Patrick
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Five must-play British Open golf courses
Jan 10th
A total of 14 British golf courses have played host to one of the game’s most prestigious tournaments, The Open Championship, at some point over the years.
Following Darren Clarke’s emotional and popular win at Royal St Georges in 2011 the countdown the 2012 competition has begun. This year’s championship is set to get under way at Royal Lytham & St Annes in July and following a recent golf break at Turnberry we got to thinking about the five best Open rota courses you can play in 2012. More >
How the top 10 UK golfers have fared in 2011
Dec 6th
The top 10 UK golfers have – by and large – had a 2011 to remember.
Here we profile their exploits over the course of the last 12 months or so:
Luke Donald (@LukeDonald)
Age: 33
World ranking: 1st
Donald has set the benchmark for his fellow top UK golfers to match with his consistency and work ethic this year. Victory over Lee Westwood in the BMW PGA Championship in May elevated him to the lofty standing of number one in the world, although the PGA Player of the Year will want to end his wait for major success sooner rather than later.
Rory McIlroy (@McIlroyRory)
Age: 22
World ranking: 2nd
Fresh from helping Europe regain the Ryder Cup last October, McIlroy has firmly enhanced his burgeoning reputation as the brightest young talent in golf in 2011.The manner in which he romped to victory at the US Open in June sent shockwaves through the sport. It also marked an incredible turnaround in fortunes after his last-day slump at the Masters at Augusta in April when he had led before a poor final round cost him dear.
Lee Westwood (@WestwoodLee)
Age: 38
World ranking: 3rd
Held the number one spot intermittently at the start of the year before gradually falling down the pecking order following the stunning exploits of Donald and McIlroy. A third-placed finished at the US Open – the third time that he has ended up third in a major – will at least give Westwood hope that 2012 can be the year when he finally samples victory when it matters most.
Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell)
Age: 32
World ranking: 14th
A disappointing year for McDowell in the majors is offset by the fact he was awarded an MBE at the start of 2011 following a memorable 2010 that saw the Northern Irishman win both the US Open and Ryder Cup. McDowell, though, is finishing the year encouragingly after his third-placed finish at the recent WGC-HSBC Champions in China, when he finished behind only Martin Kaymer and Fredrik Jacobson.
Justin Rose (@JustinRose99)
Age: 31
World ranking: 16th
Rose came close to picking up a third PGA Tour title back in March when he enjoyed a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Transitions Championship only to end up five shots behind the eventual winner Gary Woodland. Rose, though, was not to be denied at the BMW Championship in September when he won by two strokes from John Senden.
Paul Casey (@Paul_Casey)
Age: 34
World ranking: 21st
Injury and poor form has hampered Casey in 2011, although it couldn’t have got off to a better start when he ended a 20-month title draught with success at the inaugural Volvo Golf Champions in Bahrain in January. Then injury struck in the form of an ailment known as ‘turf toe’ and that in term reaped havoc with Casey’s chances of building on his victory in Bahrain. Now fully fit, he’ll be hoping to emerge from the shadows somewhat in 2012.
Ian Poulter (@IanJamesPoulter)
Age: 35
World ranking: 25th
Memories of a disappointing showing at the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship in February – when the defending champion slumped out in the first round – were erased in May with success at the Volvo World Match Play Championship. Poulter beat Donald 2&1 in the final in Spain after also seeing off the likes of Westwood and Francesco Molinari.
Simon Dyson (@SimonDyson77)
Age: 33
World ranking: 32nd
It has been a significant 2011 for the Englishman, who moved into the top 30 of the world rankings for the first time in September thanks to his third KLM Open title in six years. Dyson also triumphed at the Irish Open in July and has been tipped by some golf pundits to go on to claim a first major win in the years to come.
Darren Clarke (@DarrenClarke60)
Age: 43
World ranking: 36th
What a year it has been for Clarke. First came a first European Tour title since August 2008 with a three-shot win at the Iberdrola Open in Spain and that was followed by the undoubted highlight of his career to date at the Open Championship. Clarke finally got his hands on the prestigious Claret Jug at the 20th time of asking and in doing so secured his first major win to spark emotional scenes at as he wasted little time in dedicating the victory to his late wife Heather, who died of cancer in 2006.
