JULY EVENTS 2024

JULY EVENTS 2024

LOFOTEN, NORWAY. Situated inside the Arctic Circle there is a ”Cool golf links with the hottest light show on earth.” Summer visitors come to stay in lodges and play 24 hr. golf in a spectacular setting on the Norwegian Sea, and from August to October they get the Northern Lights thrown in.

GOLFERS WHO COMPETE in the Macmillan Longest Day Challenge should tip their caps to H.Lumsden, of the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club, who set a formidable record for the most golf played in 24 hours on a light summer night in 1910. Starting at 2.20. a.m. he proceeded to play 12 rounds of golf, or 216 holes, a distance of around 40 miles, averaging 82.5 shots per round, and finishing at 9.00 p.m. I wonder if his wife greeted him with ”And what time do you call this, H.Lumsden?”

THE STAYSURE PGA Seniors Championship will be staged at Trump International Golf Links July 31^st to August 4th.  The par-72 championship course, opened in 2012, features 2 loops of nine holes nestled in amongst the Great Dunes with views of the Aberdeenshire coastline.

Host Colin Montgomerie says: “To be hosting the oldest Senior Championship in Europe is a distinct privilege. I will be doing my best to be a good host, while also focussing on competing against a very strong field.”  Phil Harrison, CEO of the Legends Tour, said: “Colin Montgomerie is a name synonymous with European golf and it's success. We are delighted to have Colin on board and can think of no better host for this fantastic tournament.” Unfortunately, Monty is also famous for being one of the world's grumpiest golfers. A man who could be put off his stroke by the sound of butterfly wings, his temper tantrums were legendary. He argued with fans, he argued with cameramen, he even argued with his long-suffering caddie Alastair McLean. Let's hope he's mellowed with age, and there aren't too many butterflies on the Trump course.

IT'S ALL HAPPENING north of the border this month. The Genesis Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club Nth. Berwick, July 11-14^th, will be followed by The Open at Royal Troon from July 18^th to 21^st, then the Senior Open at Carnoustie Golf Links, July 25-28^th followed by Monty's lot at Trump International on the 31^st. Hardly gives the players time for a wee dram between Championships. Hope the weather is kind, especially for the seniors, or hot toddys and Vick vapour rub will be the order of the day.

To counter complaints of favouritism towards the land of heather and porridge, Sir Nick Faldo will be hosting the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield, from 29^th August to 1^stSeptember.

The Saturday will be “Retro day” with the fans encouraged to wear their traditional golf outfits, a chance for Sir Nick to dig out one of his diamond jumpers.

HYBRID CLUBS make scoring easier and, as a result, provide more enjoymenT especially if you're a senior player.  The Cobra Darkspeed hybrid impressed testers this spring, with it's suspended PWR-BRIDGE design helping deliver long, straight shots, and an AI-designed H.O.T. Face which provides consistently fast ball speeds. The 12g weight positioned low in the sole helps to promote a high, towering ball flight. In addition, the combination of black and grey tones and matte dark grey crown make this one of the best looking hybrids. Impressed? A snip at around £229.. 

WINNERS OF THE OPEN receive a replica Claret Jug while the original resides at St. Andrews. Tom Watson, however, was given the original Claret Jug in error after his 1982 Open victory and accidentally knocked it off a table at home while practising his swing. He put it in the vice in his workroom and removed the dent. Luckily Henrik Stenson didn't drop the (replica) Claret jug after his win in 2016, as he went waterskiing with the trophy afterwards. Let's hope the next Open winner doesn't do free cliff climbing in his spare time.

JUNE 2024 EVENTS

 JUNE 2024 EVENTS

DOGS WERE NOT POPULAR at my old golf club, Barton on Sea in Hampshire. Having heard some hair-raising anecdotes I can understand why. One chap used to tie his fox terrier Harry to the trolley. Harry always behaved impeccably until one day on reaching the 14^th hole near the clifftop car park a car door opened and out jumped the Hound of the Baskervilles. It made straight for Harry, and Harry, neither up for a fight nor a romantic encounter, took off. Fear lent wings to his little ginger legs and the trolley swayed behind him, shedding clubs over the fairway, with Harry’s owner and partner both running behind waving their irons and the Hound’s owner bringing up the rear in a scene reminiscent of a Benny Hill chase. On another occasion, an excitable pup on an extending lead promptly ran round and round a foursomes, tying them up in a neat, almost oven-ready parcel. Never a dull minute. 

Suggestions before taking Fido for a round:

1) No barking. An ill-timed bark at the top of your opponent's backswing could result in Rover's immediate demise. 2) Teach him to understand “drop it”, especially your opponent's ball. 3) Don't forget the poo bag. 

THE U.S. OPEN will be played on Pinehurst No. 2 course, Nth. Carolina, June 13-16^th. Designed in 1907 by Donald Ross, Pinehurst has 9 18 hole courses, each named simply by a number.  Pinehurst 2 is said to be fiendishly difficult.  Many of the greens are crowned and short shots tend to roll off, leaving a difficult chip shot.  Johnny Miller once compared trying to land a ball on a Pinehurst green to trying to land it on top of a VW Beetle. Payne Stewart, who's statue is behind the 18^th green, won the US Open there in 1999 after holing a 15ft par putt for a one-stroke victory before losing his life in October of that year. Pinehurst had no long rough in 1907 but in 1974 thick Bermuda rough was introduced throughout the course. In 2010 it was removed and fairways and bunkers were restored to the original Ross design with fine sand and native scrub. The good news is it’s very difficult to lose a ball on No. 2. course, there’s just one water hazard and OB rarely comes into play. Defending champion Wyndham Clark's putting last year was said to be outstanding. Perhaps he'd bought a VW Beetle.

