Good news club swingers good news. Golf guru Joe Hagan, the man who cured the Webitors incurable slice, has released his book. “Nail It with 3skills golf” is an impressive tome that is sure to benefit golfers of any ability.



At first we were a little annoyed that the secrets that had been divulged to us are going to be on the open market. We aren’t just being selfish but if everyone reads this book they’ll get better at golf, which means by comparison we appear worse at golf. Actually, that is a bit selfish.



We implore you to pick up a copy, available from Hersham Village Golf Club (01932 267666) or www.3skillsgolf.com.

You can also find out more by joining the 3skills group on facebook or check out My Swing Hell in GOLFPUNK31 out now.

Get involved.

8/29/2007 12:47:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Blog Master General James has been banging on about a couple of dustbin lids who are well good at golf. We reckon he's jealous and a little in awe. But mostly jealous.



Both balls flew true in the air, landed on the green and released like laser guided missiles towards the hole. It can’t happen, it won’t happen and yet it did happen.

Ulverston Golf Club juniors are in what some would call (including me) a bit of a purple patch. Still searching for my first hole-in-one this story does stick in the throat but after three in three weeks these juniors just can’t miss. However incredible that feat is, it is nothing compared to the fact that two of them were one after the other, in the same group, on the same day. And it doesn’t stop there.

Luke Allonby, 17, and James Taylor, 16, didn’t just get their aces on a poxy, wedge hole but a 188 yard monster that would challenge any golfer.

I just can’t help but feel a little sorry for them because they had to celebrate with a nice glass of coke. I’m sure they made up for it with that bottle of White Lightening down the park after though, or maybe even returned to the scene of their triumph under the cover of darkness. Either way guys keep going like that and this won’t be the only time your name is in lights.

"TWO Ulverston golfing partners landed consecutive aces on the same par three on the same day — but could only celebrate with a round of Coke.

Teenagers Luke Allonby and James Taylor were paired during the same competition at Ulverston Golf Club when the unthinkable happened.

The odds on playing partners managing successive holes in one are estimated at a staggering 17 million to one.

The two were playing in the junior medal competition, the Wilkinson Trophy.

Luke, 17, teed off first at the 14th hole, described as a difficult 188-yard par three.

His ball flew straight and true through the air, landed, rolled along the green and into the hole.

Then the unthinkable happened. Playing partner, James, 16, repeated the feat.

And there were plenty of witnesses."

For more on this story click here...

8/22/2007 10:47:45 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

On the eve of the USPGA talk has again returned to the World No.1. The New Zealand Herald’s website has a piece about how TW is majorless so far this season and must take advantage of his last chance in 2007 in the pursuit of his Herculean goals.

The last time somebody questioned Tiger he went and blew all away before him. Personally, I suspect history to repeat.

”A year without a Tiger major is a bit like a year with a European major winner - not a one-off, but a definite rarity.

That's the intriguing possibility when the golfing caravan pitches up at its last stop of real significance this season, the USPGA Championship at Southern Hills.

Defeat in the state of Oklahoma this week would mean that for only the fourth time in his 11 complete seasons as a professional, Woods will have drawn a blank. Turn out the lights? End this farce? Tiger is finished?



Well, not quite, but still a pretty unpalatable prospect for this competitor of the most voracious of appetites…

For more on this story click here…

8/8/2007 3:51:45 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

With the USPGA starting this week Mechelle Voepel has been seeing what the three rookie major winners of 2007 have been upto.

”Winning a major championship is every golfer’s dream. Some will tell you, though, there is a hidden cost. Specifically, greater demands on your time.

But you’re not going to hear any complaints from this year’s three first-time major winners. Zach Johnson (Masters), Angel Cabrera (U.S. Open) and Padraig Harrington (British Open) — who will be grouped together for the first two rounds — are very much enjoying the wave you get to ride after a major title….”


Will there be fresh finger prints on the Wannamaker Trophy?

For more on this story click here…

8/7/2007 3:49:51 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

An interesting yarn about a seven year old golfing prodigy. According to his mum Galven Kendall Green’s victory in the US Kids Golf World Championships is pre ordained. Not just because of the huge amounts of work he puts in or undeniable natural talent. Although they both contribute she puts part of his success down to the lucky numbers in his birth date. I mean if that’s all it took….

”His mother thinks that his auspicious birth date is one reason for Malaysian golf prodigy Galven Kendall Green's phenomenal victory in the US Kids Golf World Championships.

The seven-year-old, who was born on Aug 8, 1999 (8/8/99), beat 111 other players in his age group on Saturday, making the nation proud with his second international title.


Lucky (and talented) lad.

Last year, he became the first Malaysian to win the prestigious international junior world golf tournament (under-6 category) in San Diego, California.

Mum Vivienne Beh quipped that the “ong” (lucky) numbers of Galven’s birth date could very well have contributed to his success…”

For more on the amazing Galven Green (the golfer not the clothing make) click here…

8/6/2007 3:47:19 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Bob Gillespe has penned a piece on Carolina Golf about the joys (and pain) of being a golfer over 50. It’s an interesting read even for whipper snappers like myself. So a bit of respect please and listen to what the old fellow has got to say.

”I still remember the phone call from my mother shortly after my 50th birthday. "How are you feeling about (turning 50)?" she asked. Fine, I told her. "Oh, good," she replied. "Your father went totally to pieces when he hit 50." Thanks for sharing that, Mom. Seriously, the best thing about hitting the big 5-0, at least for golfers, is that whole "mulligan" business. In professional golf, you turn 50 and you start playing the Champions Tour, against a crew of guys who now call you "junior." Most of the money won on the Champions Tour usually comes in the first three-to-five years after 50; then, unless your name is Hale Irwin, the descent starts, and it's not pretty. And there's really not an equivalent bonus when you hit 60; you're just getting old, pal….”


An Older Golfer
For more on this story click here….

8/5/2007 3:44:49 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Now the dust has truly settled on the open, Jean Van De Velde has chucked his two euros in about the differences between this years event and his fateful tournament of 1999.

