Do not underestimate the golfer's need to get his fix

All around the country at this time of year, pros, greenkeepers and golfing widows are staggered by the lengths we will go to in pursuit of a round (or even part of one).

"They can't want to go out in this!" goes the cry. But we do.

Fog? We'll just watch extra carefully.

Frost? It's like coping with a burnt links course in the height of summer.

Rain? What do you think waterproofs are for?

Biting chill? It's called a bobble hat.

40mph wind? A mere breeze.

Dark at 3pm? Tee-off earlier.

The sheer anticipation of it all means that crying off is simply not an option. A game in the depths of winter is usually about a fortnightly occurrence, so having spent the time between cooped up in an office or car or warehouse, it's unthinkable to let the opportunity pass.

It turns us all into madmen. We find ourselves glaring at the offending frost, as though that will make it disappear. We pore over weather forecasts for days beforehand, interpreting a positive omen in the prospective strengthening of the wind (it will blow the rain away) or arrival of rain clouds (less likely to be frosty).

And even when the day in question dawns and the temperature is -3 or it is barely light enough to tell that the rain is tipping down, still we find hope. 

Once the sun rises it will get that few degrees warmer. 

It will brighten up by the time we get to the club and scoff a bacon sandwich.

Unfortunately, it rarely does. And how often have you foolishly embarked on a winter round only to realise as early as the 1st green that it's a total waste of time and you should never have bothered.

And yet, in two weeks' time, the whole process repeats and we're all at it again. Will we never learn?

By Dan Murphy

Christmas Gifts

With Christmas fast approaching, not only am I troubled by what I should be buying my nearest and dearest (and the thought of having to battle through the hoards of shoppers at Sheffield's Meadow-hell on Christmas Eve), but I'm also filled with dread at the golf related presents I'll also have to be thankful for come the big day.

Now, I don't want to appear rude or ungrateful, and might I add that I have always been appreciative of everything that has been bought for me in the past, but why is it that because I work for a golf magazine and play golf, every present has to be golf related?

I have been given some fantastic golf gifts in the past, such as the first ever cut down set of clubs my Mum and Dad bought me when I was five years old. I got a 3-wood, 7-iron, putter and a little bag to put them all in and I can remember going straight out to the back garden and making my Dad immediately regret his choice of gift by cutting up his lawn with an innumerate amount of divots.

Then there was the time my girlfriend had the inspiration to buy me an Odyssey two-ball putter when my putting had gone to the dogs and the year I was treated to a round at Lindrick with the pro there.

These have all been fantastic gifts that I have been forever grateful for. But for every great present, there has also been a cringe-worthy one, as many of you reading this have also found to your peril.

I have lost count of the amount of 'Golf Tools' I have unwrapped. Seriously, how many pitch mark repairers-cum-spike cleaner-cum-ball marker-cum-brushes do you need in one lifetime.

All have swiftly been banished to the bottom of my bag (or charity bag in some cases) never to reappear again.

Then there are the novelty golf socks, jumpers, ties, hats not to mention the gizmos and gadgets that all non-golfers think are the best thing since sliced bread, but the golfers among us know it will never get out of its box.

However, this blog isn't just about the presents I have received, it's also an open forum to discuss the worst gifts you have unwrapped on Christmas Day and been forced to give that "Ooohh, it's just what I wanted!" reply.

So blog away and allow me to while away the next few days reading your posts before leaving NCG Towers for the holidays.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Will Spence

Bouncing back

As someone who is always on the look-out to find new ways of improving their short game I genuinely believe last week was a watershed moment in my golfing career.

Most golfers are hopeful of turning three shots into two when they get within 50 yards of the green - I am looking to turn four, sometimes five, into three. Frustrating doesn't even come close as a variety of thins, fats, dunches, tops and the occasional J Arthur leave me a quivering wreck and, more often than not, diving for the putter.

