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It may have gone unnoticed by some of you whilst you were glued to the Ryder Cup coverage but if you sky+’d any of the coverage, just look back to when Ian Poulter walked off the 14th tee during the second round.
As Poulter walks away from the tee box, a cheerleading Anthony Kim drops a shoulder, barging Poulter on his way up the 14th fairway. Kim says he ran into Poulter by accident and that he was looking away when the two bumped but Poulter believes Kim was acting unprofessionally.
“As opposed to walking around me as I was walking off the tee, he decided to drop his right shoulder into me," Poulter told overseas outlets. "You don't need that when you're playing. It's not what you'd expect from a fellow professional."
But when Anthony Kim was asked about it, there wasn’t much mistaking the message. “Listen, I was going to bump somebody, you’re going to know I’m going to bump you. A lot of people asked me about this, but I was going over to see what – Kenny had his a shot to about a foot and a half, and I was going over there. I wasn’t even paying attention, and I look up and Ian has just bounced off me.”
“I wasn’t out there to bump anybody," Kim said. "That's not the spirit of the Ryder Cup. This isn't football. We're not out there doing that. I'm sorry he took it personally."
Whether Poulter accepts the apology we’ll have to wait and see. With Kim also winding up Sergio Garcia, he’s losing a lot of friends on the European Tour but when he’s in the form that he’s currently in, he’s probably not that bothered.
How we'd like to see it settled.
As Poulter walks away from the tee box, a cheerleading Anthony Kim drops a shoulder, barging Poulter on his way up the 14th fairway. Kim says he ran into Poulter by accident and that he was looking away when the two bumped but Poulter believes Kim was acting unprofessionally.
“As opposed to walking around me as I was walking off the tee, he decided to drop his right shoulder into me," Poulter told overseas outlets. "You don't need that when you're playing. It's not what you'd expect from a fellow professional."
But when Anthony Kim was asked about it, there wasn’t much mistaking the message. “Listen, I was going to bump somebody, you’re going to know I’m going to bump you. A lot of people asked me about this, but I was going over to see what – Kenny had his a shot to about a foot and a half, and I was going over there. I wasn’t even paying attention, and I look up and Ian has just bounced off me.”
“I wasn’t out there to bump anybody," Kim said. "That's not the spirit of the Ryder Cup. This isn't football. We're not out there doing that. I'm sorry he took it personally."
Whether Poulter accepts the apology we’ll have to wait and see. With Kim also winding up Sergio Garcia, he’s losing a lot of friends on the European Tour but when he’s in the form that he’s currently in, he’s probably not that bothered.
How we'd like to see it settled.
Colombian Camillo Villegas came from five strokes off the pace to clinch his second successive PGA Tour title, beating Sergio Garcia in a playoff for the season-ending Tour Championship.
Garcia rued a poor start to his final round, watching his overnight three-stroke advantage evaporate through Sunday.
"For whatever reason, I struggled the first 10 holes," Garcia told reporters after his bogey four at the first extra hole was trumped by the Colombian's par. "I don't know why, because I've been playing nicely and it shouldn't be any different. But I just didn't commit to my shots the way I should have and then I paid the price.”
Villegas’ par on the first extra hole earnt him the winner’s cheque for $1.26 million. Spaniard Garcia bogeyed the par-three 18th after missing the green to the right and hitting his second shot into tangly rough. The pair had finished the 72 regulation holes at East Lake Golf Club on seven-under-par 273, Villegas firing a 66 and Garcia a 71.
Camilo showing off.
The colourful Colombian appeared to have wrecked his victory bid when he double-bogeyed the sixth after dumping his tee shot into water and bogeying the seventh. But he caught fire from the eighth, rattling in six birdies in the next 10 holes.
“It’s unbelievable,” Villegas said, “It was crazy out there today, man. What a great week. I’m proud of myself after that.”
Garcia rued a poor start to his final round, watching his overnight three-stroke advantage evaporate through Sunday.
"For whatever reason, I struggled the first 10 holes," Garcia told reporters after his bogey four at the first extra hole was trumped by the Colombian's par. "I don't know why, because I've been playing nicely and it shouldn't be any different. But I just didn't commit to my shots the way I should have and then I paid the price.”
Villegas’ par on the first extra hole earnt him the winner’s cheque for $1.26 million. Spaniard Garcia bogeyed the par-three 18th after missing the green to the right and hitting his second shot into tangly rough. The pair had finished the 72 regulation holes at East Lake Golf Club on seven-under-par 273, Villegas firing a 66 and Garcia a 71.
Camilo showing off.
The colourful Colombian appeared to have wrecked his victory bid when he double-bogeyed the sixth after dumping his tee shot into water and bogeying the seventh. But he caught fire from the eighth, rattling in six birdies in the next 10 holes.
“It’s unbelievable,” Villegas said, “It was crazy out there today, man. What a great week. I’m proud of myself after that.”
Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano edged out Lee Westwood in a playoff yesterday to deny the Englishman his defence of the British Masters at the Belfry.
Gonzalo carded a flawless 67 and Westwood a 70 to end regulation play on 276 – 12-under, and after both men parred the first two extra holes, Gonzo sealed it with a par on the 3rd playoff hole after Westwood left his chip short and his par putt left.
“I think it’s probably the best of my four wins,” Fernandez-Castano said. “My season was not going very well and I was starting to get worried.”
