cover every aspect of the game, from bunker play to putting and iron play to mental side.
I'm also planning to run some group lessons for beginners and intermediate players, members or non-members from the 2nd weekend in march. If you're interested please contact the club on 01935 891413 or me personally on 07968 849391.
Group lessons are a great way to learn all aspects of the game in a friendly social environment. So if you're thinking of taking the game up, but are feeling a little bit overwhelmed by it all, group lessons are a great introduction.
INDIVIDUAL/ONE-TO-ONE LESSONS
My diary has regular slots on a Saturday and Sunday, morning or afternoon for an individual lesson. These lessons run for a half hour and are open to anyone. They are £15 for each half hour or I can do a bundle of 5 lessons for £60 (one free). From the 1st of April they will be going up to £18 per session.
An individual lesson is perfect as you get the entire session to yourself. If you have a particular shot that you're not happy with, or would just like to improve a certain aspect of your game this could be the type of lesson for you.
I'm also planning from the 1st of April to teach during the week, on selected days. If this is a better option than a weekend please contact the club for further information.
VIDEO LESSONS
I am currently in the process of buying and setting up a facility for video coaching. This is a great opportunity to see your swing and for us to access the finer points of the swing. I will be running the lessons for 40 minutes. The price will be confirmed soon.
PLAYING LESSONS
Playing lessons are less about technique and more about the scoring aspect of the game. I here all the time about how well people have played but the score never reflects the performance. With a playing lesson I can observe your course management, pre-shot routine and general attitude when playing. From here I can suggest improvements that can be made to help you shave shots off your round. We would also look at the short game from an on course point of view, rather than on a chipping green. This creates a closer feeling to playing and scoring rather than a technical improvement.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate in speaking to Mike Bowling on 01935 891413 or myself on 07968 849391.
I look forward to seeing you.