Martin Laird
Age: 28
World ranking: 42nd
Flying the flag proudly for Scotland is Laird as he continues to make promising progress. Laird became the first European winner in the 33-year history of the Arnold Palmer Invitational when he held his nerve to see off stiff competition from Steve Marino and Rose to surge up to 21st in the world rankings. He followed that up with his best finish at a major – Laird ended up 20th at the Masters – and big things are expected of him heading into 2012.
Irons for every type of golfer
Nov 2nd
Choosing your irons is one of the biggest decisions you will ever face in golf. Some players are casual about the whole thing, but there are some players who are very serious indeed about it and will spend weeks, even months, hunting down the perfect set of irons in the hope that they will chip away at their handicap.
Good golf clubs for beginners can be found all over the place – there is no shortage of choice in that area. It all just depends on how much you would like to spend on a set of clubs. Of course, how much you are willing to spend depends on how seriously you are going to take the game.
Your best bet as a complete beginner is to get an affordable set that is already put together. Once you get the hang of it and start to notice variations in the potential of different clubs, you will be able to seriously look at upgrading your clubs.
If you’ve been playing for a while and have already got to that point, then you’ve probably already been eyeing up some new irons. Everybody has different preferences when it comes to golf clubs, so it is worth trying out quite a few before you commit to buy.
When you’re looking for golf clubs for high handicappers, Callaway’s Big Bertha irons are a brilliant choice at this stage. They are well rounded, sturdy and easy hitting golf irons, so you start knocking shots off your rounds in no time. The Big Berthas are probably about right for a player looking to improve on a score of about 90 or 85.
Once you start hitting 80s and 70s, you will be really beginning to take the game seriously, which is when you’ll really begin to save for some serious clubs. There is a variety of great golf irons out there and when it comes to spending hundreds of pounds on a set, it matters more than ever to pick exactly the right ones for you. Many stores have facilities in which you can try before you buy, so there is absolutely no need to rush into it. Take your time and get to grips with a range of clubs. You’ll recognise the ones for you as soon as you swing them.
Anything from Nike to Ping, Callaway to Titleist, can improve your game at this level. If you play an attacking game, you might want to go for a set of Yonex irons, but if you play with more conservative control, a set of Ping Ansers might suit you better. These are expertly crafted progressive irons with a hollow sole cavity, giving you ultimate control of your game.
There is a perfect set of clubs for every kind of player out there, so it’s not as easy as identifying ‘the best’ clubs – everybody is different. It’s just a matter of shopping around and hunting out the ones for you.
Flying the flag on both sides of the Atlantic
Aug 22nd
Take a look at the top-10 players in world golf at this moment in time and it makes for rather interesting reading. There are four representatives from America, three from the UK, two from Australia and one from Germany. The average age is a fraction over 31 and players from America and the UK are dominating the sport.
Here, we run the rule over the recent exploits of the top three players from both the UK and US following last weekend’s US PGA Championship, the final major of 2011.
The UK
Luke Donald
It’s been an incredible golfing year for the 33-year-old after he claimed the number one spot in the world rankings with a play-off victory over Lee Westwood at the PGA Championship at Wentworth back in May. That continued rise in prominence came off the back of helping Europe win the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in the previous October. However, there’s one blot on Donald’s copybook and that’s the fact he’s still waiting to sample his first success in a major. “It’s the one disappointment of the season,” he said after the US PGA Championship.
Lee Westwood
Westwood was world number one before losing the mantle to Donald at Wentworth in such dramatic fashion. Like his fellow countryman, Westwood’s CV also lacks a win in a major and the attention that creates seems to irk the 38-yearold somewhat. He said after finishing eighth in Atlanta last weekend: “I have enjoyed playing great for a long time now, but unfortunately when I turn up to majors and I don’t win it’s a disappointing week for everybody it seems – and obviously for me.” More >
Ten of the best public golf courses in Britain
Jul 14th
Playing golf can be an expensive hobby and many people simply can’t afford to become a member at their local or favourite course. Here, then, we profile 10 of the best ‘pay-and-play’ courses in Britain.