A BRAND NEW GOLF CLUB is set to open "Within sight of central London.” The Inspiration Club is located just 10 miles from the West End and about seven miles from Heathrow airport. The third golf course owned by the Bridgedown Golf Group, following on from The Shire London and The West London Golf Centre, the 6,610-yard course is opening on 1^stJune. Director Tony Menai-Davis said: "The Inspiration Club is unlike anything London has ever seen - a modern style links, featuring run-offs familiar to coastal layouts. To experience what we have designed here you would normally have to travel to the coast. The club will be perfectly positioned for golf enthusiasts looking to indulge in a round after work in the City." Oh yeah! Just try getting out to Northolt at 5.00pm.

PING SAY the G430 MAX 10K is their most forgiving driver yet, overtaking last year's G430 MAX.  It practically comes with an automatic pardon from the pope. In addition, the lower spin rate of the G430 Max 10K leads to a vastly improved carry distance. The fixed Tungsten back weight drives mass down and back to increase forgiveness and optimise the centre of gravity position.
Even more noticeable, apparently, is the consistency. On more wayward strikes direction, speed and spin stay remarkably solid. The driver's large confidence-inspiring head helps square the golfer to the target. 

It's a tad expensive, coming in at a whopping £599. I'd better start saving up. Like Bob Hope I've got a great short game, unfortunately it’s off the tee. 

MAY 2024 EVENTS

MAY 2024 EVENTS 

Apes Hill

THE LEGENDS TOUR 2024 starts on 3rd May and features 20 tournaments across four continents with a prize fund of over €18 million. The over 50's first tournament, hosted by Ian Woosnam, will be at Apes Hill golf course, on the blissful island of Barbados.

Set on the site of an old sugar plantation, Apes Hill occupies the island's highest usable terrain, with wonderful views and cool breezes from both the Atlantic and the Caribbean. Bearded fig trees line the fairways and green monkeys swing through the trees. Designer Ron Kirby also oversaw the creation of a par-3 course to be played by families and serious golfers alike, with replica holes from around the word, like the Postage Stamp at Royal Troon or the 17^th at TPC Sawgrass. 

The course first opened in 2009 but fell into financial difficulty and disrepair before being bought by a Canadian businessman who invested $24 million and brought in Kirby, who designed the celebrated Old Head Links in Ireland. Luxury villas, a state-of-the-art driving range, fitness centre and health club, hiking and nature trails, floodlit paddle and tennis courts and a world-class spa resulted in Apes Hill Barbados receiving an impressive four wins at the 2023 World Golf Awards in Abu Dhabi. The golf course was also named the best in both Barbados and the Caribbean. Ron Kirby, who died in 2022 shortly after the completion of his masterpiece, would have been proud.

THE PGA CHAMPIONSHIP is returning to Nicklaus-designed Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky from May 13-19^th. The course has played host to some of golf’s greatest events, including the 2014 PGA Championship and the 2008 Ryder Cup. For a memorable trip the Kentucky Derby (May 4th) on Churchill Downs would be recommended, if only for the opportunity of cheering on the winner with a drop of bourbon.  Both Kentucky and Ireland produce world-beating racehorses, the limestone in the soil is said to provide calcium which strengthens the bones of their world famous thoroughbreds. A visit to the historic building where the Louisville Lip began his boxing career, and then a tour of the bluegrass country followed by the PGA at Valhalla. Perfect. Kentucky is rightly renowned for both racing and golf. Don't know if it's the limestone but their whisky's not bad either.

Rory McIlroy’s victory in near darkness at the 2014 PGA Championship in a rain-delayed final round, was his last win in a major. It's time he sank a celebratory bourbon again.  

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER started the year with a reasonable T5 at the Sentry and T17 at the American Express. Things quickly moved up a gear with three top 10's in a row, the At&T Pebble Beach, WM Phoenix Open, and the Genesis Invitational. After that his form really improved, starting with the Arnold Palmer Invitational then the Players Championship followed by a T2 in the Houston Open. To compensate for that disappointment he proceeded to win the Masters and the RBC at HiIton Head. In the space of 44 days he earned $16,253,735 in prize money, of which he gave $1,608,761 to his caddie, Ted Scott. So far this season Scott has earned just under $1,800,000. more than Rory McIlroy and Tony Finau, to name just two. And it's only May.

MUSTN'T FORGET the ladies. Well done to Nelly Korda for winning the Chevron Championship by two shots in Texas to secure her second major title and a fifth straight tournament win, earning her over $2 million so far. Does she need a caddie?

A RECENT medical study says the death rate for golfers is 40% lower than that for non-golfers, and on a par with athletes and gymnasts. That’s as long as players walk the course, burning off some 900 calories during an average round. (Meaning you can still drop in the 19^th afterwards and put 700 back on.) For those of you familiar with the old Stanley Holloway song: “My word, I do feel well!”