The Spaniard proved a splash with the crowd and his fellow players after Alvaro Quiror, Pablo Larrazabal and Anton Haig decided he should celebrate with a dip in the Belfry’s chilly water and Gonzo took the plunge.
“It was cold, but it just stank. It smelt terrible, as I do now.”
It was his fourth European Tour victory and third in a play-off but Fernandez-Castano said: “This was probably the best of the four. Now I think I have qualified for the Volvo Masters at Valderrama this year. That was one of my targets.”
Gonzalo carded a flawless 67 and Westwood a 70 to end regulation play on 276 – 12-under, and after both men parred the first two extra holes, Gonzo sealed it with a par on the 3rd playoff hole after Westwood left his chip short and his par putt left.
“I think it’s probably the best of my four wins,” Fernandez-Castano said. “My season was not going very well and I was starting to get worried.”
The Spaniard proved a splash with the crowd and his fellow players after Alvaro Quiror, Pablo Larrazabal and Anton Haig decided he should celebrate with a dip in the Belfry’s chilly water and Gonzo took the plunge.
“It was cold, but it just stank. It smelt terrible, as I do now.”
It was his fourth European Tour victory and third in a play-off but Fernandez-Castano said: “This was probably the best of the four. Now I think I have qualified for the Volvo Masters at Valderrama this year. That was one of my targets.”
Because Boo Weekley has become our favourite golfer here at GP Towers (apologies Mr. Whitehouse), we look back at some of the great things to come out of his gang and mob over the years:
On St Andrews; “I didn't know it was the home of golf. I thought the home of golf was where I was from.”
After shooting a 65 at Southern Hills: “I love to play the game. But my heart is really with huntin’ and fishin.”
At the start of the Ryder Cup when asked if it was better than hunting: “No, not right now. It ain't nothing like shooting a deer.”
At the end of the Ryder Cup when asked if hunting was better than the Ryder Cup “No, I don't think so. This is more right up my alley here.”
On the food at The Open: “It's different eating here than it is at the house. Ain't got no sweet tea, and ain't got no fried chicken."
On losing his temper: “I only ever lose my temper when I’m on the golf course. I smashed my putter up pretty bad and hurled it in the garbage can. I don’t know why golf does it to me…when I don’t hit the ball good it drives me crazy.”
On being knocked out by an Orangutan: “Yeah that happened, I’m not proud of it and it was a long time ago. I was at a country fair, it was $5 a pop and there was a $50 prize fund. I was young and $50 went a long way back in 1989 – I could’ve brought a whole bunch of beers with that money – but I got knocked out cold pretty soon.”
On retiring: “I won’t be doing no course design or media stuff. I figure if I can keep hitting this golf ball well and earn some bucks along the way then hopefully I’ll have enough to go home, chill out and live high on the hog forever.”
On St Andrews; “I didn't know it was the home of golf. I thought the home of golf was where I was from.”
After shooting a 65 at Southern Hills: “I love to play the game. But my heart is really with huntin’ and fishin.”
At the start of the Ryder Cup when asked if it was better than hunting: “No, not right now. It ain't nothing like shooting a deer.”
At the end of the Ryder Cup when asked if hunting was better than the Ryder Cup “No, I don't think so. This is more right up my alley here.”
On the food at The Open: “It's different eating here than it is at the house. Ain't got no sweet tea, and ain't got no fried chicken."
On losing his temper: “I only ever lose my temper when I’m on the golf course. I smashed my putter up pretty bad and hurled it in the garbage can. I don’t know why golf does it to me…when I don’t hit the ball good it drives me crazy.”
On being knocked out by an Orangutan: “Yeah that happened, I’m not proud of it and it was a long time ago. I was at a country fair, it was $5 a pop and there was a $50 prize fund. I was young and $50 went a long way back in 1989 – I could’ve brought a whole bunch of beers with that money – but I got knocked out cold pretty soon.”
On retiring: “I won’t be doing no course design or media stuff. I figure if I can keep hitting this golf ball well and earn some bucks along the way then hopefully I’ll have enough to go home, chill out and live high on the hog forever.”
Is Michael Campbell back? After his three top ten finishes in his last four starts, could the New Zealander finally be playing the golf everybody knows he’s capable of?
Another consistent round at the British Masters yesterday left the Kiwi two shots off the lead in a nine way tie for seventh. Campbell produced five birdies but was let down by a double bogey on the ninth on his way to shooting a three-under par-69.
Lee Westwood got back to playing golf instead rather than the consistent moaning he’s been doing since the Ryder Cup with a four-under-par 68. The Englishman claimed a share of third place behind joint leaders Marcus Fraser and Mikael Lundberg.
Thomas Bjorn ended a 10-week lay off with a 69 and then spoke about the Ryder Cup captaincy. The Dane has ruled himself out of the role but as chairman of the players’ committee is expected to make a decision early next year.
"All doors are open for everybody at the moment," Bjorn said. "We'll come up with what we think is the right decision - some people might disagree and some people will agree. That's all we can do."
Another consistent round at the British Masters yesterday left the Kiwi two shots off the lead in a nine way tie for seventh. Campbell produced five birdies but was let down by a double bogey on the ninth on his way to shooting a three-under par-69.
Lee Westwood got back to playing golf instead rather than the consistent moaning he’s been doing since the Ryder Cup with a four-under-par 68. The Englishman claimed a share of third place behind joint leaders Marcus Fraser and Mikael Lundberg.