” I'm Jean Van de Velde, and I can't believe my eyes. The soggy final round of the 2007 Open Championship is on TV, and the cameras are showing Carnoustie's 18th hole from every angle. Or at least they say it's the 18th hole. Where's the boomerang board that smacks two-iron approaches backward across the Barry Burn? Where's the knee-high rough that swallows golf balls without even a hint of a burp? Where are the swarms of African tsetse flies and the blinding smoke from brush fires set by the R&A? When I famously blew my three-stroke lead on the 72nd hole of the 1999 Open, the 18th was so tough that you needed a team of Navy SEALs to get across the Burn. Paul Lawrie, who beat me and Justin Leonard in a four-hole playoff, celebrated by getting a tattoo: I BIRDIED THE LAST AT CARNOUSTIE. And it wasn't only the 18th hole. The fairways at the '99 Open were 12 yards across at their widest point, the greens were overseeded with ornamental cactus, and the par-3s had pot bunkers--between the tee markers! Only one guy equaled par in the first round, and that guy, Rod Pampling, shot 86 on Friday and missed the cut by three strokes. The headline writers dubbed it carnasty, and it was. When I jammed home my clutch putt for a triple-bogey 7 to gain the playoff, I joined Paul and Justin at six-over-par 290. It was the highest winning score in an Open since 1946, when Sam Snead won with the same number at St. Andrews…..”

For more on this story click here…

7/28/2007 3:06:17 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Raise a glass of Rioja and toast adios to one of the most exciting golfers of any generation. Severiano Ballesteros the swash buckling Spanish matador has decided to hang up his Ecco World Class Saddle GTX’s.



A few po faced golf fans feared Seve would grow old disgracefully following a difficult year after returning from injury. But we prefer to revel in the genius of one of the greatest shotmakers ever to swing a wrench. Everybody has got their favourite Seve moment be it his part in Europe’s breakthrough Ryder Cup victory in 1985, his major wins or the odd Cinderella story out of a car park. Furthermore, Severiano’s wayward brilliance was a big influence on GOLFPUNK editor Owen Blackhurst’s decsion to try golf in the first place, so the Spaniard has a lot to answer for. In fact Owen still rates Ballesteros as his favourite golfer of all time.



So we implore you all to search the net to find out as much about the man as you can and dig out your GOLFPUNK 27 to go over our Top 20 Seve Moments.



Doff your cap to the legend that is Seve Ballesteros and I am sure he will be Representing… For All The GOLF PUNK’s All Across The World in an issue near you soon.

To find out all things Seve click here…
To find out most things Seve click here…
To find out more about The Matador’s retirement click here…

7/16/2007 5:23:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Not for the first time in his all-conquering decade in professional golf, Tiger Woods followed in the footsteps of the great Jack Nicklaus yesterday.

But, it wasn't a spectacular bunker shot or a tournament-winning putt on this occasion, it was a championship presentation to K.J. Choi.

"Here's your trophy, big guy," said Woods, who watched as Choi kissed the silver-colored replica of the Capitol.

For the second time in five weeks, the biggest South Korean star of the PGA TOUR soaked up the cheers as the prized guest at a golf party thrown by one of golf's greats. Having accepted the crystal trophy from host Nicklaus at the Memorial in late May, Choi persevered in an adventurous back nine for a three-stroke victory Sunday at Woods' inaugural event, the AT&T National.

"This tournament is just too big for me to really absorb right now," Choi said. "But it's a very big win for me, and definitely the biggest win of my career."

But even Choi's victory -- with the accompanying $1.08 million first-place check that equaled the one he got at the Memorial -- couldn't overshadow Woods, who turned his first tournament into a red, white and blue spectacle of military tributes and Fourth of July patriotism. In return, the huge galleries all but worshipped Woods' every move, thanking him endlessly for bringing the TOUR back to the Washington area.

"It's been a perfect week," Woods said.

Perfect, with one obvious exception: He was never really in contention at his own event. His putter let him down Thursday (73) and Saturday (69), and his 66 on Friday wasn't enough to compensate. Seven strokes behind as Sunday dawned, Woods played a final round of even-par 70 that was more celebratory than competitive.

Still, the crowd of 37,211 didn't seem to mind.

"I didn't get a 'W,' so that was frustrating in that sense," said Woods, who finished tied for sixth at 2 under. "But this tournament in general has been a bigger success than anyone could have imagined."

Woods wore several hats during the week, juggling daily organizational meetings in between rounds while also dealing with the joys of becoming a father, but no one had any qualms when he proclaimed the event a success. Servicemen from all branches of the military served as announcers at the first tee and 18th green. A huge American flag welcomed the leaders Sunday as they headed down the 18th.

Choi added to the international flair, attracting a substantial gallery of Korean-Americans that cheered him in his native language. One fan held a sign with a Korean flag with the words "Go Tank," a reference to his nickname. He's also known for learning golf from an instructional book in Korean that featured pictures of Nicklaus, a present from a physical education teacher who thought the teenage Choi might have a gift for the game.


KJ Choi and bag man (bag man right).

There's now no question that Choi, 37, has that gift. He shot a final-round 68 for a 9-under 271 total to win for the sixth time on the PGA TOUR, the most victories by an Asian-born player.

For more on this story click here…

7/9/2007 4:05:39 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

So there you have it Welsh wizard Becky Brewerton carded a seven-under-par 209 to win the GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open by three shots, trousering 24,750 Euros in the proesses. This was Becky’s first victory on the Ladies European Tour after knocking on the door with 16 top ten finishes including four runner up spots in the last four years.


Next stop Sweden

A clearly emotional Becky said, “It means so much to me. I’ve been trying for so long. To finally do it is just unbelievable, unbelievable”, “I can’t believe it. I’m just in shock.”

So congratulations again Becky and here’s hoping this victory will boost you into the Solhiem Cup team. Roll on Sweden.

For a full round up of the leader board click here…
For more on the GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open click here….