APRIL 2024 EVENTS 

The Devils Bridge

WHEN THE EDELWEISS emerges from it's snowy blanket in spring so too does the Andermatt Golf course. Over 1,400m above sea level, the fairways echo to the tinkle of cowbells and glacier-water tumbles down the slopes into clear streams. Every shot on this 18-hole par 72 championship course provides enchanting views of the valleys and encircling Alps. Some holes test the lungs, but the ball soars unbelievably far through the thin air.

Up until 1818 Andermatt was virtually inaccessible, prone to rockfalls and avalanches . Benedictine monks from the abbey across the pass called it “The Valley of the Devil.” In the ‘Flight Of The Earls’ from Ulster in 1608, the last Gaelic Chieftans lost a fortune when their gold fell into the ravine as they attempted to cross the treacherous ‘Devil’s Bridge’ on St Patrick’s Day. ‘The Lost Treasure Of The St Gotthard Pass’ has never been recovered.

When the St Gotthard railway tunnel was finished in 1881 Andermatt was bypassed completely, the line went underneath it. In the 20^th century the Swiss army Alpine unit trained there, afterwards it became an alternative ski resort to its more expensive neighbours St Moritz and Gstaad. Egyptian billionaire, Samih Sawiris committed £1.2billion to it's regeneration and it has now become one of the most prestigious resorts in the Alps, with the Chedi Andermatt and Radisson Blu hotels providing 5* accommodation never dreamed of by the shivering monks. Consistently winner of Switzerland's Top Course award, Andermatt is open on a pay and play basis. Holidaymakers can combine it with a treasure hunt for the lost gold.

AT AUGUSTA NATIONAL Rae's Creek flows behind the 11th green and in front of the 12th in what is known as Amen Corner. The creek is named after Irish landowner John Rae, who built a fortress home there in 1734.  Rae’s house was the farthest up the Savannah River from Fort Augusta, and neighbours would use it as a safe haven during Indian (sorry, Native American) attacks.

SIX OF THE LAST 13 winners of the Masters (three of them Phil Mickelson) have been left-handed.Apparently if you naturally hit a draw you have more success at Augusta, because several holes require right-to-left tee shots. Lefties can hit a cut where right-handed players have to hit a draw, although the way Mickelson played when he won his three Masters, it probably wouldn’t have mattered which hand he used.

One of the most miraculous shots ever seen at Augusta was by lefty Bubba Watson, who was looking to be in deep trouble when he drove his tee shot into the trees on the sudden-death playoff with Louis Oosthuizen. Standing at almost a right-angle to the pin, and using a wedge, he punched the ball through a narrow opening between the pines then bent it on a seemingly impossible trajectory 162 yds down the fairway and on to the centre of the green. He admitted it helped playing left-handed. Perhaps Rory should try it.

A CHIPPING TIP from Pitch Perfect: Good chippers start with the shaft forward at address. This hinges the wrists and creates the angle required for a solid downward strike. After that they just have to maintain the angle through the swing. Do the same and you’ll make smooth, solid contact every time. (Oh yeah!)

SINCE THE FIRST Masters dinner was arranged by Ben Hogan in 1952 some pretty exotic meals have been served, like sushi (Matsuyama, 2022) or wild boar and elk (Mike Weir, 2004.) Tiger did go for cheeseburgers after his first win in 1998, but his choice went more upmarket with every Masters victory. The Brits went for more homely fare. Nick Faldo chose fish and chips and tomato soup and Danny Willett Sunday roast and crumble and custard. Bubba Watson said he wanted plain food, his idea of plain food is apparently chicken/peanut/banana wraps. Not sure what the yanks made of Sandy Lyle's choice which was of course, haggis.

CATCHING UP ON 2024 GOLF NEWS

 MARCH TO AUGUST NEWS AND EVENTS

The Corsican town of Bonifacio 

NOT FAR FROM Sperone golf course, on the southern tip of Corsica, lies the little town of Bonifacio, with it's winding streets and spectacular views.  If Sperone Golf Course had existed back in 1769 when Napoleon was born he would probably never have left Corsica but taken up golf instead. The Robert Trent Jones course is said to resemble Pebble Beach but with heady aromas of rosemary and thyme from the maquis. (scrub) The tee shot heading over the turquoise sea on the par-five 16th is terrifying, and on a windy day you will be buffeted from all directions on the back nine.  A relatively short 6680 yards and par 72 off the tiger tees Sperone provides a challenging experience. Afterwards you could take a boat trip from Bonifacio to Santa Teresa in Sardinia, passing through the dreaded “Straights of Bonifacio,” which, like the 16^th at Sperone, is not for the faint-hearted. Corsica has no intention of becoming another Ibiza, it is expensive and unless you bring sacks of doubloons the natives are not much friendlier than Napoleon. But it does have amazing little towns, great beaches, and one gorgeous 18-hole golf course.

THE WASTE MANAGEMENT Phoenix Open has a rival. The Puerto Rico Open (Grand Reserve Country Club, 7-10^th March) is heralded as “The most fun-filled golf tournament on the PGA Tour!” Not quite sure why it has earned this title, but if it means people falling off stands, slanging matches between fans and players and punch-ups all over the course then the Tour could probably do without another fun-filled tournament.