Thomas Bjorn ended a 10-week lay off with a 69 and then spoke about the Ryder Cup captaincy. The Dane has ruled himself out of the role but as chairman of the players’ committee is expected to make a decision early next year.
"All doors are open for everybody at the moment," Bjorn said. "We'll come up with what we think is the right decision - some people might disagree and some people will agree. That's all we can do."
The FedEx Cup may be all but over but one Ryder Cup Rookie is showing no signs of letdown. Anthony Kim seized a four-shot lead in the US PGA Tour Championship as he nabbed eight birdies in a six-under 64.
Kim had spearheaded the American’s effort in Sundays closing singles as he thrashed European Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia 5&4 in the first match of the day. Four days on and Kim finds himself with a comfortable lead in an elite 30-man field.
In testing windy conditions at East Lake, only five players managed to break par. World number two, Phil Mickelson, South African Ernie Els and Masters champion Trevor Immelman share second place on 68 and KJ Choi is a further stroke back on 69.
Vijay Singh, who only has to complete the 72 holes to clinch a $10 million bonus as the winner of the FedEx Cup playoff series, struggled to a three-over 73. Singh had a nightmare start with four bogeys in his first eight holes, but was somewhat steadier coming home.
"The course is playing a lot tougher than I had heard about," Kim said. "I thought the winning score was going to be around 20-under again, and I don't think it's going to get there."
Kim said he had sorted out a putting problem on the practice green that helped him on the firm, fast greens, which have been replanted since last year. "I figured something out on the putting green this morning," he said. "It was the most basic thing, to keep your eye on the ball. Now I've got that under control, I'm going to try to make some more putts. Almost everything in my game was clicking pretty well out there."
Kim had spearheaded the American’s effort in Sundays closing singles as he thrashed European Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia 5&4 in the first match of the day. Four days on and Kim finds himself with a comfortable lead in an elite 30-man field.
In testing windy conditions at East Lake, only five players managed to break par. World number two, Phil Mickelson, South African Ernie Els and Masters champion Trevor Immelman share second place on 68 and KJ Choi is a further stroke back on 69.
Vijay Singh, who only has to complete the 72 holes to clinch a $10 million bonus as the winner of the FedEx Cup playoff series, struggled to a three-over 73. Singh had a nightmare start with four bogeys in his first eight holes, but was somewhat steadier coming home.
"The course is playing a lot tougher than I had heard about," Kim said. "I thought the winning score was going to be around 20-under again, and I don't think it's going to get there."
Kim said he had sorted out a putting problem on the practice green that helped him on the firm, fast greens, which have been replanted since last year. "I figured something out on the putting green this morning," he said. "It was the most basic thing, to keep your eye on the ball. Now I've got that under control, I'm going to try to make some more putts. Almost everything in my game was clicking pretty well out there."
Now we’re over the disappointment of losing to the Yanks in the Ryder Cup, focus can now turn to 2010, and the Celtic Manor in Wales.
One big question on everyone’s mind is who will lead the team in pursuit of the recapture of the Samuel Ryder trophy. The bookies current favourite is Jose Maria Olazabal but he’s been heard saying he would rather compete in the next Ryder Cup, not captain it.
One man that is being touted is Sandy Lyle, one of Europe’s ‘Big Five’ in the 1980’s and who is yet to captain the team, and Monty is all for it. “It’d be a shame if it wasn’t Sandy. There’s no other outstanding candidate,” said the Scot.
"Why do they keep ignoring?"
Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam have all captained the Ryder Cup team, leaving Lyle as the odd one out. Montgomerie said “Ian Woosnam did such a great job in Ireland and who’s to say he couldn’t do it again in his home country, but Sandy’s time is around now and he hasn’t done it before so you’d have to put him as favourite.
Other names in the running are; Ian Woosnam, Thomas Bjorn, and Paul McGinley.
One big question on everyone’s mind is who will lead the team in pursuit of the recapture of the Samuel Ryder trophy. The bookies current favourite is Jose Maria Olazabal but he’s been heard saying he would rather compete in the next Ryder Cup, not captain it.
One man that is being touted is Sandy Lyle, one of Europe’s ‘Big Five’ in the 1980’s and who is yet to captain the team, and Monty is all for it. “It’d be a shame if it wasn’t Sandy. There’s no other outstanding candidate,” said the Scot.
"Why do they keep ignoring?"
Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam have all captained the Ryder Cup team, leaving Lyle as the odd one out. Montgomerie said “Ian Woosnam did such a great job in Ireland and who’s to say he couldn’t do it again in his home country, but Sandy’s time is around now and he hasn’t done it before so you’d have to put him as favourite.
Other names in the running are; Ian Woosnam, Thomas Bjorn, and Paul McGinley.
The No.1 pick in the 2006 draft tore two ligaments in his right knee during a recent golf outing and is expected to miss the entire season.
Erik Johnson, the St Louis Blues defenceman, was injured during a team golf outing when his right foot got caught between the accelerator and the brake of his golf cart.
Last season, as a rookie, Johnson appeared in 69 games with the Blues, recording five goals, 28 assists and 28 penalty minutes.
Clubfoot Johnson, not smiling now.
“To say Erik is distraught would be using a kind word,” said team president John Davidson last night. “In our business you get a few curveballs. This is a pretty good curveball.”
A second MRI test on Tuesday confirmed the worst for the Blues as Johnson, who is considered the centrepiece of the team’s youth movement, will miss the National Hockey League season.
