And you thought that last round you had was tough!?

In addition to these rules, German aircraft from Norway would fly on missions to northern England; because of the icy weather conditions, the barrels of their guns had a small dab of wax to protect them. As they crossed the coast, they would clear their guns by firing a few rounds at the golf courses. Golfers were urged to take cover.

The last major of the year. Martin is mournful. Bradley is beaming.

Thought for the Day
Next weekend, help one of your friends to stay put – it’s a whole lot easier than helping them to move house

The best major?
Once again the USPGA Championship ended in a dramatic playoff and the event itself became one of the most exciting of the calendar year – although for absolute drama the Masters has the edge for 2011 because it’s difficult to top the winner birdying the last four holes to snatch the crown, as Charl Schwartzel did back in the mists of time that is April this year. It seems ridiculous, therefore, that in some quarters it was being argued that the event should lose its status as a major. These nonsensical rumblings were being aired in the States before the final round, largely on the basis that the three leading contenders were all unknowns and that consequently public interest, and therefore TV viewing figures (and, of course, advertising revenue) would all be greatly reduced. Thankfully, what we saw provided all the excitement of which pro sport is capable at its peak, more drama than a season of Shakespeare and enough human interest to keep an army of psychologists employed for months to come.

Of the three unknowns heading the field going into the final round, Brendan Steele fulfilled the role of disappearing off the radar screen quicker than (more…)

Dress rules

The result is in. 69% of visitors to the GoKart website say smart casual is the correct dress rule. 25% say “it’s ok, we’re grown ups, we’ll decide for ourselves what to wear”. 6% say “long socks with shorts”.

We have to admit we support the relaxed approach on the course, and breathe a sigh of relief when we don’t have to change into a tuxedo and tiara for the post round beer. Surely it’s in a club’s interest to make it as easy as possible for members to avail themselves of the facilities before, during and after a round.  So golf shoes allowed around the place and sensible, but not over stringent, dress rules. That’s our pennyworth anyway…

Tales of Tiger’s other ex

The Martin Vousden Column:

Thought for the Day
Official figures show that 72% of all statistics are wrong

The bagman’s woes
Despite a plethora of dramatic golf events being played all around the world, the most talked about news over the last couple of weeks has concerned caddies. First came the announcement that Steve Williams, the pompous and self-regarding Neanderthal from New Zealand, had been sacked by Tiger Woods, and then we had the Twitter row between Rory McIlroy and Jay Townsend about the young Irishman’s caddy, JP Fitzgerald.

I will deal with Williams first because frankly, I want to get him out of my mind as quickly as possible. On hearing the news that his services were no longer required by the golfer formerly known as god, Williams responded with all the grace, charm and dignity with which we have come to associate him – that is, none. In a statement of staggering self-importance he said: ‘The last 18 months have been a particularly difficult time caddying for Tiger, working through his scandal, and he’s had a new coach and swing change and I’ve stuck by him through thick and thin and been incredibly loyal. Basically you could say I’ve wasted the last two years of my life [notice, incidentally, how 18 months has now become two years]. (more…)

Serious fun. We approve.