TIGER AND RORY are both using the Taylor Made Qi10 LS driver. We don't know Tigers's opinion as he had to dash for the loo mid-round at Riviera and Rory probably chucked his in the lake, but testers have given the driver the thumbs up. Qi stands for 'quest for inertia,' the quest to produce the least twisting head for off centre shots. The less a club twists the better, your bad shots will go further and stay closer to the fairway, giving consistency off the tee. The Qi10 LS driver features an Infinity Crown, characterised by a continuous carbon construction from the rear of the head to the face, which reduces weight and enables redistribution to better strategic positions for optimising launch and spin. The driver retains the twist face technology and incorporates a sliding weight providing additional options for fine-tuning and customisation. Testers conclusion: The Qi 10 LS driver will give the better players an advantage, provided they don't have flu or a putting meltdown.

HICKORY GOLF is enjoying a renaissance as players restore old clubs and wear golf outfits of the period.  Gt. Britain and Ireland will take on Europe in a three-day hickory golf tournament at the Royal Blackheath Golf Club in July. Why play with hickory clubs? Why play with a driver with a sweetspot the size of a pin-head? Why carry only six clubs in a pencil bag when you could have 14 on a remote-controlled trolley? A passionate convert explains: “People play hickory because of the overall experience. it makes you appreciate just how good these guys were in the past. Hickory has life, steel doesn't. You learn to manufacture shots, you can't just bash at the ball. Hickories twist more than steel shafts, you need to swing slower. It's actually very good for your swing, you have to have a lighter grip. I never touch a modern club now, hickory is just so much more fun.” Even so, I can't see the attraction out here of plus fours in August.

I'm back working after my hernia op. In Torrevieja hospital the lady surgeon said to me “Don't worry you'll be playing golf in four weeks, and I replied “Well that's great, I couldn't play before.”

IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP

Spyglass Hill golf course

THE LEGEND that Robert Louis Stevenson roamed the hills and sandy dunes of Pebble Beach while writing his classic novel Treasure Island inspired the designers of Spyglass Hill in 1966, and holes were named after a significant place or character in the novel.

When Spyglass Hill joined the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am rotation it was considered a true championship test of golf and Bing was so confident of it's difficulty that he bet Jack Nicklaus he wouldn’t break par in his first round there. Jack shot a 2-under 70, and Bing presented him with a signed, framed $5 bill in commemoration. 

250 founders were roped in to help finance construction of the course, paying $2,500 up front and annual fees of $50. In return, they received 9 starting times each weekday and 12 every weekend. (These days a round at Spyglass costs upward of $500.)  Robert Trent Jones II, son of the course designer and one of the founding members said, “It became the best deal in golf, which is why the Pebble Beach Company wanted those starting times back.” In 2016 they finally got them back when the 50-year agreement came to an end. Only 12 of the founder members were still alive.

Despite being one of the most iconic events on the PGA Tour, many top players now tend to skip the Pebble Beach AT&T, citing long rounds, celebrity distractions, unsettled weather and the bumpy poa annua greens. In addition, the schedule faces competition from the Saudi International, LIV Mayacoba is scheduled for the same date. Oh for the good old uncomplicated days of the Crosby Clambake.

COBRA HAS ANNOUNCED that their new DarkSpeed driver is another leap forward in performance at a competitive price. As usual, there are three to choose from.

The low-spinning Darkspeed LS is tailored to Tour players and elite amateurs, with 8, 9 and 10 degrees of loft. The interchangeable weight system allows players to dial in their launch conditions and ball flight, keeping the heaviest weight on the back for more backspin, or moving it forward to reduce spin. With dashing good looks, the aerodynamic-shaped Cobra head has carbon in the sole and crown. Testers found it fast without compromising accuracy. 

The Darkspeed X is the middle-of-the-road driver for both low and middle-handicap golfers, and is available in lofts 9°, 10.5°, and 12° which makes it a suitable option for the vast majority. More aerodynamic than the Max, it offers speed and forgiveness. 

The Max driver has the same lofts and is the most forgiving in the Darkspeed range, but still delivers speed and competitive distance, and is the easiest to hit.  At £429.00 I'll have to take their word for it.

BILLY CASPER, who died in 2015 aged 83, was called “The nicest guy in the business.” Aways modest in victory and gracious in defeat, although overshadowed by the ‘Big Three’ (Palmer, Nicklaus and Player) he still won 51 PGA Tour titles, two US Opens and the 1970 Masters. His 23 1/2 points is still a U.S. Ryder Cup record, and he captained the U.S. squad to victory in 1979.

Billy had a lethal putter and total self-belief. “I had a hand/eye link,” he would say. “I could look at a telephone pole 40 yards away and hit it with a 7 iron 10 times in a row. And somehow I understood the game, without having a lot of guidance." 

THE ‘CRADLE OF CHAMPIONS’ in Beijing is looking to produce more world and Olympic champions. One of China’s ‘Centres of Excellence’ teaching badminton, gymnastics, table tennis and golf, the golf hall consists of bare walls, no windows, the Chinese flag, and about 30 children aged between 5 and 9, putting and chipping in front of mirrors for two hours a day after normal school work, no doubt all part of Confucious's instructions to go and beat the pants off everybody. Golf however, tends to produce unlikely champions without intensive training. Like Billy Casper.

WELCOME TO 2024 WITH MICK THE GRIP

 Hi Everyone.

Welcome to 2024 and new editions of "IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP"

We hope to bring you a lighter approach to golf news each month and a look at what the year has in store for us golfers.