Erik Johnson, the St Louis Blues defenceman, was injured during a team golf outing when his right foot got caught between the accelerator and the brake of his golf cart.
Last season, as a rookie, Johnson appeared in 69 games with the Blues, recording five goals, 28 assists and 28 penalty minutes.
Clubfoot Johnson, not smiling now.
“To say Erik is distraught would be using a kind word,” said team president John Davidson last night. “In our business you get a few curveballs. This is a pretty good curveball.”
A second MRI test on Tuesday confirmed the worst for the Blues as Johnson, who is considered the centrepiece of the team’s youth movement, will miss the National Hockey League season.
Former PGA Championship winner Davis Love III, who set up a foundation to improve the lives of vulnerable children and their families, won the Payne Stewart Award on Tuesday.
Each year the award is given to a player who reflects the late Stewart’s respect for the traditions of the game, commitment to charitable support and professional presentation of him through dress and conduct.
“Davis epitomises everything that the Payne Stewart Award stands for in his integrity, sportsmanship and spirit of giving back,” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement. “He truly understands what it means to be a role model and has been a great ambassador for the PGA Tour and the sport of golf, both on and off the field of competition.”
Love has been one of the games most popular players since he became a professional in 1986. He has represented the United States on six Ryder Cup and six Presidents Cup teams and has won 19 tournaments, including the 1997 PGA Championship, his only major title.
“Stewart stood for what was great about the game,” Love said. “He played it with passion, and he carried on tradition and a lot of the things that the next generation beyond me and generations after that need to appreciate.”
Previous winners of the award are; Byron Nelson, Jack Nickalus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw, Nick Price, Tom Watson, Jay Haas, Brad Faxon, Gary Player and Hal Sutton.
Davis Love III lovely bloke.
Each year the award is given to a player who reflects the late Stewart’s respect for the traditions of the game, commitment to charitable support and professional presentation of him through dress and conduct.
“Davis epitomises everything that the Payne Stewart Award stands for in his integrity, sportsmanship and spirit of giving back,” PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem said in a statement. “He truly understands what it means to be a role model and has been a great ambassador for the PGA Tour and the sport of golf, both on and off the field of competition.”
Love has been one of the games most popular players since he became a professional in 1986. He has represented the United States on six Ryder Cup and six Presidents Cup teams and has won 19 tournaments, including the 1997 PGA Championship, his only major title.
“Stewart stood for what was great about the game,” Love said. “He played it with passion, and he carried on tradition and a lot of the things that the next generation beyond me and generations after that need to appreciate.”
Previous winners of the award are; Byron Nelson, Jack Nickalus, Arnold Palmer, Ben Crenshaw, Nick Price, Tom Watson, Jay Haas, Brad Faxon, Gary Player and Hal Sutton.
Davis Love III lovely bloke.
The U.S.A may have cause for celebration after their Ryder Cup win last weekend, but one thing that we here at GP Towers got out of our Ryder Cup caper is the return of the plus-four to golf’s fashion scene.
Having rocked up to Moortown Golf Club last Thursday, fitted head to toe in full 1920’s golf dress, the talk of the office is when will the look come back into fashion?
Well wait no longer because the introduction of Andre Benjamin’s (a.k.a Andre 3000, Ice Cold or ‘Dre) clothing line, Benjamin Bixby, is bringing the plus-four back with a vengeance.
Anyone who has ever seen a televised Andre appearance knows the Atlanta MC has a flair for tailored flamboyance. Now fans of Andre’s distinctive style can snag a piece for themselves.
The look is a late 1930’s inspired line drawn from old college documentaries and is envisioned by Andre as someone “kind of like your uncle, or your granddad, and he has a closest full of experiences and clothes, and he’s been around the world.”
Not an idiot.
With rumours circulating that Ian Pouter wants to bring the look back into his designs, look out for the old school Walter Hagan look coming to a course near you soon.
Having rocked up to Moortown Golf Club last Thursday, fitted head to toe in full 1920’s golf dress, the talk of the office is when will the look come back into fashion?
Idiots.
Well wait no longer because the introduction of Andre Benjamin’s (a.k.a Andre 3000, Ice Cold or ‘Dre) clothing line, Benjamin Bixby, is bringing the plus-four back with a vengeance.
Anyone who has ever seen a televised Andre appearance knows the Atlanta MC has a flair for tailored flamboyance. Now fans of Andre’s distinctive style can snag a piece for themselves.
The look is a late 1930’s inspired line drawn from old college documentaries and is envisioned by Andre as someone “kind of like your uncle, or your granddad, and he has a closest full of experiences and clothes, and he’s been around the world.”
Not an idiot.
With rumours circulating that Ian Pouter wants to bring the look back into his designs, look out for the old school Walter Hagan look coming to a course near you soon.
The FedEx Cup playoffs limp to a anti-climatic finish at this weeks Tour Championship with Vijay Singh all but secured the $10 million cheque before Thursday’s opening round.
After winning the first two of the four lucrative playoff events, if the big Fijian can get around through to Sunday, then he will pocket $9 million in cash, with $1 million deferred.
Consequently, the event is a bit of a damp squib. In the pre-FedEX days, the Tour Championship was an important event but not just because of the huge prize money. Limited to the top-30 money earners, it was always more or less a contest between the best 30 players.
