Cowshed Chris

I can't stick being held up for ages. The other week it took us almost 2 hours to get to the 7th tee by which point I had already ruined my score. The game infront allowed us to play through. Cue me parring 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13. What time are you out at tomorrow?

Never as easy on a Saturday when you're waiting on every tee for 10 mins on your way to a 5 hour round...

Did u play the medal today Forza? Bizarre round for me... Had 5 duffs (all from within 100 yards), was in trees at 17, lipped out on 5 of the first 14 holes, and finished with four 3-putts (on 15, 16, 17 & 18). Despite this, ended up with a net 69 (82-13) with a CSS of 70. Mental stuff.

Make it happen! So long as Forza/someone else from Greenock plays to give me a lift I'm in ;-)

+0.2?! I thought it was 0.1?

Are you a member at Greenock Forza? Got my first (well, only...) hole in one at the Gully as a junior back in 1999. Assumed it would be the first of many - still waiting on that second one 13 years later

Started with 4 pars today and thought I was on to something but dropping 7 shots in the next 5 holes put paid to that. Finished with a disappointing 82. Gotta feel for my playing partner tonight who was 12 over through 16 holes (playing off 17) and finished 9, 6. Teed off at 5.55pm and finished at 9.30 - how I love playing golf in the dark!

Playing my first medal of the season this evening, could be interesting though looking forward to it

If club selection is a problem for you (and you have an iPhone or compatable smartphone), the Swing By Swing golf app can be handy for calculating distances.

Having played not much more than the 3 medals needed to keep my handicap for the last 8 years (handicap rising from 10.6 to 13.0 in the process), ive decided to make a go of it this year and get back down somewhere nearer 10 again. Looking to add a 3 wood to give me a bit more length off the fairway (currently carry an old Callaway Steelhead Plus 4-wood which goes straight but not particularly far). Cleveland Launcher FL has been suggested, anyone have experience with this club?

A fine show indeed... Looking forward to tonight's episode. Astounded Dave managed to get it.

Im not sure about whether shorter clubs would suit better... It will possibly depend upon whether you hunch over the ball rather than being more upright. I would think that average men's clubs would be ok for someone of 5'6. I think you've given yourself a handy piece of advice... If you're comfortable with a half swing then stick with it and then develop into a full swing - a well struck half/3qtr swing will go far better than a duffed full shot. I think pros generally get beginners to start with a half swing also. Glad to hear you aren't losing balls as happens with most new players. Provided you can keep the ball in play and just keep moving it forward, you'll see your scores lower particularly as you become more confident around the greens.

G-Man, ladies clubs are shorter and tend to be slightly lighter than men's clubs. Regarding your game in general, assuming you are generally hitting 55-65 shots per 9 holes - could you offer a breakdown of where you're losing shots on average? Ie. How many putts do you generally have, penalty strokes due to lost balls/unplayable lies, fresh air shots. This information should allow folk to offer slightly more useful advice to help improve your game.

Wouldnt agree with that mate... I was using a 10.5 degree driver before and whenever it was windy (90% of the time) the ball got caught in the wind and went nowhere. Invested in a 9 degree and while I still hit the ball higher than I would like, it certainly benefited my game.

What did you get Gaz?

Gaz, I'd suggest this is sound advice. I'm sure I read somewhere that beginners should start with a 11 degree driver, or a three-wood - as you've suggested. Remember, a well-hit 3 wood will go miles further than a poorly hit driver. I dunno if it'll be of use to you but if you're looking for a cheap 3 wood I'd consider a Callaway Steelhead Plus. An older club (2004 i think) so you'll find them for about £30, light and easy to hit. On another note, considering investing in a new driver.... the Callaway Diablo Edge has taken my fancy. Anybody have any experience with this club?

I see they are laying it on pretty thick about Ben going to be a totally different person when he comes out of prison... obviously in reference to the new actor who is going to come in and take over the roll. Think a few months down the line we'll see "Ben" back in the square and behaving like a Young Phil. Kinda looking forward to it actually. Darren's bit of stuff is absolutely lovely btw...

Hmmmm that'll explain why some random guy was playing him yesterday then.,.. assume this is the new full-time Declan?

Superb stuff. Hope she drowns.. moany cow

Anyone know if we are expecting any new talent into the show anytime soon? I am getting bored with what's there at the moment... Although I will concede that Kate has come onto a game over the last couple of months and, thankfully, Donna is still around.

So is this Ringo gone for good then? I hope so... an utterly pathetic individual he is. Donna is a wee tart... gotta love it

Had twins in January.

Yeah, seemed pretty obvious for me. Billy is a bit of a pathetic character at the best of times so it will be interesting to see where this storyline is going. Hope Stacey returns tomorrow.

"Smith was born in Scotland and moved with his family from Scotland to Australia in 2003. The family holidayed in Australia in 2001 and fell in love with the country and so decided to emigrate" There was me thinking he was putting it on (badly)... what a bizarre accent he has. Indeed. This was somewhat disappointing. If I'm being honest, it ruined my week.

After today's episode I retract my statement, your honour. WOW...