Until now. The last few days have seen a dramatic turnaround in my chipping, not out on the course, but off the tight, firm lies of the office carpet. Think Turnberry 1977 and you're nearly there. Despite possessing all manner of dreadful shots around the greens the majority tend to be nervy, proddy thins which usually result in an embarassing traipse across the other side of the green into knee-high bushes.

Thanks to MD Golf there has not been one lethal clang into the radiator at work, more a succession of sweetly-struck (deft even) chips straight into the heart of the Putt 360. Ireland's Norman Drew was the first man ever to play in the Walker, Ryder and World Cups and the Northern Irish equipment manufacturers have used his renowned short-game expertise to create some sublime wedges.

The thinking is that too many wedges have too much bounce and are therefore easier to thin, thus the low bounce Players Series range which will help to put an end to even the gravest of chipping concerns. Of course much of it is down to confidence but the first time I got this particular weapon in my hands I was actually looking forward to making contact with the ball. Something that has not happened since 1992.

By Mark Townsend

They are available in lofts of 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 and will only set you back £49.99. For more information visit www.mdgolf.co.uk or call 02894 460 333.

Taking issue with Ernie

BATTLING against the endless stream of platitudes from robotic sportsmen is the infuriating bane of journalists these days.
Long gone is the era when reporters travelled and socialised with footballers on European away days or when golfers and writers mingled in the clubhouse bar or local restaurant.
The lives of today's sports stars are hardly much worse for this scenario but it is a dagger in the heart of sports journalism which ultimately means it is the readers who are affected most.
So when someone comes along and offers something out of the ordinary it's always warmly welcolmed. I remember, for example, writing a few years ago that it was a real shame Paul Casey's tongue-in-cheek remark about Americans in the Ryder Cup being leapt upon so viciously.
Ernie Els is another who occasionally speaks frankly, notably against the PGA Tour's attempts to bully him into playing more frequently in America.
He did so again recently when he was criticised for not making himself available for the Volvo Masters, especially given he was leading the Order of Merit going into the event.
Els replied by stating this was the time of year he 'gets his wheelbarrow out' and fills it with cash - so if that means playing in Singapore instead of Valderrama due to a clash of events then he won't lose too much sleep over it.
I'm an Els fan and have been for many years. But this comment disappointed me hugely. For a start, the South African is not short of a Rand or two. It's not like heactually needs a wheelbarrow-full of cash.
He has won millions in prize money for over a decade, season after season, and been paid as much if not more through sponsorships and advertising.
Els is therefore pretty much admitting he's making a huge amount of money almost just for the sake of it. For those who pay lots of money to play golf as a hobby, it sticks in the throat.
The European Tour has been good to Els too. It's where he cut his teeth and to be fair, he acknowledges that by continuing to support it every year.
It's surely not too much to ask to attend it's end of year climax, even if he was contracted to the Singapore event.
And if he felt a loyalty to what would be a highly lucrative contract in Asia, at least appear disappointed at missing the Valderrama showdown rather than make a crude comment about cashing in.
Indeed, I can't imagine the organisers in Singapore were all that happy with the comment themselves. It's the equivalent of a prized international footballer arriving at an unfashionable club and smugly waving his pay slip at the cameras to explain his reason for joining.
Perhaps Els himself regrets the remark. I've always considered him a decent bloke so it wouldn't suprise me if he does.
I will still be very pleased to see him win the Major he wants so badly, especially the Masters, next year. But some of my affection for this man's man has been lost.
That said, it made a welcome change from the stultifyingly bland dross we normally get served up. Believe me when I say it feels almost sacriligious to criticise a colourful comment.
By Chris Bertram

