Memberships are available

In most places in U.S.. and the U.K., the start of the golf season seems to be a long time away.

In Bermuda it is already the middle of the season, for clubs such as Mid Ocean and Riddell’s Bay, most (fair weather golfers) the weather now is just about getting perfect for golf

It’s not too cold and wet to be outside and not warm enough to be out on the boat.

This means dusting out the clubs, and looking for a partner to play with.

Most clubs have a weekly rollup where you can meet, but that means you need to be a member of a club.

At weekends, access to most clubs is very limited — even the public courses have members who are the first ones to nab the morning tee times.

The good news for the first time in many years, all the golf clubs have availability for membershi

There are even some deals on the entrance fees.

When I wanted to join a club many years ago it was a case of having to put your name on a waiting list and hope.

Now it is just a case of filling a few forms and paying your fees.

It is also the time to consider taking lessons.

All the clubs have professionals and a few lessons are always a good idea to help clean the rust and make sure that any practice is being done in the correct direction.

When I  work with top amateurs such as Jarryd Dillas and junior Mitchell Campbell there is no real start of the season, but we make a year long plan, so that any changes in equipment, swing etc are not being considered in the middle of a tournament season, but can be tackled at a time when to allow them to practice it and become a natural part of their game.

First events

Obviously there may be quick fixes along the way, but as the saying goes “someone without a plan, is planning for failure”.

Now the start of the season means that there is a full line up of amateur and professional events coming soon.

On the European tour the 2011 season actually started in December 2010.

The local pros officially start the Jack Daniels tour on February 14.

The PGA of Bermuda seemed to have really found an ideal formula for the local pros to get a regular game each week.

It will be very competitive this year with Scott Roy not willing to give up his no.1 easily.

Then, if you add in that Daniel Augustus and Eric West are playing overseas and the added possibility that Twilton Smith or even Brian Morris could be making a run at the title!

For the amateurs the Matchplay Championship is the first ‘big one’ of the season and it traditionally attracts some talented overseas players, with world amateur order of merit points available it may attract a stronger field in years to come.

Jarryd will not have it easy defending his title he won in 2010.

He won it during positively the worst weather that can be played in.

The weather was so bad that a draw was offered, but both Nick Mansell and Jarryd both carried on showing what true champions they both are.

 You can get entry forms for the matchplay online at the BGA website at www.bermudagolf.org.

The weather is going to be great this year.

Just a point to make is there is a number of flights so you will playing against players of your own ability.

You don’t need a scratch handicap to play so everyone let's get out there playing in a great tournament, on one of the world’s best golf courses.