However because of the FedEX Cup scoring system, numerous big names have missed the final cut but ten of America’s new Ryder Cup heroes will be in attendance, along with Sergio Garcia.
Vijay trying to win $9 million standig on one leg.
So with the outcome pretty much decided, it could be a case of watching Sergio proving himself after his woeful Ryder Cup, or watching players like Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan enjoying their final tournament of the season.
Twelve months ago, six players went into the Tour Championship with a chance of winning before Tiger triumphed to become the overall champion. This year six has become one and PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem accepts further tweaking of the points system is needed to improve the four-event finale.
“The reality is the No. 1 position in the FedEx Cup is sewn up before we get to Atlanta and that was not supposed to be a part of the equation. But I don’t think this week is irrelevant now. If you just think about the fact that some $22 million is at stake among these top-30 players in the world, so that means a lot.”
After winning the first two of the four lucrative playoff events, if the big Fijian can get around through to Sunday, then he will pocket $9 million in cash, with $1 million deferred.
Consequently, the event is a bit of a damp squib. In the pre-FedEX days, the Tour Championship was an important event but not just because of the huge prize money. Limited to the top-30 money earners, it was always more or less a contest between the best 30 players.
However because of the FedEX Cup scoring system, numerous big names have missed the final cut but ten of America’s new Ryder Cup heroes will be in attendance, along with Sergio Garcia.
Vijay trying to win $9 million standig on one leg.
So with the outcome pretty much decided, it could be a case of watching Sergio proving himself after his woeful Ryder Cup, or watching players like Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan enjoying their final tournament of the season.
Twelve months ago, six players went into the Tour Championship with a chance of winning before Tiger triumphed to become the overall champion. This year six has become one and PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem accepts further tweaking of the points system is needed to improve the four-event finale.
“The reality is the No. 1 position in the FedEx Cup is sewn up before we get to Atlanta and that was not supposed to be a part of the equation. But I don’t think this week is irrelevant now. If you just think about the fact that some $22 million is at stake among these top-30 players in the world, so that means a lot.”
After the disappointment of the Ryder Cup, the British Masters hopes to reinvigorate the European golfing fraternity at the Belfry this weekend.
The tough Midlands’ venue, designed by former Ryder Cup duo Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas is certainly no pushover. The flat, tree-lined course has plenty of water, so good course management is always important.
After the late withdrawal of Oliver Wilson, only two of the team that made it to Valhalla will compete and Lee Westwood will have something to prove after his sole point from four matches.
Graeme McDowell was one of the success stories in Kentucky, especially given that he was a rookie, and his Scottish Open victory in July will give him the belief that he can go on and be successful in this tournament. His singles victory over Stewart Cink will mean his confidence will be high.
Michael Campbell seems to be on the way back to the form we know he is capable of. Three top ten finishes in his last four starts suggests that he should be up there competing and his 4th place last year and 5th place the year before shows his comfort zone in this competition.
However, we here at GP Towers will be fully behind our new favourite golfer Tom Whitehouse as he looks to triumph at his local course.
The tough Midlands’ venue, designed by former Ryder Cup duo Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas is certainly no pushover. The flat, tree-lined course has plenty of water, so good course management is always important.
After the late withdrawal of Oliver Wilson, only two of the team that made it to Valhalla will compete and Lee Westwood will have something to prove after his sole point from four matches.
Graeme McDowell was one of the success stories in Kentucky, especially given that he was a rookie, and his Scottish Open victory in July will give him the belief that he can go on and be successful in this tournament. His singles victory over Stewart Cink will mean his confidence will be high.
Michael Campbell seems to be on the way back to the form we know he is capable of. Three top ten finishes in his last four starts suggests that he should be up there competing and his 4th place last year and 5th place the year before shows his comfort zone in this competition.
However, we here at GP Towers will be fully behind our new favourite golfer Tom Whitehouse as he looks to triumph at his local course.
After a weekend of inspired competition, it was left up to one man to steal the show. The single indelible image of Thomas Brent ‘Boo’ Weekley galloping down the first fairway, doing the ‘Happy Gilmore’ dance was the goofiest, yet most dazzling display of bravado the Ryder Cup has witnessed.
What professional golfer does that? At the Ryder Cup? On Sunday at the Ryder Cup? Only one man could be so cluelessly cavalier. It was completely preposterous but it was so wonderfully Weekley.
“That’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Paul Azinger. “I couldn’t stop laughing,” said Jim Furyk. Boo Weekley’s daily doses of slapstick humour were the gel that bound the American team together.
The cheerleading, tobacco-chewing, Westwood-frosting tour de force at this Ryder Cup is the world’s most popular golfer this morning. “It ain’t about me,” Weekley said. “There ain’t no ‘I’ on this team. We’re playing for that flag.”
On Saturday, Weekley said this about the adrenaline surging through him in this competition, “I feel like a dog that somebody done stuck a needle to and it juiced me up like I’ve been running around a greyhound track chasing one of them bunnies.”
On Sunday, someone asked Weekley what the rabbit tasted like now that he’d caught up with it.
“Chicken.”
Brilliant.
What professional golfer does that? At the Ryder Cup? On Sunday at the Ryder Cup? Only one man could be so cluelessly cavalier. It was completely preposterous but it was so wonderfully Weekley.
“That’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen in my life,” said Paul Azinger. “I couldn’t stop laughing,” said Jim Furyk. Boo Weekley’s daily doses of slapstick humour were the gel that bound the American team together.
