Early in Robert Green’s book, ‘Seve - Golf’s flawed genius’, you learn of the difficulty the author had in dealing with one of the sports most revered individuals. Seve wanted Robert to write his autobiography, and then he didn’t, then he changed his mind, and eventually, much to the frustration of the publishers and all involved, decided again not to do it.

However, when Robert decided he was going to proceed with a biography of Seve’s life instead, the result is that we have now been given an insight into the darker side of Seve’s personality, that would certainly not have come to light in an autobiography. We do miss out on stories of his youth, anecdotal references to his time doing National Service, but instead we get a balanced and fair reflection of a seemingly very complex man. Despite his outstanding number of tournament wins around the world, successes in major Championships, leadership in the Ryder Cup and outrageous talent, you are left feeling that somehow Seve has not enjoyed the experience anything like as much as the rest of us who witnessed him doing it.

In the same way that his talent was a truly unique one, his personality also sets him apart from the crowd. He has always been prepared to fight hard for his way or opinion, which has often lead to confrontations with the authorites that run the game on both sides of the Atlantic: many of which are featured in the book.

Given the authors obvious respect for Seve, the book leaves you hoping that Seve gives up playing as soon as possible, stops courting controversy and seeks some way of participating in the game in a positive way that will allow us all to remember him for all the great and extraordinary things he has done for golf.

Golf Bug TV will be showing an exclusive interview with Robert Green during March, so try and read the book by then!

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Golf Bug TV recently visited Chesfield Downs Golf Club near Stevenage north of London to film the BBC’s top sports presenter, John Inverdale, getting fitted out with a new set of clubs. Chesfield Downs is part of Crown Golf, the company that owns over 30 clubs in the UK, including the spectacular Jack Nicklaus designed, St. Mellion in Cornwall. It is an excellent facility with an 18 hole Championship course, a par three, a large driving range, custom fitting facilities for most of the big brands, together with a very friendly bunch of people.

However, they have also acquired a new coaching system that is truly revolutionary and extremely clever. Keith Bond, the Head Pro at Chesfield introduced us to the ‘Swingeye Pro’ system, a step beyond traditional video coaching.

The ‘Swingeye Pro’ is a pair of video glasses or more accurately, goggles, where you can actually see your own swing in real time and from any angle. Keith can see exactly what you are seeing on a lap top linked to the glasses and the cameras, and can then draw lines over the image showing you where you are going wrong or what you need to improve. He can even superimpose the image of a professionals position over or alongside your image as you are swinging, giving you instant feedback. It is a fact that people retain around 80% of what they learn visually. The system allows pupils to combine visual recognition with the analysis of motion, during the actual swing! So, by seeing it, and feeling it, it becomes much easier to do it!

One of the toughest things about improving your game is accepting and getting used to changes to your swing, because if it doesn’t feel comfortable, instinctively you will lapse back to the normal. ‘Swingeye Pro’ provides you with the belief that a new technique is correct, and with that belief, your body will begin to accept the new feel.

It works, and if you are anywhere near Stevenage, or for that matter the South of England, I would recommend you contact Keith on +44(0)1462 482929, and give it a try. Failing that watch the film we produced from Chesfield in February on www.golfbug.tv .

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