Changing the clocks

At this time of year, getting 18 holes in can prove seriously difficult. Not on account of the frost, rain fog and snow – as is commonly assumed to be the case – but because of the lack of daylight. It sometimes seems that there is barely time to get up, have some breakfast, drive to the club and get on the 1st tee before the cut-off point of midday.
That said, at least on a weekend you have a fighting chance of a game, which is more than be said of weekdays between September and March.
But I have a solution. I propose that, on October the 1st, the clocks move forward an hour. Not back, you note, but forward. On November 1st, the same would happen. And again on December 1st. On January 1st they would go back an hour, and again a month later and again a month later.
This would ensure it was never dark before 8pm, meaning we could continue to play, weather permitting, on weekday afternoons and evenings throughout the year.
Yes, I realise this would mean it did not get late before midday in December, but so what? We're all at work anyway.
The way things are, the only hours it's light during the week (say 8am until 4pm) are those when the vast majority of us are stuck at work.
Under my system, we'd all actually be able to spend some time outside while it's light in the winter months.
I'm sure it's a great idea. What do you reckon?
By Dan Murphy
Editor

The Office (short-game championship)

WITH few light hours in these dreary winter days, there is little scope for the NCG team to venture onto the links. Contrary to popular opinion, magazines and websites aren't all that easy to put together you know.
So with few opportunities to get the competitive juices flowing we've resorted to putting at risk thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment by staging chipping and putting contests.
The inventor of the course, a strip of carpet between the editorial and design sections of a large open-plan office, is unknown. What is certain, though, is the addictive quality of this ad hoc short-game facility.
Quite what the inhabitants of the office below think is going on I'm not quite sure. A dull thud followed by what sounds like one of the Dam Busters bouncing balls - I wonder if they've worked it out?
Assuming no harm comes to the Apple Macs and PCs which line the fairway, it will prove a successful operation though and not only because it provides a bit of fun in the otherwise dark winter months.
It is also actually terrific practice. If you can produce a clean strike off that worn carpet you'll be confident of chipping off even the tightest of links lies come March.
What's more, there's no disguising the purity of a strike. A slightly fat effort if clearly audible while anything thin simply careers into the back wall.
There's already evidence to suggest that one staff writer whose short game is on the inconsistent side is likely to be deadly round the greens next season. Indeed, the official NCG Handicap Committee have already met on two occasions to discuss a suitable adjustment.
The worrying thing for this author is that while my chipping is respectable enough, my putting can only be ranked in the bottom three of NCG staff.
When you consider there are six of seven staff who don't actually play the game, it's a worrying stat. I'm not even learning my lessons either. One evening I spent 15 minutes or so hitting the same putt so clumsily that it sped past its target (a clever device from Putt 360) and into the kitchen time after time after time to the bemusement and delight of the Editor.
At least now I know how Tiger felt when he putted into Rae's Creek at Augusta. Sort of.
By Chris Bertram

Age no concern for Sir Bob

A slice of history was made in the early hours of Friday morning when Sir Bob Charles became the oldest player, at 71, to make the cut in a European Tour event. He also became the first player to beat his age by three shots - a remarkable achievement but one that very nearly didn't happen.
The 1963 Open champion came within a whisker of missing his tee-time, having turned up at the 1st only to realise he should have been at the 10th.
"I'm entitled to be forgetful at my age. We had to get some transport - we almost had to put a gun to a guy's head to get us there and we only got to the first tee with 30 seconds to spare."
Charles is only playing as a favour to the organisers and his friend, the course owner Michael Hill, but opened with a birdie two, added two more at 17 and 18, and then eagled the par-five 1st.
A loss of concentration and resulting double-bogey, due to a low-flying helicopter, followed at the 6th but more birdies were plundered at the 7th and 9th.
He added: "I didn't want to come here and embarrass myself. The competition does get me fired up and the way the golf course set-up helped me considerably.
"The old adrenaline starts to flow with the competition and I almost felt 30 years younger today. It's something which I enjoy and get a lot of pride from.”
Special mention also to Australian Steven Jeffres who recorded the first albatross of the season by holing-in-one with a driver on the 332-yard 15th.
By Mark Townsend

Ten essentials to get right for 2008

Mark Townsend on a few dos and donts for the coming year to make everyone's round more enjoyable

1) Repair your pitchmarks. It's really not difficult to see where your ball lands so do a bit of gardening when you arrive on the green. It will literally take five seconds and we'll all reap the benefits. Those little signs reading 'USGA tests show a pitchmark not repaired in the first 24 hours....' aren't there for a laugh. And if you're feeling extravagant why not even repair a second one.

