Driving off to a new level

Joe Culley samples the Belfry's new world-class golf academy and its impressive range of facilities

Roll Up! Roll Up! Suppose I told you I knew a way you could add 40 yards to your drives in just 20 minutes. You won't have to change your stance, you won't have to change your grip, you won't have to spend hours in the gym. It's just magic.

Rubbish! you cry. Another gimmick, another scam for the golfing gullible, more money for the club pro and - ultimately, as is always true in golf - more frustration.

Well ladies and gentleman I'm here to tell you that it's true, that I've seen it done.

Yes, I too entered a sceptic but I emerged a humbled - and extremely impressed - man. No, it didn't happen to me - that would be unbelievable - but it happened to a journalist colleague of unimpeachable integrity. They do exist.

Earlier this summer a group of us were invited to spend two nights at the De Vere Belfry, the legendary home to four Ryder Cups and, of course, of particular Irish interest, the venue for Christy Junior's famous two-iron to the 18th to beat Freddy Couples and, this time last year, Paul McGinley's 10-foot putt to clinch the match. We were there to play both the Brabazon and PGA National courses, but our hosts were particularly interested in introducing us to the new PGA Golf Academy which has been developed on the estate.

As you would expect, the academy has all the usual features: an enormous driving range with state-of-the-art bays which allow you to practise with various tees or lies, or to have your swing videoed and analysed; there is a golf simulator to allow you to "virtually" play courses around the world; there is one-to-one tuition from one of the many staff pros; and, as a bit of craic, there is the Brabazon Putting Challenge, a 1,000-foot, miniature replica of the real thing.

But unquestionably the highlight of our visit to the De Vere Belfry and their academy was the chance to sample their custom fitting centre. De Vere have joined forces with four of the largest club manufacturers' - TaylorMade, Callaway, Ping and Titleist - to provide a custom fitting centre for all four under one roof.

The Belfry professionals have been trained by the manufacturers to understand the different attributes of the club types - e.g., clubhead size, loft, steel shaft v graphite, low trajectory v high, etc. - and, most importantly, how to recognise which of those attributes would be best suited to your individual swing.

Don't believe me? Listen.

One of our company is a handy-enough golfer, plays off eight out of The Island (no mean feat), and was as low as four when he was not as old as he is now.

He decided to test out some new drivers (I think he was in the Callaway bay, but that's not the point of the story).

So he began with his own club, with the pro watching his swing, banging out drives with a consistent 225-230 yard carry in the air, with some straighter than others.

But as he hit each ball, we could all also follow its flight on a computer screen which simultaneously pumped out reams of technical information: e.g., clubhead speed at impact, angle of attack, velocity of the ball, the maximum height of the flight, time in the air, spin direction and the seed of the spin, etc.

With this information, the pro was able to point to where and why the ball was losing distance - for example, flying too high, or flying low for too long. So, he says, right, let's change the loft. And he hands our friend a similar club with a different loft.

Back to the drives, and - lo and behold - instantly the carry is now a consistent 245-250 yards.

Next, the pro says you've got a lovely, smooth rhythm to your swing, let's try a different flex to the shaft. Excellent, now we're out to 260, and more consistently straight.

Finally, the pro makes one more change (I can't remember what, all of us were too busy walking around with our jaws dragging along the ground) and our friend finishes by banging out a few 270s.Wow.

So all this hype about how the technology is making a difference? It's not hype. And custom fitting is a scam?

Nonsense: it's as essential as taking a few lessons. Why in the world do we all go into a golf shop and spend hundreds (at least) on a set of clubs because we like the way they look? Your clubs should fit you like a comfortable pair of shoes.

What does a session at the De Vere Belfry centre cost? It's €72, but the pro will spend an entire afternoon with you if that's what it takes, and, if you decide to buy some gear, that initial €72 is deducted from the price. Excellent.

And the same can be said for the rest of the De Vere Belfry experience. The hotel, the food, the staff, all superb. And you can get there (20 minutes from Birmingham airport) from Dublin in less time than it would take to drive down to Mount Juliet.

And what of the golf? Well, it's great fun to take on the famous holes of the Brabazon course - the ninth, the tempting 10th, the treacherous 18th; and we all had a go from the middle of the 18th fairway where there's a plaque commemorating Christy's magical moment.

But the consensus among our group was that the less well known PGA National course was the more interesting test of golf, with the treeless landscape, undulating fairways and cavernous bunkers giving it the look and feel of a links course.

But sure, you're there for a couple of days. Play both and decide for yourself. And enjoy your new clubs.

Visit www.deveregolf.co.uk

The De Vere Belfry has the following special winter golf packages available.

October

€142 per room per night - package includes overnight accommodation, full breakfast, three-course dinner in the Atrium Restaurant, use of the leisure facilities and green fees available on a choice of three courses.

Brabazon - €172

PGA National - €86

Derby - €43

November/December

€142 per room per night - package includes overnight accommodation, full breakfast, three-course dinner in the Atrium Restaurant, use of the leisure facilities plus green fees available on a choice of three courses.

Brabazon - €86

PGA National - €43

Derby - €22

These offers are available on the following selected dates only:

October - 5th, 12th and 19th

November - 2nd, 16th, 23rd and 30th

December - 7th, 14th and 21st

*Above accommodation rates are based on two people sharing a standard double/twin room.

To book call The De Vere Belfry on 08709 00 00 66 or log on to www.DeVereOnline.co.uk