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.
3 comments:
Just hope Finchem gets his comeuppance one day soon. Attempts at global domination are always so distasteful
Always good to have a bit of golf to follow and even better when one of your bets starts with a 64!
Well done Niclas Fasth, for many a hero in life, and here's to a second win of 2007
I fully expect Fasth to earn a place in next year's Ryder Cup team - where he will hopefull have his revenge on Paul Azinger for that outrageous bunker shot and never-ending high-fiving at The Belfry in 2002. Let's not forget, Fasth should have been the man to claim the winning point and not Paul McGinley.
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