7/8/2007 3:58:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

There is an old sporting adage that goes, “If your good enough, your old enough." It’s usually applied to youth taking their chosen field by storm. Well every now and then there is a story that reminds all these protégés that they did not invent being good, sporting excellence has been around longer than 1985. In response to yesterdays blog about how ankle biters are taking over the golfing world. Here is a tale from Shaun McGuckian showing that the kids aren’t getting it all their own way.

Go on Shaun, drop some science (for our older readers that means please educate them).

"Press coverage of the ladies’ game is forever saturated by stories of talented youth: Kiran Matharu, Michelle Wie, Morgan Pressell and more recently, and ridiculously, the 12-year-old Maguire sisters.

But for all the column inches devoted to these talented young trailblazers, none could recall many stories of success.

But one lady who certainly can is senior citizen Arlene McKitrick. A Florida native and now well over 70 years of age, she has a whopping 136 amateur tournament victories to her name.


At least I get to choose when I go to bed.

Despite only taking up golf at the age of 30, Arlene won her first tournament in three years, and in a career which is still going strong 40 years later, has amassed 90 club and event championships, and a spectacular 46 consecutive senior wins.

Bookmakers wouldn’t be crazy enough to give you odds on an Arlene McKitrick victory.

Even chronic diabetes hasn’t stopped Arlene’s journey towards amateur immortality.
So when next you read of ‘the next big thing’ in the ladies’ game, spare a thought for the ladies of the game who go unsung. And for now join us in singing the praises of the incredible Arlene McKitrick.

For up to date information on what’s going on at the GOLFPUNK Ladies English Open click here…
Take advantage of our cracking 2 for 1 ticket offer by clicking here…

7/7/2007 3:50:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Kids huh, they are a right lairy lot. We asked Joel the new fresh faced, kettle shy (apparently he has a caffeine allergy) workie to write us a blog because we wanted to go home early and nip off to the post office.

He came back with a critique of occasional golfing phenom Michelle Wie.

Personally I think he's got some good points but it's a bit harsh, but I'll let you make your own minds up. We'd love to read your comments.

Take it away Vikki Pollard...

"In professional sport, if a player is injured they don’t play. Managers, particularly in football, would rather play it safe and ensure their players’ fitness for consequent games than risk making the injury worse.

Why should golf, or specifically Michelle Wie, be any different? Wie injured her wrist in early February whilst jogging (If that’s possible) and despite the healing process being relatively fast, her performances have suggested that her comeback was premature.

Wie’s results since her injury have not reflected the $10m investment made by Nike and Sony. Yet she still pulls in the crowds. Her participation in men’s PGA tour events has been widely criticised as she has failed to make the cut in any of them. She has not yet won a LPGA tour event either. The view amongst the golfing world is that she should prove herself amongst the women before trying her luck against the men. And rightly so.

Five weeks ago, Wie withdrew from the Ginn Tribute with two holes to play. The LPGA Tour has a rule that a player shall lose their playing privileges for the year should they shoot 88 or higher. For Wie, the required task of finishing one-over par for her last two holes to keep her LPGA Tour membership this year was apparently all too daunting and prompted her withdrawal.

Wie isolated her injured wrist as the culprit. But it begs the question: Why was she playing in the first place?

This week, Wie was playing in the second round of the US Women’s Open at Pine Needles. Once again her injury forced her to retire on 17-over par at her 10th hole in the second round. Twelve year-old amateur Alexis Thompson was already in the clubhouse on 16 over; an impressive score for one so young.

A slightly cynical but plausible reason for her withdrawal was that Wie may not have wanted to finish below the 12-year old and withdrew to save embarrassment. But Wie maintains that it was her wrist that was the deciding factor.


'Shell's seen better days'

"I definitely have to re-evaluate," said Wie. "I don't want this to happen again. Sometimes you just have to take a step back to make a step forward.''

But Wie’s problem is that people expect so much more from her. Whether that is her own doing or that of her sponsors is another matter, She has been constantly in the spotlight of women’s golf since her arrival on the scene two years ago and now people are beginning to wonder whether it is justified."

7/3/2007 5:12:01 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Kids huh, when they are not spending your hard earned tax on “education" and “healthcare” they are winning golf tournaments previously reserved for adults.

Ryo Ishikawa, who shares his name with the villain from first person shoot ‘em up Shogo: Mobile Armour Division, won the Munsingwear Open KSB Cup on Sunday. Ishikawa became the first teenager to win on the Japanese Men’s tour and the first amateur winner since Masahiro Kurmoto took the Chugoku-Shikoku Open title 27 years ago.

More impressively he beat the previous record held by a young Spaniard by the name of Severiano Ballesteros who won the Japan Open in 1977, fifteen years before Ishikawa was born.


Ryo Ishikawa, annoyingly good at golf.

Here’s hoping this talented dustbin lid goes on to emulate Seve’s carreer. Or at the very least keep his room tidy. Tut, Kids.

To find out more Ryo Ishikawa’s prodigious talents click here or here….

5/21/2007 3:34:32 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

After hearing the latest office whinge about, “I would be a brilliant at golf if I was consistent from 140 yards”. We have decided to ban moaning in the office.

With this in mind we think you should find out a bit more about the life of Todd Demsey. A man with the world at the end of his niblick before more pressing ‘real life’ issues took precedence.

A promising career has been side tracked by debilitating back pain and a brain tumor. Despite these set backs he is battling his way back with the sort of attitude that should make people who throw their putter into ponds because of a three jab hold their heads in shame.


Hard as Nails

On his golfing rehabilitation he says:
"It puts things in perspective," Demsey said. "I used to live and die on every shot. It's still my job. It's what I love to do. It's not quite as important to me as it was before all this. But I feel real lucky to be able to play golf for a living, especially after back problems and a brain tumor. I have nothing to complain about."

If he has nothing to complain about we at GP Towers certainly don’t.

For more on this story click here
....or here.

5/16/2007 10:47:04 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

I first heard about this story about a week ago, however it only became really interesting yesterday when my playing partner got stung on the mouth after a bee made it’s way into his can of pop. Apart from being incredibly funny it ignited debate on the usefulness of insects and what can we realistically sacrifice in the pursuit of golf.



What do you think?