2) Purchase some tees. Let's be honest, they're not exactly expensive so make sure you're well stocked up, not just for your next round but the ones after that. It's not the biggest crime in the world but it does tend to grate a little when your playing partners are constantly turning to you, with their hand held out, requesting another 'long one'.

3) Enjoy yourselves. There really is nothing worse than spending four hours of your precious leisure time with a monosyllabic misery. We're all there to play well, but have a bit of a laugh at the same time. So if you're one of the club's sulkers do everything in your powers to amend your ways. Or you may be faced with a complete lack of playing partners and that's even less fun.

4) Play a provisional. With a card in your hand the last thing you want to do is play three off the tee but it's better than having a 200-yard walk back to the tee with the group behind watching your every move. If your drive disappears into knee-high rough don't kid yourself you'll relocate it, have a bit of dignity and play a second ball. You never know, you may find the first anyway.

5) Sort the strokes out. If you don't like the number of shots you or your playing partners are receiving then air your grievances on the first tee and, once it's agreed, keep it buttoned...at least until the clubhouse. There's no crime in an opponent playing well and any silly little mind games to put them off won't make any comeback more impressive. Needless to say cut them next week!

6) Fore right! Few of us stick to the straight and narrow every time so if you see your ball heading straight towards to the fourball up ahead on the next tee give them a bit of warning. It's no excuse to say you thought you couldn't reach them and is more embarrassing to bellow out a couple of shouts than a sheepish apology and dirty looks for the remainder of the round.

7) Join up. If you're out for a quick nine or 18 after work and you see a fellow singleton then pair up. Ok there's a chance it may be one of the longest hours of your life and conversation may never extend beyond where your new 'buddy' lives. However, on the other hand, you may have unearthed your new partner for the Winter Knockout.

8) Shut up. This may well have been your first lesson in etiquette but it still gets broken on a regular basis. Some carry on chatting regardless, others think they're doing you the courtesy by merely whispering when you're preparing to hit your shot. Either way just hush your beak - you're out there for hours so save your vital chat to when you're strolling down the fairways.

9) Pick up. Most of our golf is played in some sort of better-ball format so when you're out of the hole do everyone a favour and put your ball where it belongs. In your pocket. Nobody cares if you can still make an eight net seven if you hole a 30-yard chip so give up and channel your energies towards the next hole.

10) Cough up. If you've had a little side bet on the first tee, then honour it in the clubhouse. If you need to get change at the bar to settle your debts then do so and don't 'suddenly' realise halfway home that you forgot to pay up after a 6 and 5 reversal. Nobody likes asking for money, especially after a resounding win, so be one step ahead of the game and get your hand in your pocket

Golf in November – much-maligned and under-rated

November is few people's idea of a favourite month, me included. But, in golfing terms, it has to be said that it's far from the worst.

It's rarely freezing cold, doesn't often snow and while the days are admittedly short it is still possible to enjoy reasonable playing conditions.

Mats and winter greens are yet to raise their ugly heads while there is the novelty factor of donning your bobble hat for the first time in several months and laughing at how ridiculous your playing partners look in theirs.

And golf in November has never been more fun than it has this year.

Summer may well have been wiped out by the rain but its legacy is that our courses seem to be in far better condition now than they usually are at this time of year.

As recently as last weekend, I enjoyed playing off well-grassed tees and putting on greens that were genuinely smooth and well-paced.

There was honestly no excuse not to play respectably – which adds its own pressures!

So if you've been lacking motivation in recent weeks, preferring to stay in your armchair, rouse yourself, don your waterproof trousers and get on with it. It really won't be quite as bad as you think. And even if it is, it will still beat Christmas shopping.

Learn from the Wild Thing

IF you thought the world of golf had already gone mad, what with $10 million prize funds in Dubai and square drivers galore, then get ready for this - John Daly has written a golf instruction book.