JANUARY 2024

IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP

I SPENT some very enjoyable evenings over Christmas (fortunately Er Indoors likes golf too) watching “Pro Celebrity Golf” on Youtube. Golf had been broadcast on BBC since 1956, but the Pro Celebrity challenge which appeared on the screens in 1977 was a new idea. To ensure good coverage the first matches were for the Bing Crosby Cup with the man himself presenting the trophy. Henry Longhurst introduced the programme, handing over to the dulcet tones of Peter Alliss for the commentary. Gleneagles, Turnberry and other notable courses were the venues. It was an education to watch the skill of the pros with their wooden-headed clubs. In the picture are Lee Trevino, Sean Connery, Max Faulkner and Jackie Stewart. Later on the pro golfers included Nick Faldo (Mr. Pringle) and Seve, while celebrities included Bruce Forsyth, Henry Cooper and Russ Abbott. If you fancy a trip down memory lane I can recommend it. 

BERNHARD LANGER and his 23 year old son Jason carded a final round 59 to win the 2023 PNC Championship in December (Formerly the Father/Son Championship.) It was Bernhard's 5^th victory, after previously winning with eldest son Stefan in 2005 and 2006 and Jason in 2014 and 2019. He has also competed with both his daughters. The PNC Championship dates from 1995, when 10 major winners gathered with their sons. It now features 20 major champions and their relatives competing for the total $1 million purse in a 2 day, 36 hole scramble for the Willie Park Trophy. 

David Duval, who finished 2^nd with son Brady said; “It's the best golfing week of the year. You're on pins and needles through August, hoping to see that invite from Alastair (The founder.) I'm sure with the majority of folks who play at our age it's the most coveted invite in golf. They only take 20 teams and there's probably 25 on the waiting list. To be asked to come back it's a dream come true every year it happens.”

When Lee Trevino was preparing for this years PNC he topped several balls on the range.  “I never, ever remember doing this in my life,” he said. His son, Daniel, 31, who is partnering him, suggested he contact renowned instructor Randy Smith, who teaches world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. But Trevino made a vow many years ago that he would never take a lesson from anybody he could beat. He rang Smith and said, “Have you got 15 minutes to look me over ? I think you could beat me now.”

PGA TOUR “SIGNATURE EVENTS” are due to arrive on the calendar in 2024.The eight tournaments - which don't include the Majors, playoff events and Players Championship - will feature smaller fields but increased prize purses and more FedEx Cup points (700 to the winner of each).

The Signature Events consist of: The Sentry (Tournament of Champions) Kapalua Plantation Course, Hawaii. AT&T ProAm, Pebble Beach. Genesis Invitational, Riviera Country Club. Arnold Palmer Invitational, Bay Hill. RBC Heritage, Harbour Town. Wells Fargo Championship, Quail Hollow. The Memorial, Muirfield Village. Travelers Championship, TPC River Highlands.

THE HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC returns to the Emirates Golf Club 18-21^st January. The opening DP World Tour 2024 Rolex Series event will feature defending champion Rory McIlroy alongside some of the world’s top golfers, competing for the $9million prize pool. Daily entertainment, live music, a dedicated kids’ zone, and four fun-filled days are promised. General admission tickets are free, although food and drinks cost the earth. Still if you lived in Dubai that wouldn't bother you.

Golf Monthly Awards 2023: Shot of the year: Carlota CIganda 17^th hole, final day, Solheim Cup.

Round of the year: Bryson Dechambeau, LIV Greenbriar (12 under par 58)

Up and Coming star: Ludvig Aberg, Turned Pro in June, Won on PGA and DP World Tour, shone in Ryder Cup.

Tournament of the year: Solheim Cup.

It was a great golfing year. Let's hope 2024 is even better.

NEW YEAR SPECIAL OFFER ON GRIPS.

7 FOR THE PRICE OF 6 AND 13 FOR THE PRICE OF 11

Until next time: Happy Golfing.

Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. Tel. 638 859 475.or visit https://mickthegrip.blogspot.com

SEPTEMBER ARTICLE WHISTLING WHILE YOU WORK

IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP

The Straits Course

WHISTLING STRAITS in Wisconsin, designed by Pete Dye to resemble links courses in the West of Ireland, was constructed on a former military airbase. With two miles of undulating shoreline and countless bunkers, golfers say the wind coming off Lake Michigan makes for an 'interesting game.' Most links courses offer the option of running a shot up along the sloping turf, especially if it’s played out of high fescue. Justin Rose says: “Whistling Straits is more target golf than links, the ball doesn't run there.”

Steve Stricker has had some fairways widened, to the advantage of the Americans. Fair enough, in 2018 at Le Golf National the fairways were narrowed, forcing the Americans into playing a throttled-down, precision-focused game. But a secret weapon at Whistling Straits may be the bald eagle which lives on the course. The Yanks have probably trained it to perch on the grandstand glowering down on the opposition, or soar over them dropping a greeting as they tee off. 

“PEACOCK OF THE FARWAYS” Doug Sanders, who has died aged 86, was known for his smart dressing. “Everything is co-ordinated,” he would say. “My shirts, slacks, socks, even my underwear. I take six suitcases to every tournament.” Remembered in particular for missing a short putt to win The Open at St Andrews in 1970, he lost out to Jack Nicklaus in a play-off the following day. “I might have been a very rich man if I'd sunk that putt,” he would sigh. Even so, he'd come a long way from Georgia, picking cotton as a boy during the Depression. Aged 10, he caddied at a local course, attended University on a golf scholarship and turned professional in 1956. having already won the Canadian Open. 

Sanders won a further 19 times on the PGA Tour and played on the 1967 US Ryder Cup team in Houston when the USA won by (cough) a rather large margin. 