The cheerleading, tobacco-chewing, Westwood-frosting tour de force at this Ryder Cup is the world’s most popular golfer this morning. “It ain’t about me,” Weekley said. “There ain’t no ‘I’ on this team. We’re playing for that flag.”
On Saturday, Weekley said this about the adrenaline surging through him in this competition, “I feel like a dog that somebody done stuck a needle to and it juiced me up like I’ve been running around a greyhound track chasing one of them bunnies.”
On Sunday, someone asked Weekley what the rabbit tasted like now that he’d caught up with it.
“Chicken.”
Brilliant.
Boo and Ben (not a flower pot in sight).
It was Sunday 31st August when Nick Faldo shocked the golfing fraternity by picking Ian Poulter over Darren Clarke for the Ryder Cup. But it was Sunday 21st September when Poulter silenced all of his critics with a fantastic display that unfortunately couldn’t inspire his fellow teammates to victory over the Americans.
Poulter’s decision to not chance his luck at the final European qualifying event for a possible automatic team spot, instead compete in a Fed-Ex event in America, meant that many thought he was putting his career ahead of the teams.
But given how successful Poults is when he places himself in the eye of a storm, perhaps it shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise that the flamboyant Englishman turned out to be Europe’s most driven Ryder Cup competitor at Valhalla.
The leading scorer on either team with four points out of a possible five, Poulter’s form was red hot over the three days and with Sergio Garcia completely out of touch, It was up to Poulter to take on the Spaniards role and galvanise the troops.
Clearly emotional and close to tears, you could not but feel sorry for the man from Milton Keynes after the Americans were victorious thanks to Jim Furyk’s point against Miguel Angel Jiminez.
“I’m a bit deflated to be honest,” he said. “It’s all about the team this week and we’ve come up short. We were all feeling great, buzzing after yesterday (Saturday) but we got beaten. It’s just such a shame. But it’s been a good week and a disappointing week all in one.”
Poulter’s decision to not chance his luck at the final European qualifying event for a possible automatic team spot, instead compete in a Fed-Ex event in America, meant that many thought he was putting his career ahead of the teams.
But given how successful Poults is when he places himself in the eye of a storm, perhaps it shouldn’t have come as much of a surprise that the flamboyant Englishman turned out to be Europe’s most driven Ryder Cup competitor at Valhalla.
FootballPunk.
The leading scorer on either team with four points out of a possible five, Poulter’s form was red hot over the three days and with Sergio Garcia completely out of touch, It was up to Poulter to take on the Spaniards role and galvanise the troops.
Clearly emotional and close to tears, you could not but feel sorry for the man from Milton Keynes after the Americans were victorious thanks to Jim Furyk’s point against Miguel Angel Jiminez.
“I’m a bit deflated to be honest,” he said. “It’s all about the team this week and we’ve come up short. We were all feeling great, buzzing after yesterday (Saturday) but we got beaten. It’s just such a shame. But it’s been a good week and a disappointing week all in one.”
Unfortunately for us Europeans, the performances of Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell and Justin Rose just couldn’t inspire the rest of the team to pick up their games as they tried to conquer the American lead on the final day of the Ryder Cup.
When Padriag Harrington & Robert Karlsson stepped onto the tee to face Phil Mickleson & Anthony Kim in the first foursome on Friday, all eyes were on how many points Europe would win by. Come Friday evening and the U.S. were not just in contention, but they were leading 51/2 points – 21/2 points.
Superb performances by Justin Leonard & Hunter Mahan and disappearing acts from Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia meant that the European team were struggling going into Saturday. Although a mini-revival thanks to the European rookies and Ian Poulter meant we won Saturday, Sunday was always going to be difficult.
And when the European stalwarts couldn’t raise their games in the singles, Sergio having the worst Ryder Cup of his career, Padraig Harrington looking like he could do with a nice long kip and Lee Westwood was more worried about Boo Weekley’s antics, it was left to players like Oliver Wilson, Soren Hansen and Graeme McDowell, all European rookies, to save the day.
A spirited fight ensued but it just wasn’t enough to save the trophy from entering the American hands.
When Padriag Harrington & Robert Karlsson stepped onto the tee to face Phil Mickleson & Anthony Kim in the first foursome on Friday, all eyes were on how many points Europe would win by. Come Friday evening and the U.S. were not just in contention, but they were leading 51/2 points – 21/2 points.
Superb performances by Justin Leonard & Hunter Mahan and disappearing acts from Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia meant that the European team were struggling going into Saturday. Although a mini-revival thanks to the European rookies and Ian Poulter meant we won Saturday, Sunday was always going to be difficult.
And when the European stalwarts couldn’t raise their games in the singles, Sergio having the worst Ryder Cup of his career, Padraig Harrington looking like he could do with a nice long kip and Lee Westwood was more worried about Boo Weekley’s antics, it was left to players like Oliver Wilson, Soren Hansen and Graeme McDowell, all European rookies, to save the day.
A spirited fight ensued but it just wasn’t enough to save the trophy from entering the American hands.
What a weekend. Despite the result the 37th Ryder Cup was a joy to watch. Valhalla was the scene of some great golf.
The inquest into Europes failure to extend our nine year domination in this competition has started with fingers being pointed at three of the biggest players Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia. The winners of two majors, the Players Championship and a US Open runner up picked up 2 and half points between them.
