Swinging way to improve golf skills

Feb 25 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Swinging way to improve golf skills

GOLFERS in Monklands can improve and develop their swing action thanks to a new piece of hi-tech kit.

North Lanarkshire Leisure (NLL) have bought two Explanar training systems, which can be used by adult and junior golfers.

The equipment is the brainchild of PGA professional Luther Blacklock who invented the product six years ago and has been hailed by Butch Harman, the former coach of Tiger Woods.

Golfers use the Explanar to learn the core skills of the perfect swing so they can improve their accuracy, straightness and distance out on the course.

Now the training devices, which will be based at the driving range in Coatbridge, are available to golfers in North Lanarkshire.

Mr Blacklock held a demonstration session at the range last week to teach a number of volunteer coaches who are helping develop golf in the county.

And six kids from St Stephen’s Primary School in Sikeside - which boasts its own six-hole golf course - were given the chance to test out the Explanar.

NLL sports development officer, Jim Moffat, admits the development of golf throughout North Lanarkshire’s schools has gone from strength to strength.

He said: “Working with our partners, we set ourselves an ambitious target of taking golf into every school in the county.

“But we also want to deliver a lasting legacy so schools can continue to deliver this service.

“All we are trying to do is stimulate interest in golf with a long-term view of having some sort of junior golf academy here in North Lanarkshire.

“We will create as many pathways as we can to help kids achieve all they want in golf.”

NLL intend to enhance the facilities at the Coatbridge course by upgrading the clubhouse, introducing a golf simulator and also offering increased coaching opportunities for adults and children.

Blane Dodds, chief executive of NLL, added: “The Explanar has a worldwide reputation and we are delighted to offer this facility as part of our golf development plan.”