That’s right, John Daly has followed up his best selling autobiography: My Life In And Out Of The Rough with his very own words of wisdom on the intricacies of the game, entitled: Golf My Own Damn Way - The Real Man's Guide to Improving Your Game.

Daly has collaborated with Glen Waggoner and you can bet that the minute it lands in the NCG office I’ll be the first to take advantage of tips like these.

* Letting your belly lead your swing - "You can't see your own belt buckle so focus on that little extra hanging over your belt. For some of us that's easier than others.”

* Get your head out of the game: "The No 1 obstacle to hitting a good golf shot is your head. Not moving it or anything. Using it."

* Leave the Big Dog in your trunk: "You're going to think this really sounds weird coming from me, Mr. Grip It and Rip It. Seat belts fastened? Okay, here it comes: The next round you play, leave your driver in the trunk of your car."

Other priceless quotes include his plans to convince the PGA Tour to let him wear Bermuda shorts, make carts mandatory and strip-search spectators to keep mobiles and cameras off the course.

Now this probably isn’t going to achieve the same results as the offerings from David Leadbetter, Dave Peltz or Nick Faldo, but you’re going to have twice as much fun in the process.

If you’ve taken time out to read the first hilarious and intriguing insight into the life of John Daly then this is surly unmissable. I read it on a train from Glasgow to Sheffield and never once put it down.

In fact, its hold was just as tight as Daly’s Grip It and Rip It philosophy. If you too have shared this experience then another biography to delve into is Bud, Sweat and Tees, by Alan Shipnuck that charts the astronomical rise to fame of Rich Beem.

Happy reading!!

By Will Spence

School's out...forever?

Martin Wiegele, Pedro Linhart, Lee Slattery, Luis Claverie, Florian Praegant, Sion Bebb, Francois Delamontagne, Lee James, Pablo Larrazabal, Alan McLean, Joakim Backstrom, Richard Bland, Birgir Hafthorsson, Sven Struver, Paolo Terreni, Juan Abate, David Dixon, David Drysdale, Craig Lee, Matthew Millar, Benoit Teilleria, Thomas Aiken, Philip Golding, James Kamte, Jan-Are Larsen, Gareth Paddison, Marcel Siem, Patrik Sjoland, Ulrich Van Den Burg and Paul Waring.

These 30 names are worth making a note of if you like a flutter. The above are the lucky (and plucky) few who have come through the torture of the Qualifying School at San Roque. And if last year is anything to go by they should make up at least a few of the winners on this season's European Tour.

Alvaro Quiros, buoyed by sneaking through the school, pounced within a couple of weeks to land the Alfred Dunhill Championship and Carl Suneson and Daniel Vancsik also prevailed in 2007.

Thomas Aiken may be one to avoid for a few weeks though. The South African began the sixth and final round in second spot and only just scraped in after a closing 80.

Special mention also to Lee Slattery who missed out on his card by a little over £50 but tied for second at San Roque thanks in no small part to a sizzling 64 on Sunday.

There are also a few hard-luck stories during this week and England’s Stuart Davis and South African Doug McGuigan will be making the unwanted headlines on Wednesday. McGuigan bogeyed his last two holes to miss out by one while Davis finished bogey, bogey, triple bogey to fall from five-under to level par - three-under was eventually good enough.