When you think controversial pick Ian Poulter picked up four points on his own their contribution has to be questioned. Add to that Garcia and Westwood were the top scoring Europeans in 2006 and 2004 you’d have to say they under performed in 2008.
And what of Faldo’s captaincy? Some harsh things were said about Han Solo’s performance in the opening ceremony and subsequent press conferences. A few eyebrows were raised the handling of his players and when he played them. Inevitably there will be stories leaked about what went on behind the scenes. Until then we’ll keep our own council.
Congratulations Team USA, at least you made it a game again.
We have to concede the best team won.
"Do you remember when the USA last won the Ryder Cup?"
"Nope."
The inquest into Europes failure to extend our nine year domination in this competition has started with fingers being pointed at three of the biggest players Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia. The winners of two majors, the Players Championship and a US Open runner up picked up 2 and half points between them.
When you think controversial pick Ian Poulter picked up four points on his own their contribution has to be questioned. Add to that Garcia and Westwood were the top scoring Europeans in 2006 and 2004 you’d have to say they under performed in 2008.
And what of Faldo’s captaincy? Some harsh things were said about Han Solo’s performance in the opening ceremony and subsequent press conferences. A few eyebrows were raised the handling of his players and when he played them. Inevitably there will be stories leaked about what went on behind the scenes. Until then we’ll keep our own council.
Congratulations Team USA, at least you made it a game again.
We have to concede the best team won.
"Do you remember when the USA last won the Ryder Cup?"
"Nope."
We’re not bitter, honest.
Stuck for places to watch the social event of the golfing calendar? Take a leaf out of our book and follow our latest caper around the motherland as we hook up with fellow GolfPunk’s Tom Whitehouse, Kenneth Ferrie and a host of others as we take in the spectacle of the Ryder Cup from a different site each night.
You can find us at the Wynyard Golf Club Friday night, the Belfry’s very own nightclub, The Bel Air, on Saturday and City Bunker in Canary Wharf on the Sunday where we will follow the Ryder Cup well into the early hours.
But if you can’t keep up with all of that, then try out yourgolftravel.com to book your own Ryder Cup Sunday experience. The London based company has put together a selection of packages across the country for you GolfPunks the perfect way to experience the final day of Golf’s biggest competition.
These packages include two rounds of golf, one Sunday lunchtime and one Monday morning, accommodation with dinner and breakfast and access to a private room with big screens showcasing the event until the early hours of the morning.
Packages start from £75 but there are limited places available. To book call 0800 043 6644 or visit www.yourgolftravel.com/tournament-sundays.html
If you can’t join us, stay tuned to our blog for the latest Ryder Cup shenanigans, mischief and pranks as we venture around the country taking in the greatest golf tournament of the year.
Same again will be fine boys.
You can find us at the Wynyard Golf Club Friday night, the Belfry’s very own nightclub, The Bel Air, on Saturday and City Bunker in Canary Wharf on the Sunday where we will follow the Ryder Cup well into the early hours.
But if you can’t keep up with all of that, then try out yourgolftravel.com to book your own Ryder Cup Sunday experience. The London based company has put together a selection of packages across the country for you GolfPunks the perfect way to experience the final day of Golf’s biggest competition.
These packages include two rounds of golf, one Sunday lunchtime and one Monday morning, accommodation with dinner and breakfast and access to a private room with big screens showcasing the event until the early hours of the morning.
Packages start from £75 but there are limited places available. To book call 0800 043 6644 or visit www.yourgolftravel.com/tournament-sundays.html
If you can’t join us, stay tuned to our blog for the latest Ryder Cup shenanigans, mischief and pranks as we venture around the country taking in the greatest golf tournament of the year.
Same again will be fine boys.
Part-time runway model and LPGA tour rookie Anna Rawson has decided to hand out her mobile number, presumably to make it easier for all the would-be stalkers and nut jobs to pursue their creepy hobbies.
At the age of 16, she was a finalist for a cover girl contest for Australia's "Dolly" magazine. That led to runway and modeling assignments and a modeling contract with an agency in Los Angeles, home to USC. She continued to model in her first year in college, but the final three years spent her time concentrating on golf. After her college career, she was offered an opportunity to do some modeling in Australia.
When she’s not at the course, she keeps tabs on the other part of her professional life, which has included a two-page spread in the current issue of "Men's Health" magazine and a new venture — mobile phone messaging. Rawson is the first professional golfer to establish a mobile phone number her fans can call and leave messages for her.
Now for the good bit, you can contact Anna on – (America) 213-785-7675 – and leave Anna a personal message. Apparently she has started listening to some messages and is going to return some of the calls.
But play nice people. Anna is our mate so if we hear of any rude or hurtful messages we’ll track you down and use you as a trampoline.
Rawson shot a 5-under 67 Thursday to share the lead after the opening round of the inaugural Bell Micro LPGA Classic at Mobile, Ala.
At the age of 16, she was a finalist for a cover girl contest for Australia's "Dolly" magazine. That led to runway and modeling assignments and a modeling contract with an agency in Los Angeles, home to USC. She continued to model in her first year in college, but the final three years spent her time concentrating on golf. After her college career, she was offered an opportunity to do some modeling in Australia.
When she’s not at the course, she keeps tabs on the other part of her professional life, which has included a two-page spread in the current issue of "Men's Health" magazine and a new venture — mobile phone messaging. Rawson is the first professional golfer to establish a mobile phone number her fans can call and leave messages for her.
