For many, The Masters signals the start of the golf season and we don't have long to wait. One of the things that intrigues me most about the whole week is some of the shots the professionals are faced with, and nine times out of ten they seem to pull them off.

Whether it's uphill or downhill lies, intimidating putts across treacherous greens or approach shots littered with card-wrecking danger, we are treated to a vast array of shots during Masters week. My instruction pages might not advise you how to play a low slinging draw off pine needles, but you will find some great tips and advice for all aspects of your game.

Have a browse, and for during those times when you can't get out onto the course to play, or hone your game on the range, take on board a few useful pointers. You might not find yourself teeing it up at Augusta next year, but I guarantee you'll find it useful for shaving a few shots off round here. So click here to take a look at the videos and tips I have for you.

For the last year Manston Golf Centre has been recognised by the English Golf Union as a "Get In To Golf Centre", this means that we are an ideal place to start golf.

This Saturday we're offering FREE Get Into Golf lessons for beginners or people just starting the game. This is an ideal opportunity for you to start golf on the right track, or if you know of anybody looking to take up golf, please forward this information to them.

FREE Lessons, Saturday 22nd March, 13:00 - 15:00

Call us on 01843 590005 or click here to register.

Many visitors have commented on our new loft and lie machine which is now positioned in the shop next to our extensive grip display. Having the correct loft and lie makes a massive difference to how your clubs will perform, and according to the latest survey results, 80% of golfers have the wrong loft or lie on their clubs.

We're now checking all sets that we re-grip as a matter of course, and are offering a FREE loft/lie checking service. It's definitely worth seeing if your clubs need adjusting.

The picture to the left shows a fitting we did earlier in the week. The club with the marks out of the toe (the bottom club) was the customers own standard club - this shows that the toe of the club is hitting the ground at the point of impact with the ball and will cause the ball to travel to the right of target

March Midweek Medal Results:

1st Rick James 72 net 57 
2nd Brian Stevenson 76 net 58 
3rd Gary Moore 79 net 62 

Winter League

Our popular Winter League tournament is nearing the culmination of the group stages. The top two in each group qualify for the quarter finals, and the group stage finishes at the end of March - so you've got just 10 days to go to get those all important points.

Remember for points from a match to count, both players must have played a minimum of 3 games.

Back in January, we assisted in running the Thanet School Games Tri Golf Festival. Palm Bay school were the worthy winners, and since then they've really caught the golfing bug, as PGA Professional Keely Chiericato has been visiting them every Monday to give them expert instruction.

This week we welcomed them back to Manston Golf Centre for a session on our short game area which they thoroughly enjoyed. As winners of the Thanet games they now go on to represent the area in the Kent School Games final - and we wish them the very best of luck.

If you know of a school which would benefit from expert golf sessions please let them know that we still have some funding to deliver them FREE taster sessions.

If you would like any more information about junior golf at Manston whether it is coaching, membership or competitions please do not hesitate to contact us.

These sessions run every week and are open to all children - no need to book

Sessions run every Saturday from 10:00 - 11:00 and cost just £6, all equipment is provided.