JUSTIN ROSE, asked about his memories of previous Ryder Cups: “The gala dinner can be nice if you're sitting with the right people – they mix the teams, so it's the calm before the storm when everyone is still quite jovial.” After more than five minutes of Patrick Reed's “joviality” one would probably be tempted to empty one's soup on his head.

Justin is to receive the 2021 PGA Tour's Payne Stewart Award, given in honour of the 11-time PGA Tour winner who died in a plane crash in 1999. The award is presented to the golfer who exemplifies character, charity and sportsmanship. The Kate and Justin Rose Foundation which provides food and books for deprived schoolchildren will receive the $300.000 donation. In 2020 Justin and his wife Kate launched the Rose Ladies Series in the UK and for many years Justin has sponsored the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship. The second English player to receive the award after Sir Nick Faldo in 2014, Justin recently gave a very diplomatic interview in Today's Golfer regarding previous Ryder Cup teams. Sir Nick is justly praised for a lot of things but probably not diplomacy.

A HOST OF HOME HOPEFULS will try to make it three English victories in a row at the BMW PGA Championship from the 9-12th September. Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton will be joined at Wentworth by 2020 Race to Dubai Champion Lee Westwood, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Ian Poulter in the 3rd Rolex Series event of the 2021 Race to Dubai. Along with The Two Matts (Fitzpatrick and Wallace) they will be hoping to delight the fans and impress Padraig Harrington in the final Ryder Cup countdown. 

SOME REVIEWS recommend cavity irons filled with air, some prefer foam. To please everyone Taylor Made have injected their “All New” P790 irons with “Speedfoam Air” which is 69% less dense than the Speedfoam in their previous two models, apparently giving increased speed. A mere $1.299 for a 7-piece set. Will T. Made's customers go for it? If they do the Speedfoam won't be the only thing that's dense.

AUGUST ARTICLE- THE GOOD OLD DAYS

 

IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP

Golf Tournament 1960's style.

SHELL'S WONDERFUL WORLD OF GOLF was a televised series of golf matches which ran from the 1960s until 2003 with a 20-year break from 1971.  It kept up the tradition of "challenge matches" which were the earliest form of professional golf competition, and the list of players in these 18-hole stroke play matches reads like a roll call of golf legends. The first was played between Billy Casper and Mario Gonzalez in Rio de Janeiro in 1961. The first two matches of the series’ 1994 revival were Greg Norman vs. Nick Faldo at Sunningdale, followed by Arnold Palmer vs. Jack Nicklaus at Pinehurst No. 2.

Played on the world's finest courses, and sometimes in exotic locations, a fun aspect of these pre-recorded one hour television matches (the early ones narrated, when he wasn't playing, by Gene Sarazen) was that the golfers would interact with the on-course reporters, with off-the-cuff comments and jokes allowing viewers to feel they were walking with the competitors. Filmed during the “Silly Season” of the winter when nothing much happened, and shown in America on Sunday afternoons, the matches reflected a bygone era, with the spectators in their Sunday best, the ladies in dresses and the men in coats and ties. And definitely no shouts of “In the hole!”

DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, five-star general, 34th president of the United States, was golf-mad. Ike's popularity was at an all-time high in post-war America, and the U.S. decided that “If Ike likes golf that's good enough for me.” More leisure time for the American family meant more time for sport, and golf in particular. The number of golfers approximately doubled during Eisenhower’s two terms as president (1953-1960). 

Eisenhower, who shot around the mid-80s, had a practice net erected in the White House basement, and used the South Lawn as a practice range. A personal putting green was built outside the Oval Office, and he would take practice swings with a club kept behind his desk while dictating letters to his secretary. He considered his first and only hole-in-one, at the age of 77, “the thrill of a lifetime.”

Eisenhower's 1953 State of the Union Address was written at Augusta National, in a “cabin” constructed for his use. However, even Ike couldn't get the 65ft pine tree he often came in contact with removed from the course. Clifford Roberts flatly refused, saying his request was 'Out of Order.' In 1966 the president turned up on Arnold Palmer's front porch clutching an overnight bag. “Say, you wouldn’t have room to put up an old man for the night, would you?” Ike asked. Palmer's wife, Winnie, had sent their private plane to fly the president to Pennsylvania for a surprise 37^thbirthday present for Arnie. Needless to say, they played golf. 

Eisenhower saw the golf course as a place to build relationships and a way to foster goodwill and understanding among the international community. What a pity Xi Xinping and V. Putin don't play golf.

Ike's tree, alongside the 17th hole was cut down  in 2014 after it was damaged in an ice storm.  Gary Player commented: “It was there when I played nearly 60 years ago, and Sam Snead said he used to just “cream it over that tree.” When asked how it was possible he said, "It was only 12-foot high when I did it."

WALES'S STEPHEN DODD certainly deserved a welcome in the hillsides after sinking a birdie putt to win the Senior Open at Sunningdale. He managed to look delighted, without capering round the 18^th green or falling to his knees, while Miguel Angel Jimenez, waiting to see whether there would be a playoff, came out smiling to congratulate him. Ah, golf as it used to be.

DAVID HOWELL and Glen Hoddle's playing partner in the BMW PGA Pro Am at Wentworth next month will be Anton du Beke, so if they win we will expect to see a celebratory Viennese waltz.