“An initiative to help to save some of the UK's rare bumblebee species has been launched by Syngenta. A number of farmland bumblebees are perilously close to extinction due to loss of habitat. However, by developing sections of a field into a clover-rich legume area, known as a field margin, farmers can very rapidly increase populations of even rare species by providing bees with vital food sources. Such legume margins have been proven to restore habitats for endangered bumblebee species while also contributing valuable points towards Entry Level Qualification allowing farmers to qualify for agri-environment scheme points. Seed mixtures developed specifically for Operation Bumble Bee are designed to provide maximum pollen and nectar for foraging bees and insects throughout the summer."
For more on this story click here…

4/16/2007 9:55:47 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Police are hunting a midnight golfer after he ruined a bowling green while practising. The late-night enthusiast carved out more than 200 divots when he climbed into the grounds under the cover of darkness last month. Despite increasing the number of patrols, police in New Milton, Hampshire have not been able to catch the suspect. "If anyone sees a youth or individual carrying a golf club walking along the street they should call us so we can challenge that person," a spokesman said.

1/16/2007 11:48:38 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

LPGA Commissioner Carolyn Bivens said she has no knowledge of drug use among tour players.

This may seem like a sad state of affairs, but there have been some interesting tales of rife drug abuse in both amateur and professional games around the world. Someone has to start the trend and it will be interesting to see what the results of this program are and whether other tours will follow suit.

The LPGA Tour said Wednesday it will begin testing players for performance-enhancing drugs in 2008, a move that makes it the first major golf tour to announce a drug-testing program.

"While we have no evidence to date that any of our players are using performance-enhancing drugs, we need to have a very clear policy and a program in place," Bivens said. "We want to take a proactive role."

Players learned of the decision with the announcement.

Annika Sorenstam, the top-ranked women's player, said she had no problem with the decision, yet called it "sad that we have to have testing."

"Golf is not like other sports," said Sorenstam, who was tested in college. "I believe in this sport. I believe in the people out here. ... I don't think you're going to see anything out here, so it might be a waste of time. But if it's peace of mind for people and if we need to prove that the LPGA's clean, then let's do it."

11/16/2006 12:03:26 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Fresh from the Reuters website and the world of absurd ventures...

Seeking the perfect holiday gift for the golfer who has everything? Try flavored golf tees.

U.S. inventors John Packes and Ramon Peralta have come up a product line called Tasty Golf Tees in various flavors including mint, cherry, strawberry, and grape.

Mint is the strongest-tasting flavor in the range.

"It will knock out the foulest of cigar, beer breath within five seconds," Packes of Norwalk, Connecticut, told Reuters on Tuesday.

Packes said they came up with the idea while walking along the fairway one day and noticing that many golfers popped a tee in their mouth as they headed to the next hole or waited to tee up.

Tasty Golf Tees, which cost about 25 cents each, are made from uncoated wood, which is sanitized and flavored. They look and play like regular wooden golf tees.

"Some people just look at you funny," said Packes. "'Do you really put it in your mouth?' They give it a shot and say 'This is kinda cool.'"

11/15/2006 6:04:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

• He pulled out of the pre-tournament pro-am with a stiff neck
  
• He was unable to practice before the tournament because of the injury
• He had a whole new set of clubs, which he was testing for the USPGA
• It was the first time he had played the course

8/11/2006 2:42:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Sitting in the stands at the Open Championship at Hoylake this weekend, I had a kind of epiphany. I suddenly realised that golf, not football, is the people's game of the modern era - and that this is as it should be.

I've spent too much of my life going along with the old lefty prejudices against golf: against its snobbery, against its traditionalism, against its cost, against its whiteness, against its environmental problems, against its clothes, against its individualism. I'm not saying these aren't problems, or that they have all been solved. But I think they pale into insignificance against golf's bigger reality.

Here are some of the things that struck me at the Open. And no, they don't include a golf ball.

First, this was a crowd of ordinary people. Sure, there were some toffs in blazers and, yes, there were a lot of corporate guests, but basically this was a crowd of all classes who were there simply because love the game.
Second, the crowds are tremendously knowledgeable because most of them play golf. If you ignore walking, cycling and jogging, the General Household Survey says that golf is Britain's biggest participation sport - more people in this country play golf than play football. for instance - and after chatting to some of my fellow crowd-members at Hoylake I believe it. All of them, to a man and a woman, were golfers. I bet the percentage of people at the Cup Final who play football is far smaller in proportion.

Link: here

8/2/2006 3:27:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

POLICE had to be called after a group of youths disrupted a Bolton golf club's match.

Up to 30 teenagers invaded the Lostock course, where members of the Regent Park Club were trying to hold their championship final night.

Police were called to the incident, which happened at the club, off Chorley New Road, at 8.20pm on Friday.

continued...

A police spokesman said: "We had reports of a disturbance involving up to 30 youths who were attacking golfers. No one reported an assault.

"Officers went to disperse the group, but the teenagers had already started to make their way off the green."

It is believed the confrontation between the youths and golfers took place at the 13th tee.

A resident, who lives in Regent Road, which is next to the golf club, said it was not the first time there had been problems at the club. "It looks like there was a clash between the golfers and the youths and police arrived to sort out the problem," she said.

"The kids were drinking and being rowdy, which has been a problem for some time, but it came to a head on Friday night.

8/2/2006 3:24:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Paul Addison, 40, pleaded guilty to five counts of criminal damage at the Wirral magistrates court near Liverpool.

Stephen Fletcher, 35, was sentenced to five weeks of unpaid community services after pleading guilty to the same charges.

The two said they represented a pressure group called "Real Fathers 4 Justice." The group says it is fighting for the rights of fathers in custody cases.

The incident left purple stains on the grass as Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia approached the final hole on Sunday at Hoylake. The players didn't seem affected, and Woods made a par putt to win the tournament by two shots.

Eight weeks: You don't even get that for committing serious fraud these days, but then it is a bugger to get off that purple dye.

8/2/2006 3:12:11 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The 47-year-old Logan Country Club pro was in contention to win his first state Open when the third and final round picked up today on the Cobb Course at The Resort at Glade Springs.

