So here we are, the start of 2014's golf season and I find myself, after playing the game for 3 years , no better off handicap wise than I was 18 months ago. currently off 22.3 with my lowest being 21.

There are several reasons for this, lack of golf, unfocused practice, too much club tinkering etc etc.

I have decided to not be a club member this year and have enrolled on a teaching academy with Ben Storey this gives me 2 lessons a month and a playing lesson every 3 months. This has given me the extra imputus to practice more but also concentrate on quality over quantity.

Its early days but already I feel my ball striking is improving and accuracy is much better (it couldnt really get any worse).

I have changed my bag setup slightly for the upcoming year:

My driver, wood & hybrids were custom fit thanks to Golf Monthly magazine and Taylormade, I was also fitted for rocketbladez irons but after 9 months realised they just werent working for me.

TM R1 Driver set at 12 degree's and 3 closed, fitted with a Matrix RUL 65g Stiff shaft. When hit out of the middle this flies, currently working on hitting up on the ball which is having mixed results but still early days.

TM RBZ Stage 2 3 wood (HL version) 17 degree, fitted with a rocketfuel stiff shaft. Mixed results with this as I was hitting a lot of fats due to flipping. Playing last weekend this was long off the tee so hopefully once the swing changes become even more ingrained it will give me more options off the deck aswell.

TM RBZ Stage 2 3&4 hybrids again fitted with rocketfuel stiff shafts. These are my goto clubs, long and forgiving and a pleasure to hit.

TM Tour Preferred CB irons (2011 model) fitted with DG XP R300 shafts. Recently got these and absolutely lovely to look at, the jury is still out though as I may need stiff shafts, my other irons Titleist 775 cb's are fitted with NS Pro 950 stiff shafts and I hit them miles and well but as I am working on a smoother swing Ben prefers me to have a regular shaft.

ICY Golf custom grind wedges 51 & 57 degree. A recent purchase and wow!!! These really are spin merchants, lovely at address and the custom grinds/variable bounce mean I may have 2 wedges but the flexibility of 3. Check them out as Iain (former Cleveland Tour fitter) is a top bloke and really knows his stuff, I guarantee anyone that meets him and oopurchases wedges wont be disappointed.

Yes Marilyn putter fitted with Yes jumbo grip. A lovely putter at address and really puts a nice roll on the ball. Not played enough rounds yet to really have it dialled in but already the results are promising.

I will post some pics later.

I have a friendly round today @ Henlow GC so will post up how it went this evening.