By Mark Townsend

Colvend: Official hidden gem

THERE'S no getting away from the fact that at NCG we enjoy tackling Britain's very finest courses. Whether it be an Open Championship links or one of Surrey's high-tariff heathlands, enormous enjoyment is guaranteed at such prestigious, well-manicured venues.
It is, however, often more satisfying to unearth a hidden gem - a club where you can enjoy 18 holes, refreshment and a bite to eat for less than £50.
I discovered just such a venue at the end of the summer while in the South West of Scotland, a very under-rated area of the celebrated Home of Golf.
The club is Colvend, tucked away in the rolling hills of the Solway Coast. Initially designed by Willie Fernie in 1905 it was tweaked by Dave Thomas in 1985 and extended to 18 holes 10 years ago.
The 1st makes for an interesting start, playing dramatically uphill meaning it is no pushover even though it is only a 260-yard par four. It's by no means a taste of what's to come.
What's more it gets golfers at the high point of the course from where they can take in some of the most breathtaking views imaginable.
The 3rd benefits from these, a shortish two-shotter where club selection for your approach depends wholly on what kind of bounce your tee shot received.
Whatever that outcome was, the most tricky of short irons awaits because the green is a combination of slopes, borrows, mounds and valleys. It's what one imagines putting at Augusta National to be like.
Another highlight arrives at the 8th, a short hole or rare quality. Played over a burn which runs in front of the green, a bunker also lies in wait to right. It would not look out of place in the middle of one of those aforementioned glittering Surrey courses.
On the newer back nine, 17 is a highlight despite being little over 200 yards. It plays much longer than though because the mature trees fill the dog-leg. The brave can select a long iron or rescue club and aim for the green. The sensible hit a six iron to the corner and trust their wedge work from there.
The closing hole is also memorable, requiring an accurate approach to a two-tiered green tucked away behind a stream amid a smattering of trees.
The clubhouse is too welcoming to resist and there are many woirse ways to spend an afternoon than watching the groups behind tackle the 18th with a pint for company.
If you're ever in this glorious part of the world, make sure you find your way to Colvend for three memorable, value-for-money hours.
By Chris Bertram

A marathon, not a sprint

IF the Ryder Cup were to be played tomorrow it would throw up some intriguing matches.

Currently, Europe's side contains seven rookies, including Steve Webster, Soren Kjeldsen and Phillip Archer, while the American team features the likes of Woody Austin, Joe Durant and Jerry Kelly.
Several articles in the national press have already emphasised the fact that many of Europe's leading lights have failed to light the blue touch paper during the early stages of qualifying.

For instance, the likes of Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Niclas Fasth, Paul Casey, Luke Donald and Colin Montgomerie would be relying on a captain's pick, should the matches be taking place in the very near future. And although it is a tad disconcerting that those mentioned above haven't put too much effort into Ryder Cup qualification thus far, it should be noted that the race for Valhalla is a marathon, not a sprint, and that most of the continent's star names will compete in next year¹s big-money events, namely the Majors and World Golf Championships, therefore ensuring they will have plenty of opportunities to press home their world rankings advantage.

Similarly, the likes of Phil Mickelson and Scott Verplank will also get the chance to grab a place in the States' side. However, it must be noted that only the eight leading American qualifiers will make it to Valhalla ­ after captain Paul Azinger insisted on four picks ahead of next year's event.

Much has already been written about Azinger doubling the number of American wild cards and more still will be said about the unlucky pair who end up occupying the States' ninth and 10th positions ­ especially if one, or both, fails to earn Azinger's approval.

Anyway, as it currently stands, here are the leading 10 players from both teams:-

Europe: Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, Nick Dougherty, Soren Hansen, Steve Webster, Soren Kjeldsen, Padraig Harrington, Phillip Archer, Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher.

America: Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Woody Austin, Stewart Cink, Joe Durant, Hunter Mahan and Jerry Kelly. Incidentally, the men occupying positions nine and 10 are David Toms and Steve Stricker and, as stated, would be relying on a captain¹s pick.

Just for fun, who do you think would come out on top if the teams above went head-to-head? At present, I think I would find it difficult to back against the States.

By James Varley

Faldo back in action

The European Tour swings down to Hong Kong and Ryder Cup skipper Nick Faldo will no doubt be donning the wraparound shades as he steps out for a rare competitve outing at Fanling.

Faldo shot a then course-record 62 in 1990, en route to winning the inaugural Johnnie Walker Classic, but he is here in more of an ambassadorial role with sponsors UBS as well as casting an eye over his Valhalla hopefuls.

More...