The long-hitting Lacy carded a second-round 69 on Thursday and was tied for the lead with 23-year-old David Bradshaw at 141.

Lacy, who played basketball at Mullens High School with former Marshall star and current University of Charleston Coach Greg White, owns second- (1984) and third-place (1989) finishes at the Open.

During the 1990s he was involved in golf course construction and didn't play much.

"I had back surgery in 2000 and then I started playing again," said the 6-foot-6, 245-pound Lacy, who played basketball for two seasons at Glenville State.

Lacy, who moved to Mullens from Bluefield when he was a teenager, lives in Chapmanville.

Link: http://www.dailymail.com/news/Sports/200606308/

7/3/2006 3:22:22 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [1] 

Colm Quinlan, regional officer for the Amicus trade union, told Reuters three rounds of talks with mediators had failed to resolve a confrontation which began early this year. The case will now be heard by Ireland's Labour Court.

"Based on our previous negotiations, I am not confident they (the club) will accept the recommendations of the court and if that arises we will embark on industrial action," he said.

6/29/2006 3:28:59 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Back in his native Scotland yesterday just three days after he nearly won the US Open in New York, Montgomerie claimed that the upheaval in his private life was a major factor in his twice finishing as strongly as runner-up in the last four major championships.

But when it was pointed out to him that he is financially secure for life - he has earned a personal fortune of about £30 million - Montgomerie was quick to reply.

"I was financially secure for life and now someone else is," he quipped in reference to the divorce settlement from his former wife, Eimear, which is thought to have cost him around £12 million.

What?

6/22/2006 9:48:29 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

DIVERS from the Bushey and Borehamwood Sub Aqua Club will be attempting a spectacular rescue mission next month from a lake at The Grove.

Fifteen divers will be sent into the lake on the third hole of the luxury Watford hotel's golf course to retrieve as many golf balls as possible as part of a competition to help raise money for the Peace Hospice.

Entrants to the competition will guess the amount of golf balls that will be recovered and the lucky winner with the closest guess will win a pair of tickets to the final of the World Golf Championships taking place at The Grove in September and also lunch at The Glasshouse restaurant.

continued...

Maggie Grand, who is helping to organise the dive, said: "We have no idea how many balls are in the lake. We are thrilled to be able to offer such a great prize, and to be part of this very exciting event. The lake looks very murky, however, and I wouldn't fancy doing the dive myself!"

For full story click here

6/21/2006 5:52:41 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

While millions around the world are still stood mouths agape at the flabbergasting end to the US Open yesterday, the golfing world has just shrugged its shoulders and licked its lips at the next titanic battle taking place this week between two teenagers in Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Irish protégé Rory McIIroy, and Essex wunderkind Ollie Fisher, 17, will both tee it up today in the British Amateur championship at Royal St Georges, and many would not be surprised if these two end up facing each other in the final.

Both teenagers enter the event on the back of some amazing form. Fisher, who became the youngest ever Walker Cup player last year, recently captured his first senior amateur title, winning the St Andrews Links trophy, Europe’s top amateur event, over the Old Course with a seven-under par total for four rounds.               

McIIroy responded in kind with a successful defence of the Irish Close title at the European Club last week to add to his second place in the Lytham Trophy and third place in the Irish Amateur so far this season.

Going into the championship, the youngster said: "I'm playing the best golf of my life."

It's the title that's really the most important thing and this for me is the big one this year. This the one I want to win most."

The GolfPunk office is just hoping that the pair can keep going on as if they both live up to their potential then European golf will only be the healthier for it.

You can keep up to date with their progress and the scores from the British Amateur by clicking on this link: here

6/19/2006 3:15:48 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

I bring this up because today, after our Webcast Live went on the air, silence soon greeted our audience. Suddenly the proverbial 'We're having technical difficulties' message went out. So what constituted this?

We're not ashamed to admit it, but a golf cart ran over the fiber optic cable that provided sound. The wire got entangled in the cart wheel, leaving Roger Twibell speechless.

No word whether the golf cart survived.

Link: here

6/16/2006 12:45:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

This blog is more of an inside joke than anything else but some of you might be able to sympathise.

I recently spent several days researching golf courses in Wales via the valuable mine of information that is the internet. I would, however, have had more luck using a yoghurt pot and a large peice of string.

Several (hundred) of Welsh golf clubs are a bit slow to embrace modern technology and advertise the wonder of their golf course to the world via the web and so it's great to see that the government is grabbing the bull by the horns. If only the bull had made it to the seminar....

GOLF clubs throughout Wales are being encouraged to make greater use of Information Communication Technology, as part of a drive by the Welsh Assembly Government to boost the economic benefits of the Ryder Cup 2010.

Representatives from clubs in North and mid Wales attended a seminar organised by WAG at Northop Golf Club, Flintshire, to learn more about the benefits of ICT in helping them attain a stronger business footing.

It was the first in a series of such events being held throughout Wales to help clubs boost their income and improve the management of their establishments.

Estimates suggest that golf-related tourism alone could rise by more than 40% as a result of the staging of the 2010 Ryder Cup in Wales, with an additional 30,000 visiting golfers attracted each year to Wales.

6/14/2006 5:38:46 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

This story has just appeared on the BBC website. I would've loved to been a fly on the wall during this conversation:

I mean what do you say to someone who has just asked you to literally shift earth? Montrose is also the fifth oldest golf course in the world, so could quite easily argue that it has been alright so far and wil take its chances, thank-you very much.

Bosses at one of Scotland's oldest golf courses have been asked to move it inland, due to costal erosion fears.

Angus councillors said part of Montrose Golf Course had to be realigned because of increased sand dune erosion.

Council officials warned the issue at Montrose beach was posing a public safety risk and that increasing tides would make the dunes more unstable.

Councillors also concluded that more research on how to tackle the erosion problem had to be undertaken.

                                                                         'left a bit'

6/9/2006 1:04:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Stumbled across this little nugget of news, which might go some way to explaining why so many people think that golf is still a rich man's sport...

