Republic of Ireland
The last major of the year. Martin is mournful. Bradley is beaming.
Aug 25 2011 Posted in Golf News, Martin Vousden by GoKartThought 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…)
Add a comment TweetDress rules
Aug 09 2011 Posted in GoKart News by GoKartThe 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
Aug 09 2011 Posted in Golf News, Martin Vousden by GoKartThe 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…)
Add a comment TweetDarren dusts himself off. Martin Vousden on The Open
Jul 22 2011 Posted in Golf News, Martin Vousden by GoKartThought for the Day
Never test the depth of the water with both feet
Cockles of the heart warmed all round
It was emphatically not the most dramatic Open Championship ever – once Dustin Johnson knocked it OB at Suez the destiny of the claret jug was pretty much sealed – but by heaven it was one of the most emotional. And in retrospect, having had a few hours to come to terms with the unlikely enormity of Darren Clarke’s achievement, probably the most surprising element of all was his serenity over those final two superb rounds of golf. And serenity really does seem to be the only appropriate word. It seems fitting, perhaps, that in a week when we both celebrated and mourned Seve Ballesteros, the man who believed absolutely in ‘Il Destino’ when it came to winning The Open, that an overweight, ageing champion with a history of both triumph and tragedy was seemingly destined to capture his own slice of golfing immortality in the 140th playing of the event.
Once again we have witnessed sport’s endless capacity to produce the most emotional if improbable stories, and the one with the greatest resonance is that of the old prize-fighter who comes off the ropes when he should be going down for the final count, to take his greatest victory. And without wanting to suggest that Darren is a washed-up has-been (more…)
Add a comment TweetBill’s Open blog. Signing off
Jul 18 2011 Posted in Bill's blog, GoKart News by GoKartLiterally as our final shift started the heavens opened and we got absolutely soaked.
One of the ladies on our team celebrated her 20th birthday today. We did not see any cakes!!!
There is an end of term feeling amongst not only the team but all of the ancillary staff who have been operating behind the scenes who we have come across during the week.
I am queue jumped by one of the team so that he can take Robert Rock to the range. This turned out to be error of the week as next up is Rory McIlroy and into my buggy he jumps.
We chat about his US Open win, the weather and the great feeling of satisfaction he gets from the crowds who support him.
Even at my age I feel strangely excited at meeting such a successful sportsman who has no side whatsoever.
What a great view we had of Miguel Angel Jimenez performing his stretching exercises – the more he stretched he more the crowd roared
The time has flown and we have enjoyed the camaraderie an event like this generates. We all say our goodbyes and promise to meet up next year at Lytham and St Annes.
If you get the chance to work at a golf tournament seize it with both hands. You work with some great people. You may even get to meet some of the World’s great golfers if you are lucky enough to work inside the ropes – and that is something you can’t buy at any price.
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