Don't expect too much of Rose

JUSTIN ROSE is the flavour of the month, the whole year perhaps.
His victory in the Volvo Masters and subsequent claiming of the Order of Merit is quite remarkable given how few events he has played in Europe this season.
Britain, being Britain, is now hailing him as an imminent Major champion, the man to take on Tiger Woods come Augusta in April.
A word of warning though. It's not that easy. And I'm also not sure Rose is quite ready. Sorry, but that's just how I feel.
There is also a bit of history behind this thinking too. I remember similar expectations surrounding Luke Donald a couple of years ago.
Sadly, Donald has yet to really set the heather on fire and has just endured his most disappointing season as a pro. A fact which has gone under the radar given Rose achievements.
Rose, Donald, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter, David Howell and Nick Dougherty are all gifted young golfers who could very easily make up the backbone of next year's Ryder Cup team.
The reality is, though, that there are a heck of a lot of talented golfers on the planet these days. They are coming from every country and are hungry for success. Australia alone now boast at least as many world-class performers.
Rose is currently the pick of our bunch but to expect him to stroll down Magnolia Lane in April and slip a Green Jacket over his shoulders is, frankly, daft.
I would like nothing more than to see that happen but I feel he is another season of development away from doing so. A win or two on the PGA Tour would be a significant step in that direction.
If it is in an event such as the Memorial with you know who in the field, all the better. There are still the odd rough edge for Rose to smooth over with his coach Nick Bradley although the evidence suggests they will do just that judging by the progress the duo have made in the past 12 months.
I hope I'm wrong and Rose makes the leap from European Tour champion to Major champion sooner than I'm predicting. If he doesn't, I hope we don't start suggesting he has flopped.
Rose has got to within touching distance of the top the hard way. Let's give him time to make that final, significant step.
By Chris Bertram

In defence of winter golf

The only thing that I don;t like about much-maligned winter golf in Britain is temporary greens. That apart, it really is good fun. Just last week I arranged a Sunday-morning game and feared the worst in terms of conditions. But I awoke to blue skies and bright sunshine. It was one of those morning made for playing golf, and the fact it was so unexpected made it even more enjoyable. It was crisp, the course was in great condition for the time of year and, apart from the speed of the greens, there was really no excuse not to play some decent - relatively speaking! - golf.
As somebody who is more often too hot than too cold anyway, I really don't mind the lower temperatures. in fact the only shame was we couldn't have gone out for another nine holes due to fading daylight.
Still, a couple of pints and a cosy clubhouse were more than an adequate compensation.
So is it just me – or does anyone else, in a funny kind of way, actually enjoy getting in an unexpected game in the winter more than 18 holes in the height of the season?
By Dan Murphy
Editor

2008 starts here

WE woke up this morning to find 2008 had started. Well, at least the new European Tour season did.
It really is quite early. Possibly too early and a bit of a stretch of the imagination to think this really is the 2008 season. Christmas decorations aren't even in the shops yet.
But here's the reality: the European Tour can't afford to start any later. Commercial factors mean November indicates the kick-off for the new term - even though school (Q School) isn't out yet.
That really is a bit bizarre - some players still don't know if they will be playing on a circuit which has already started. Q School begins next week.
George O'Grady and his colleagues at European Tour HQ simply have to squeeze every euro and every prestige tournament out of the schedule that they can.
It's not quite a beggars not being choosers mentality but when you're up against Tim Finchem and the might of the PGA Tour in America, every sale is a good one.
It's why I believe moving the Desert Swing to this time of year would be a good move. The PGA Tour is dead and the opportunity is there to take advantage. Tiger, Phil and co might even be tempted over to 'Europe'. If not, the Adam Scotts and Jim Furyks might well be. And be a very good consolation.
In the meantime, we can enjoy the action from Shanghai. And try not to get too concerned about the 2008 season starting seven weeks before the end of 2007.
because let's be honest, having some decent golf to watch in the middle of November is an absolute joy.
By Chris Bertram.