The newest golf course in the Hamptons may already be No. 1 in at least one category: price.

Sebonack Golf Club, which opened for limited play last weekend in Southampton, New York, costs what might be a world- highest $650,000 for a membership that ensures accommodations at one of 15 four-bedroom ``cottages'' being built around the course. It's $500,000 just for golf.

The new club sits between 95-year-old National Golf Links of America and four-time U.S. Open host Shinnecock Hills Golf Club at the eastern end of Long Island. Other neighbors include Atlantic Golf Club and the Bridge, both in Bridgehampton. Membership in those clubs -- by invitation only -- tops out at $575,000.

``The numbers are all amazing, but you're dealing with the Hamptons here,'' said Phyllis Dixon, a broker with Prudential Douglas Elliman.

Well, whoever those Hamptons are Phyllis, could they lend us a tenner.

6/2/2006 1:14:50 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Thomas C. Springer, 57, of Garrett Park, appeared in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt following his arrest on Nov. 30 after robbing the Chevy Chase Bank in Kensington, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein.

In a videotaped confession, Springer admitted to robbing seven banks and attempting to rob another between November 2004 and November 2005, Rosenstein said. In each robbery, Springer approached the teller window and passed a note that read, ‘‘Bank Robbery,” netting a total of $20,896. During the confession, Springer said he robbed the banks because he needed money for golf and was struggling to pay rent.

Link: http://www.gazette.net/stories/051106/montcou164503_31959.shtml

5/12/2006 6:52:24 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

You can’t take chances with Kapil Dev, can you? So, all those burn-out issues have to be consigned to the backburner for now. Till he wants them to come out, that is.  “I’m sure you don’t know much about golf,” he tries to cheer you up. “It’s a wonderful game, you know. It teaches you so many things in life…”

We know. Haven’t we heard it so many times? It’s a game for life, it teaches you honesty, integrity, punctuality, responsibility. But isn’t that the case with most games?

“That’s right,” he concurs. “But not all games can make such an impact on your life. It tests your patience, it tests your nerve, your mind’s always at work.”

Link: here

5/10/2006 6:02:44 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The Columbia Democrat uses his new golf cart to go from his home to the State House, as well as his downtown office and courthouses. Rutherford says he bought the electric vehicle last fall when Hurricane Katrina sent gas prices to around $3 a gallon.

Rutherford says he spent an impatient winter waiting for the weather to get warm so he could drive the cart again.

The cart has a stereo and 15-inch flat screen TV, which Rutherford promises he watches only when it's parked.

State law allows residents to drive a golf cart on secondary roads within two miles of their home or office during daylight hours, as long as they obtain a $5 permit and insurance.

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

5/3/2006 6:33:11 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

All the potential qualifiers have decided to play in the Women's World Matchplay event which clashes with the Open qualifying tournaments.

Teenager Michelle Wie could still qualify to play at Hoylake.

However to do so she would have to be the highest non-exempt finisher at the previous week's John Deere Classic.

Wie has so far failed to make the cut in any of the men's PGA Tour events in which she has played.

The R&A's Peter Dawson said: "The deadline for entries for qualifying is June 1 but as yet, no women players have entered.

Watch this space, I guess...

4/25/2006 5:26:58 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Tiger Woods is to take an indefinite break from golf to be with his father Earl, who is suffering from cancer.

Tiger told a news conference in Wellington that he did not know when he would return to the game but said that he would play in the US Open at Winged Foot in June.

He is currently in New Zealand attending the wedding of caddy Steve Williams.

Earl Woods was diagnosed with cancer in 1998, but his condition has deteriorated dramatically this year. In March, at the Players Championship, Tiger rushed to his bedside on the Wednesday before flying back to the tournament 24 hours later.

Links: www.tigerwoods.com

         www.bbc.co.uk/sport

4/20/2006 8:44:19 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Mmmm, a minature golf course, mmmm a back garden, mmmm a house. Some people should be grateful for what they have. Moan, moan, moan that's all we ever hear.

THERE are few golfers who can boast the use of a miniature course in their own back garden.

Businessman John Conner struck upon the idea of creating a one-hole garden golf course at his home in Currie in a bid to fine tune his game.

But it was his decision to put up a six-foot tall boundary fence along the side of the approximately 60-yard hole which proved the final straw for angry neighbours.

They claim that golf balls repeatedly end up in their back gardens and that one even narrowly missed a young child out playing and landed in the toddler's pushchair.

And they are furious that the towering fence has been built on top of an embankment next to the adjacent Water of Leith walkway, which they claim is public land. Neighbours say the fence also obscures their views of the picturesque waterway.

Now the city council has launched an investigation and Mr Conner faces having to tear down the fencing, which is around 50 metres long and six feet high above the course.

For full story click: http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=540982006

4/12/2006 6:29:26 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

"The case against several men accused of murder in a shooting at the Pali golf course is getting more serious.

Ethan Motta, Rodney Joseph Junior, and Kevin Gonsalves were indicted by an Oahu grand jury yesterday on several counts of murder and attempted murder in the aid of racketeering.

The three were charged in the shooting deaths of two men at Pali golf course in January of 2004.
 
Police said the shootings erupted from a dispute over who would provide security at illegal gambling houses.

"This is the type of activity which concerns us because this leads to gang wars, or this leads to (stumbles) underworld shootings, drive-by shootings and we cannot have this type of danger out in our communities when innocent citizens are around," said U.S. Attorney Ed Kubo.

Two other men including the alleged leader of the gambling business have also been indicted."

3/31/2006 5:13:05 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

"Donald Trump, the real estate and casino mogul who's worth $2.6 billion according to Forbes magazine, plans to build two golf courses on the northeast Scottish coast as part of a $500 million development.

Trump, who is half Scottish, will also construct a five-star hotel, a golf academy, a grass research center and apartments on the 800-acre Menie estate outside Aberdeen, development agency Scottish Enterprise said in an e-mailed statement today.

"I have never seen such an unspoilt and dramatic seaside landscape,'' the 59-year-old Trump said on his Web site.`The location makes it perfect for our development.''