MAY-JUNE AND JULY ARTICLES KEEPING GOLFERS ON THE COSTAS ENTERTAINED AND INFORMED

MAY

 IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP

THE WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME at St. Augustine, Florida is a favourite with golfing enthusiasts.  Visitors can wander round the museum, learn about the legends (male and female) and view their memorabilia, good luck trinkets and clubs. Afterwards they can try the island green Challenge Hole,or play over 165 courses on a simulator. One round on the 18-hole, natural-grass putting course is included in admission. The Hall of Fame’s Member Locker Room looks like a posh clubhouse. The Trophy Tower holds some of golf’s most historic and unusual trophies. 

The qualifications required for election to the World Golf Hall of Fame are: minimum of 40 years old, or five years retired from "active competition," 15 or more wins on 'approved tours' or 2 Majors. The veterans category is for amateurs or pros who retired before 1980. The "lifetime achievement" category honours major contributors to the sport, eg. Bob Hope.

The World Golf Village features luxurious accommodation and two championship golf courses, the King & Bear (Palmer and Nicklaus) and Slammer & Squire (Snead and Sarazen.) The blurb says: “After an exciting day relax with your pals at Champions Grille over beers and a 'Bear Burger' or 'King Melt' with stacked slices of prime steak on ciabatta.” Worth the trip on it's own.

THE BETFRED BRITISH MASTERS hosted by Danny Willett, takes place at the Belfry from 10^th - 15^th May. The world-class Brabazon course has a rich golfing history, including hosting four Ryder Cups and seventeen European Tour events. Consisting of three courses, The Belfry is one of Britain’s most popular venues. Originally Known as Moxhull Hall,and dating back to the time of Edward the Confessor, it was also a manor for the Knights Templar. It became the headquarters of the European PGA in 1977 and the Brabazon Course hosted the Hennessey Cognac Cup in 1978 between Gt. Britain and Ireland and Europe. It was on the par 4 10^th hole that Seve Ballesteros hit a shot the course designers had never envisaged. Nick Faldo found the fairway but Seve hit his persimmon-headed driver a massive 280 yds to the right over the trees to land 8ft from the pin for a birdie putt. A plaque now marks the spot. At the 1985 Ryder Cup he was paired with Manuel Pinero in the morning foursomes, they were 2 up at the 10^th hole. Once again Seve took his driver, and this time his ball soared left over the water, landing on the green for a birdie putt. He and Pinero won 2&1. Europe went on to win the Cup 16.5-11.5, the first U.S. loss since 1957.

IF JON RAHM or Sergio Garcia triumph over the Americans at The PGA on Kiawah Island this month don't be surprised if a resounding Spanish cheer is heard from above. Remembering the “War on the Shore” it'll be Seve.

A PLEASURE TO WATCH a traditional foursomes at the Zurich Classic, instead of the Longest Drive competition pro golf seems to be these days. A neck and neck battle down the back nine between the two leading teams, finally a well deserved win for Marc Leishman and Cameron Smith on the first playoff hole. Amusing to hear the commentators explaining to bemused viewers the meaning of “alternate holes.” Hopefully at the Ryder Cup Europe can demonstrate further. Graeme McDowell celebrated his first ace on the PGA tour by providing a cooler of beer for the press tent. Lucky he owns a bar.

The first recorded hole in one was made by Tom Morris in the 1868 British Open.

The record for most PGA tour aces is 10. Phil Mickelson has recorded five.

Art Wall Jr., the 1959 Masters champion had more than 40 holes in one during his career.

Tiger Woods has shot 20 aces, his first at the age of 6.

The odds against a pro golfer getting a hole in one: 3,000 to one.

The odds against an average golfer getting a hole in one: 12,000 to one.

Even so, I haven't given up hope.

JUNE

IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP

WEST CORNWALL GOLF CLUB, established in 1889, is the oldest golf course in Cornwall. The local vicar is credited with it's design, and the graveyard of little Lelant Church borders the fairway on the right of the 4^thhole (The graveyard is OB.) Moulded around the dunes of the Hayle Estuary on the Lands End peninsula, WCGC is a classic links course, where both the conditions and the views on this magical 5,900 yd. Par 69 course change daily due to the sea conditions and the famous light. Local veteran Neil Hodding says: “It's a tough challenge, if you can break 70 around here on a calm day, you're a player."

World Golf Hall of Famer Jim Barnes grew up in Lelant and caddied and played at West Cornwall. 'Long' Jim Barnes emigrated to America in 1906 and won the first two PGA Championships in 1916 and 1919, the U.S. Open in 1921 and the 1925 Open Championship at Prestwick. During a return visit to his home club in 1955 Barnes played a round in par using just a three iron.

With stunning views of St. Ives harbour and beaches and the Hayle estuary, WCGC is a perfect course to walk as the distances between greens and tees are minimal. As it's close to the Carbis Bay Hotel, it will be surprising if a few of the delegates who come over for Boris Johnson's G7 climate summit this month don't sneak off for a few holes (and a Cornish Cream Tea!)

THE OLYMPIC GOLF TOURNAMENT (If it's played at all) will be held on the East Course at the Kasumigaseki Country Club NW of Tokyo. One of Japan's most exclusive clubs, opened in 1929, it was briefly taken over by American forces after WW2. The course has been lengthened to 7,466 yards — including the 640-yard fifth hole.