Scotland the brave

Much has been written in recent weeks about the heroics of Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy. The former landed the Volvo Masters and Order of Merit title from just 12 starts while the Holywood teenager secured his card after just two events.

But one player, another teenage starlet, has enjoyed an incredible season in altogether different circumstances. Zane Scotland became the youngest English player to qulaify for the Open Championship when he made it to Carnoustie in 1999 as a 16-year-old.

Since then he was involved in a car crash, knocking out two vertebrae in his neck, and has had to endure months out of the game and endless trips to physios - these are still ongoing. But he is now back on the European Tour and could be one to follow closely in 2008.

This year he came through 36 holes of qualifying to tee it up at the French Open, where he tied for 12th, and went on to secure his card in just seven events. Chief Executive of the European Tour George O'Grady singled him out for praise in his annual press conference last week and I was lucky enough to speak with him a few days ago.

Zane is refreshingly down-to-earth, interested and interesting, and deserves all the success that lies ahead for him. In this job we get to speak with plenty of players but not many ask questions back and continue the chat after all the necessary questions have been posed.

Like Rose there have been difficult times in the early days of being in the paid ranks but both, in different ways, are now reaping the rewards of their incredible talent and easy-going demeanours.

You can read the full interview with Zane in a future issue of National Club Golfer and on this blog.

That champagne feeling

Europe's ambitions to retain the Ryder Cup are already underway and even the Open champion is concerned about earning a place on the team, says Dan Murphy

THE first morning of the 37th Ryder Cup matches may seem a long way removed from the November gloom of Britain. But rest assured that by the time autumn and winter have given way to spring, and the Masters is once more upon us, the seeds will very much have been sown with regards the make-up of the two teams and, specifically, Europe's intentions to retain the trophy.

Already, there is a feeling on this side of the Atlantic that competition to make the side will be fiercer than ever before.

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Back to the future

Chris Bertram explains why the choice of captains for next year's matches promise to make it the most feisty affair since Brookline


IF we are a long way from knowing the identities of the 24 players who will compete in the next Ryder Cup we can already predict the atmosphere which will exist between the teams at Valhalla.

The reason? Because we know the names of the men who will captain Europe and America in the latest installment of the biennial matches. And, as is the custom, the teams will reflect the characters, personalities, qualities and foibles of their respective leaders.

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Race is on for Kentucky

Mark Townsend examines how the United States are planning to win back the Ryder Cup




If Tom Lehman faced a difficult task going into the K Club, then Paul Azinger's one for next September is twice as tricky. Lehman appeared to be the polar opposite to the tub-thumping Hal Sutton - intelligent, astute and more than a match for Ian Woosnam - but both American skippers fell on their sword, crashing to embarrassing record nine-point defeats. That made it three on the bounce and five in the past six meetings.

The reason for the 2006 mauling, much the same as the previous victories, was simple: Europe soundly outplayed their opponents, winning all five series of matches for the first time in Ireland, and never looked like relinquishing their firm grip on the famous trophy.

So how will Azinger go about becoming just the second successful American captain in 15 years at Valhalla?

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Fasth and furious

Swedish sensation Niclas Fasth tells Mark Townsend about his heroics at Oakmont and describes how he keeps a lid on his emotions

SOME players prefer to keep their emotions in check. Others let slip the odd fist pump before quickly recovering their senses to acknowledge the gallery. And then there is Niclas Fasth.

The 35-year-old could never be accused of being an automaton golfer. When in the heat of battle he appears to be on the verge of spontaneously self-combusting, given the level of intensity he brings to his game. Birdies are followed by fist clenches from the top drawer and veins begin popping out from everywhere.
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Raking it

THE opening lines to an article in the official programme read: "Teaming up with anyone other than a local caddie on the Old Course would be akin to playing 16 holes rather than 18,� it is a key part of the St Andrews experience. Ignoring this advice, an old school friend offered me the opportunityto team up over, not only the Old Course, but also Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, thereby reducing his chances significantly of making the cut. more