Belleisle, Scotland
One of the few public courses to host professional tournaments, Belleisle is a parkland track of some distinction. The expansive fairways mean beginners won’t be punished too much for any wayward strokes, although the fact that it spans over 6,500 yards means that you should underestimate it at your peril.
Braid Hills, Scotland
For stunning panoramic views of Edinburgh and golfing conditions to match, head to Braid Hills, which is one of six courses in close proximity to the city. The par-71 course combines a picturesque and often hilly walk with a series of challenging holes. More >
Top Ten Par Three Courses in the UK
Jun 27th
Par three courses offer golfers a highly concentrated round that can be perfect when you’re pressed for time or lacking the energy for a longer game. The UK is blessed with some of the world’s best par three golf courses, testing the short game of experienced pros and offering beginners a great environment in which to learn the game.
Rudding Park Hotel & Golf Club
Here are 10 of the UK’s best par three courses.
Nailcote Hall, Solihull
The 2011 home of the British Par 3 Championship is a parkland course packed with character and attractive features. Lakes, ponds and water features are beautifully placed amid rolling fairways and tree-lined, elevated greens. The course regularly welcomes celebrities and professionals who relish the challenge of 23 bunkers and a taxing exam of their short game.
Broadwater Park, Godalming, Surrey
Despite being a quick nine-hole course, Broadwater Park still manages to squeeze some testing holes into what always proves to be a very enjoyable course. From the 86-yard pond hole to the 205-yard straight fifth, players are kept on their toes all the way around the course, before being treated to some excellent facilities at the club house.
Rudding Park, Harrogate, Yorkshire
As well as boasting an excellent 18-hole, par 72 course, Rudding Park offers players the option of the Repton Short Course – a smartly crafted six-hole course designed to USGA specifications by Martin Hawtree. Members and guests alike enjoy the convenience of this imaginative short course, which can be completed in a very enjoyable hour’s play.
Chumleigh Golf Course, Devon
With a central village location and views of the Dartmoor countryside and a picturesque church tower and having featured on the BBC and Sky Sports, Chumleigh is becoming known for being one of the UK’s most attractive golf courses. You can play nine excellent holes for just £7 and enjoy a great test of your short game.
Biddenden Par Three Golf Course
Set in a delightfully rural location, Biddenden Golf Course in Kent is one for all the family. Many of the younger players learning the game at Biddenden enjoy the chance stop and reconnect with nature as it’s not unusual for cows, sheep and other animals to spectate as you take on the 18 short holes that range from 65 to 100 yards.
Faringdon Golf Course, Oxfordshire
Described by European Tour player David Howell as “a perfect place for all age groups to learn to play golf”, Faringdon Golf Course is a relaxed – but excellently maintained – nine-hole experience. If Lakes, parklands and plenty of trees are your thing, you’ll enjoy it.
Letchworth Par 3, Hertfordshire
The family feel is alive and well at Letchworth, where nine short, challenging holes in a very attractive location are complimented by a friendly, well-equipped club house.
Hadden Hill Golf Club, Didcot
While the full course at Hadden Hill is a 6,563-yard beauty, equally attractive is the club’s six-hole par three course which offers holes of 110 to 170 yards and greens built to the same specifications as those on its long course.
Hinksey Heights, Oxford
Another course which proves that Oxfordshire is the nation’s homeland of par three golfing, Hinksey Heights boasts an 18-hole Championship Course as well as two nine-holers – the Spires Course and the Par 3 Course. The par three offers nine holes of varying length and an ideal environment to hone your game.
Broughton Heath Golf Course, Derbyshire
Bravely, Broughton Heath bridges the gap between a full size par 72 and a pitch and putt, offering 3,125 yards of golf with an average hole length of 172 yards. Lakes, trees, ditches and hazards make this 42-acre course a real test for any player.
Old Head Golf course voted most spectacular golf course on the planet
May 31st
The Old Head golf course is the “most spectacular” course on the planet, according to Links Magazine.
The breathtaking Irish course, a popular destination for golf holidays, saw off stiff competition from Cypress Point Club in California and New Zealand’s Cape Kidnappers to win the accolade in the spring edition of the publication. It was, in fact, the only course in Europe to make the top 10, alongside representatives from China, Mexico and South Africa. More >