Rory McIlroy, asked whether he would be watching the Olympics said: “I'll probably watch the events that matter, like swimming and track and field.” Pro golfers are divided on the subject of Olympic golf, it's not that big a deal to American players in particular, although that may change when the 2028 Games are held in Los Angeles. The mens golf tournaments, due to be held July 29^th – August 1st come smack in the middle of their busiest time of the year. Will Justin Thomas, a top US Olympic pick, want to travel back through 12 time zones to defend his WGC-Fedex St Jude Invitational title in Memphis on August 5th? The Olympics come just before the Fedex Cup Playoffs, (Northern Trust won last year by Dustin Johnson) the BMW (Dustin just pipped by Jon Rahm) and the Tour Championship in September (Dustin Johnson again) who says he won't be giving up his chance of winning another Fedex Cup $15 million to wave a gong in Tokyo. 

DUSTIN JOHNSON is also finding it difficult to squeeze in a wedding with the mother of his two sons Paulina Gretzky. When asked whether the date is getting closer, 36 yr. old Dustin responded, “Yeah” with a noticeable lack of enthusiasm.  Paulina, who has been engaged to Johnson since 2013, has posted videos of herself shopping for wedding dresses in New York. We all remember Waity Katy, if Dustin doesn't bite the bullet soon it will be a case of very Upsetsky Gretsky.

BRYSON DeCHAMBEAU, who increased his weight by 45lbs with a revolutionary training programme, admits he has reached his limit as regards driving distance. The 2020 Open champion, who's maximum ball speed has risen from 174mph to over 200mph in little over a year, says: "I've reached a physical limitation that I don't know how to get past. I''m getting stronger, but somehow it doesn't produce swing speed.” He was philosophical when his driver snapped at the PGA when he leant on it, saying: “It's lasted over a year with my ball speeds, I'd say it's done pretty dang well." As Charlie Brown would say: “Good Grief.”

JULY

IN THE BUNKER WITH MICK THE GRIP

INSTANTLY RECOGNISABLE - the 495-yard par-four (par five for members) fourth hole at Royal St. Georges, Sandwich. The 40ft deep bunker has a carry of 239 yards and can be murder when the south coast gales make a nonsense of yardages.  Members tend to play out backwards. In the 1979 English Amateur Championship Reg Glading's ball lodged itself near the top under the lip of the bunker. He swung his club and tumbled head over heels (putting it politely) back down the slope.

The last round of the 1938 Open was perhaps the worst in the championship’s history, the exhibition tent was shredded and flattened, its contents blown to the sea. Only seven players broke 80. At the 140^th Open in 2011 the rain and wind caused turmoil, although Darren Clarke, unfazed, romped home for his first major and a celebratory Guinness.  Today's Golfer says: ' Royal St. George’s is a magnificent golf course, not despite it's unpredictability but because of it. This is links golf at its finest. If you don’t like it, then, by George, you don’t like golf.'

THE 2^nd ROSE Ladies Series involves 11 one-day events across the UK coinciding with gaps in the LET schedule. In 2020 Justin and Kate Rose contributed £35.000 in prize money and other UK sponsors matched it. Venues offered their facilities for free. 

This year the Series heads to Scotland for the first time on August 7 at Scotscraig. North Hants on September 20 and Buckinghamshire GC on September 23 will be followed by the Grand Final at Bearwood Lakes on September 25, with a £20,000 prize for the winner.

Justin will also be hosting and sponsoring the Justin Rose Telegraph Junior Golf Championship in October at Walton Heath, where he hosted the 2018 British Masters. The news that the competition was being relocated from Portugal's Quinto do Lago course received a raspberry from the young competitors, who had been hoping for a few days in the sun. 

The 2018 British Masters was washed out, and last year's Ladies Series was cut short after a fire, so let's hope a plague of locusts doesn't descend on Justin at Walton Heath.

PHIL MICKELSON (49) puts his recent success down to exercise, healthy eating and – coffee! He and performance coach Dave Phillips came up with 'Coffee for Wellness' - a gourmet blend which consists of beans ethically sourced from Africa and South America and roasted to preserve coffee’s natural antioxidants. It is then combined with ‘The Good Stuff’— Phil & Dave's special invention made in powder form and poured directly into a cup of their special blend. The Good Stuff contains: MCT powder, to boost metabolism; L-Theanine, to sharpen focus; Collagen for skin health; Cinnamon for joint health; and Himalayan pink salt, which supplies electrolytes to the system. “Coffee for Wellness reduces stress and fatigue and improves golfers' cognitive function.” says the blurb. Clever old Phil, another million dollars towards his pension.

THE BIG BERTHA DRIVER celebrates it's 30^th anniversary this year. Ely Callaway, a textile magnate with a passion for golf, and Richard Helmstetter a billiard cue designer, made golfing history with their driver, named after the WW1 howitzer gun which could launch 3000lb shells 30 miles behind enemy lines. The Big Bertha driver looked out of this world and performed like it; offering the promise of forgiveness to the golfer who until now had stood trembling on the tee attempting to hit the ball with a miniscule sliver of wood. Although the head volume was only 190cc compared with the 460cc beasts of today, it's perimeter weighted thin-face construction enabled it to launch the ball a long distance, and its sleek design proved an instant hit. Followed in due course by bigger and better Big Berthas, and the current range of Big Bertha B21 drivers and irons, it literally changed the face of the game. Happy Birthday to the BB, you gave us the opportunity to hit a bad one and still get away with it.

Until next time: Happy Golfing.