Anyone forsee the 'Trump Apprentice vs Sugar Apprentice' reality golf/ find a new hotshot palaver coming soon to BBC 2?

3/31/2006 4:49:27 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Tiger Woods has said that he will be cutting back on his golf when he becomes a father.

In an interview on US television show "60 minutes", Woods said that being a parent was a greater priority than golf. He said: "I will have to obviously make adjustments in my playing schedule to make sure that I'm there as much as possible so I can be there for their entire development, entire youth, their entire life."

That probably explains why he's trying hard to win every tournament he enters at the moment. 

To see the entire interview with Ed Bradley click on the link: http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/60minutes/main3415.shtml

3/27/2006 10:37:20 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

A new report by the Golf Industry Association of Arizona finds that the sport has an economic impact of more than $3.4 billion annually.

The study was conducted by Troy Schmitz, a professor from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. It looked at both the environmental and economic impact the sport has on the state. The numbers gathered for the study are from 2004, the most recent year data was available.

Among the findings:

• The industry employs more than 19,000 Arizonans, earning $291 million in wages and benefits.
• Taxes generated annually from the golf industry total more than $76 million.

For the full story click on the link: http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/

3/17/2006 12:14:18 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK FELLAS!!!

3/9/2006 10:34:39 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

"Ian Woosnam has been appointed official ambassador for Welsh golf in the run-up to their first staging of the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in 2010.

Woosnam will captain Europe in this September’s match against the United States in Ireland, and the Welshman is delighted with his new role.

“I’ve been proud to represent my country many times in my golfing career, but this is a great opportunity to make a practical hands-on contribution,” said the 48-year-old former Masters champion.

“Ryder Cup 2010 is going to make a huge difference to the growth of golf in Wales and to Wales’ international standing across golf, leisure and business."

3/9/2006 10:05:14 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The Scotsman ran this story, demonstrating how proud the Scots are of  their historic connections to the game. Things have been heating up recently in the debate over where golf truly originated, with the Chinese producing some ancient documents that claim they are the true home of golf. Perhaps this could be the next big head to head. 'Who would win a fight between the Scots and the Chinese?'

THE first recorded rules of golf were given a rare public outing yesterday. The historic document, taken down in minutes for Edinburgh City Council in the 18th century, was the first to set out how to play a tournament.

With advice from the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, the authority drew up regulations on 7 March, 1744. Councillors decided golfers should pay five shillings to enter the tournament on Leith Links and clerks had to accompany each player to make sure no cheating occurred.

The 262-year-old book was brought out to launch the Leith Rules Golf Society's programme for the forthcoming year.

Link: http://sport.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=348612006

3/8/2006 6:36:21 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Gamers will also be able to choose which one of the siblings to play and compete against on many famous courses from around the world.

But perhaps the most exciting aspect of the game is that if you're playing as Ai, you'll also have the option to choose from a selection of outfits based on her real life wardrobe.

3/8/2006 4:35:12 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

They say that absolute power corrupts absolutely......

Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan has created controversy by playing golf in Busan on the first day of the railway strike, and on Independence Movement Day when national figures were attending related ceremonies.

Lee went to Busan by plane on the morning of March 1 and played golf with local business leaders at the Asiad Country Club in Gijang-gun, at 9:30 a.m.

Lee did not attend an Independence Movement Day ceremony held at the Sejong Center in Gwanghwamun, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and he did not request a police escort because he was on an unofficial schedule.

It is reported that his golf outing had been scheduled well in advance at the request of local business leaders. After playing golf, Lee had a meal at 3:00 p.m. in the clubhouse, visited his sick mother-in-law, and left Busan for Seoul at 8:30 p.m.

http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?bicode=050000&biid=2006030374708

3/3/2006 2:40:47 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The award, jointly developed by the EGU and the English Ladies' Golf Association, recognises the outstanding dedication to junior golf at Hadley Wood, where several juniors have been given places on the 2006 Herts County Coaching system, designed to nurture promising talent.

The number of junior members at the club, as a percentage of the total membership, is above the national average, while the club also has more junior girls than any other club in Hertfordshire."

Click here for full story

3/2/2006 4:05:10 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The folks at Bomnsquad golf have another explosive online chat with one of the biggest names in the game.
They will be chatting to Callaway Golf about balls and stuff. Popping along for a chat will be Mike Yagley, Vice President of Golf Ball Category Management at Odyssey Golf.
It all kicks off tonight at 5pm to 7pm (Pacific Time), 12 midnight to 2pm for all those Europeans who love balls.
They will also be giving away 6 dozen balls of choice to two people that we believe ask the best questions.

2/28/2006 11:43:08 AM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

1 Annika Sorenstam Swe 18.47 average points
2 Paula Creamer US 9.65
3 Michelle Wie US 9.24
4 Yuri Fudoh Jpn 7.37
5 Cristie Kerr US 6.94
6 Ai Miyazato Jpn 6.58
7 Lorena Ochoa Mex 6.10
8 Jang Jeong SKor 4.91
9 Han Hee-won SKor 4.49
10 Juli Inkster US 4.11

Web Bloke Shaun

2/23/2006 4:37:43 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The world number one, chasing a third straight win this year, only just made the cut after round two on one over par, 11 shots behind Rory Sabbatini.

And with his symptoms and the weather conditions at the Riviera Country Club worsening, the American pulled out.'

For more details click on the link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/golf/

2/18/2006 7:03:09 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Provisional draw for Accenture Match Play Championship:
(Seeded positions in brackets)

(1) Tiger Woods v (64) Graeme McDowell - GolfPunk against the World
(32) Rory Sabbatini v (33) Robert Allenby
(16) Henrik Stenson v (49) Tim Herron
(17) Chad Campbell v (48) Rod Pampling
(8) David Toms v (57) Lucas Glover
(25) Jose Maria Olazabal v (40) Arron Oberholser
(9) Adam Scott v (56) Carl Pettersson
(24) Stuart Appleby v (41) Brandt Jobe
(4) Ernie Els v (61) Charles Howell
(29) Bart Bryant v (36) Ben Crane
(13) Michael Campbell v (52) Richard Green
(20) Nick O'Hern v (45) Lee Westwood
(5) Phil Mickelson v (60) Zach Johnson
(28) Fred Couples v (37) Mike Weir
(12) David Howell v (53) Geoff Ogilvy
(21) Scott Verplank v (44) Shingo Katayama
(2) Vijay Singh v (63) Paul Broadhurst
(31) Justin Leonard v (34) KJ Choi
(15) Angel Cabrera v (50) Paul Casey - GolfPunk against the World
(18) Padraig Harrington v (47) Shigeki Maruyama
(7) Chris DiMarco v (58) Ian Poulter
(26) Tim Clark v (39) Sean O'Hair
(10) Kenny Perry v (55) Niclas Fasth
(23) Davis Love v (42) Tom Lehman
(3) Retief Goosen v (62) Bernhard Langer
(30) Stewart Cink v (35) Miguel Angel Jimenez
(14) Luke Donald v (51) Peter Lonard
(19) Darren Clarke v (46) Fred Funk
(6) Jim Furyk v (59) Mark Calcavecchia
(27) Thomas Bjorn v (38) John Daly
(11) Colin Montgomerie v (54) Steve Elkington
(22) Paul McGinley v (43) Mark Hensby

2/16/2006 2:16:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Thieves here have found a new source of income – selling aluminium hole liners from a golf course here. 

Twelve aluminium hole liners or better known as golf cups were stolen from the Royal Johor Country Club yesterday. 

Club acting general manager Majid Manjit Abdullah, who has been a golfer for more than 20 years, said this was the first time he has ever heard of such type of theft. 

“The thief or thieves must really be desperate,” said Majid. 

“Each hole liner costs about RM128. They are imported from the United States in compliance with US Golf Association regulations,” he ad-ded. 

2/14/2006 6:47:15 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

'The Chinese captial will launch a geological investigation on environment around golf courses and gas stations, and then built three to five shafts around them to monitor water and earth conditions, the Beijing Times quoted the circular of the municipal geological prospecting bureau as saying Wednesday.

Most of golf courses in Beijing were built during the 1980s and 1990s near rivers and reservoirs, without taking into account the impacts on environment.

Widespread use of herbicide and pesticide at these courses has deteriorated geological environment.'

www.chinadaily.com.cn

2/9/2006 12:52:43 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Ernie Els continued his fantastic return to form with a second placed finish in the South African Open.

Retief Goosen held off a late challenge from Els to win the title shooting a final round of 70.

Two late birdies in the last two holes sealed victory for Goosen. He even managed a spectacular chip in on the 17th hole to move one shot clear of his South African counterpart.

12/18/2005 10:21:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Ross Fisher continued to take on the mighty Fancourt links with an impressive second round of 70 to hold the outright lead at the South African Open.

He is now five shots clear of his nearest rival, Retief Goosen, with his eight-under par total.

Defending champion Tim Clark was tied for the lead with Fisher after the first day but stumbled to a 78 .

The course is proving to be so difficult that Fisher will have to put in maximum concentration if he is to hold onto his lead.

Second placed Goosen critised the course saying that the pin positions and bunkers were "ridiculous"

12/17/2005 1:00:02 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Englishman Ross Fisher leads the South African Open with defending champion Tim Clark after the first round.

In conditions which most of the field described as impossible, the duo both carded five-under par rounds of 68.

Hot winds blew across the Fancourt links hardening the grees and pushing them up to 'unputtable' on the stintmeter.

Big name casualties included Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, both of whom were unable to break par.

Henrik Nystrom is in third place after a 69 but still described conditions as "a bit like a US Open."

Winds are predicted to blow for the remaining three days so players better start holing their approach shots or there could be some embarrassing moments ahead over the weekend.

12/16/2005 3:20:12 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

Englishman Tom Whitehouse won the European Tour's qualifying school final at San Roque in Spain with a fantastic 13-under par total.

The 25-year-old, from Warwickshire, shot a final round 68 to win by two shots from countryman Robert Rock. Another Englishman and early leader David Griffiths finished in third place on seven-under par.

Among the big name casualties were former European Tour winners Malcolm Mackenzie, Anders S Hansen and Swede Patrik Sjoland.

The full list of hard-working lucky bleeders who win the privilege of playing on the European Tour next year are:

• Tom Whitehouse (England)
• Robert Rock (England)
• David Griffiths (England)
• Matthias Eliasson (Sweden)
• Louis Oosthuizen (South Africa)
• Shaun P Webster (England)
• David Dixon (England)
• Ian Pyman (England)
• Leif Westerberg (Sweden)
• Jarmo Sandelin (Sweden)
• Alexandre Rocha (Brazil)
• Michele Reale (Italy)
• Johan Edfors (Sweden)
• Ross Fisher (England)
• Francisco Valera (Spain)
• Oliver Whiteley (England)
• Miguel Carballo (Argentina)
• Felipe Aguilar (Chile)
• Darren Fichardt (South Africa)
• David Branson (Australia)
• Matthew Millar (Australia)
• Christian L Nilsson (Sweden)
• Wilhelm Schauman (Sweden)
• Gary Clark (England)
• Henrik Nystrom (Sweden)
• Warren Abery (South Africa)
• Santiago Luna (Spain)
• Benoit Teilleria (France)
• Kieran Staunton (England)
• Stephen Scahill (New Zealand)
• Anders Sjostrand (Sweden)
• Tuomas Tuovinen (Finland)

11/16/2005 1:14:45 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0] 

The new face of BBC Golf

Gary Lineker has been announced as the BBC's new face of golf in place of the departed Steve Rider.

Lineker will be the main presenter for BBC Sport's major golfing events starting with the Masters next April.

BBC director of sport Roger Mosey said: "It's exciting for him and, we hope, for the audience.
"Gary loves golf and we want his relaxed, authoritative style to feel as much at home on the 18th fairway as it does in the Match of the Day studio."

To read full story click on link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/golf

11/16/2005 12:38:37 PM (GMT Standard Time, UTC+00:00)    Comments [0]