Now for the good bit, you can contact Anna on – (America) 213-785-7675 – and leave Anna a personal message. Apparently she has started listening to some messages and is going to return some of the calls.
But play nice people. Anna is our mate so if we hear of any rude or hurtful messages we’ll track you down and use you as a trampoline.
Rawson shot a 5-under 67 Thursday to share the lead after the opening round of the inaugural Bell Micro LPGA Classic at Mobile, Ala.
Richard Finch and Jean-Francois Lucquin share the lead after the first round of the Mercedes Benz Championship, both shooting rounds of 66 on Thursday.
Irish Open winner, Finch birdied five of his first seven holes with four more birdies on the back nine. Two bogeys at 8 and 9 were the only flaws in an otherwise very decent round. "I am very pleased and delighted," the 31-year-old Englishman said. "It's the first time I played the tournament and I am glad I just gave myself a chance for all these birdies.
Robert Karlsson, one of four European players using the event to warm up for the Ryder Cup next week was back in third, showing no signs of his recent neck injury. Defending champion Soren Hansen, another member of the Ryder Cup team shot a 73 in his attempt to become the first player to retain the title.
Our other two Ryder Cup stalwarts, Graeme McDowell and Miguel Angel Jiminez, both shot rounds of even par to keep them in contention heading into today’s play.
We couldn’t find any highlights so check out this old ad for a BMW.
Irish Open winner, Finch birdied five of his first seven holes with four more birdies on the back nine. Two bogeys at 8 and 9 were the only flaws in an otherwise very decent round. "I am very pleased and delighted," the 31-year-old Englishman said. "It's the first time I played the tournament and I am glad I just gave myself a chance for all these birdies.
Robert Karlsson, one of four European players using the event to warm up for the Ryder Cup next week was back in third, showing no signs of his recent neck injury. Defending champion Soren Hansen, another member of the Ryder Cup team shot a 73 in his attempt to become the first player to retain the title.
Our other two Ryder Cup stalwarts, Graeme McDowell and Miguel Angel Jiminez, both shot rounds of even par to keep them in contention heading into today’s play.
We couldn’t find any highlights so check out this old ad for a BMW.
On the back of yesterdays shocking discovery at Carnoustie, the police have named the victim as Robert Higgins, 51, of Barry near Carnoustie.
The death is being treated as suspicious and a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal. The post-mortem was carried out and Tayside Police said further forensic examination would take place.
A police spokesman said, “Whilst detectives have spoken to a significant number of witnesses during the investigation so far, they are still keen to speak to anyone who might help officers to piece together the deceased’s movements during Tuesday evening and into the early hours of Wednesday.”
The last known sighting of him was at the end of the pathway in McDonald Smith Drive that leads to the railway level crossing or the footbridge shortly after midnight. Anyone with information or who saw Mr Higgins on Tuesday night is urged to contact police.
The death is being treated as suspicious and a report has been sent to the procurator fiscal. The post-mortem was carried out and Tayside Police said further forensic examination would take place.
A police spokesman said, “Whilst detectives have spoken to a significant number of witnesses during the investigation so far, they are still keen to speak to anyone who might help officers to piece together the deceased’s movements during Tuesday evening and into the early hours of Wednesday.”
The last known sighting of him was at the end of the pathway in McDonald Smith Drive that leads to the railway level crossing or the footbridge shortly after midnight. Anyone with information or who saw Mr Higgins on Tuesday night is urged to contact police.
With the Ryder Cup fast approaching, rumours are rife and debates are being disputed on everything from shirt/trouser combos to the pairings. With four European players making their Ryder Cup debuts in Valhalla, Nick Faldo will have his work cut out selecting his pairings.
Ryder Cup rookie Graeme McDowell believes there’s not a huge amount of obvious pairings. “It’s tough, maybe Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson,” he said, “We’ve been toying with ideas the past few days, trying to match players up. It’s a difficult team to put together.”
“Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia sound obvious but Nick has mentioned he’s looking to guys like that to put an arm around some of the younger players,” added McDowell.
With some of the more established partnerships of previous Ryder Cup’s not available due to the absence of Monty, Clarke and Donald, it’s going to be a difficult decision for Faldo whether to mix youth and experience or put his best players together.
Our reckoning on the pairings: Garcia & Jiminez, Harrington & McDowell, Stenson & Karlsson and Westwood & Poulter. Watch this space.
Ryder Cup rookie Graeme McDowell believes there’s not a huge amount of obvious pairings. “It’s tough, maybe Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson,” he said, “We’ve been toying with ideas the past few days, trying to match players up. It’s a difficult team to put together.”
“Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia sound obvious but Nick has mentioned he’s looking to guys like that to put an arm around some of the younger players,” added McDowell.
With some of the more established partnerships of previous Ryder Cup’s not available due to the absence of Monty, Clarke and Donald, it’s going to be a difficult decision for Faldo whether to mix youth and experience or put his best players together.
Our reckoning on the pairings: Garcia & Jiminez, Harrington & McDowell, Stenson & Karlsson and Westwood & Poulter. Watch this space.
The latest pairing.
“I’m pretty much a natural athlete,” says Eleanor Rubenstein, the neighbourhood queen of golf and tennis in Beaverton, Oregon. At an age where her contemporaries are confined to a more dormant lifestyle, Rubenstein continues to light up the fairways at the ripe old age of 96.
A fine tennis player in her heyday, Rubenstein was forced to abandon the game four years ago after realising her legs couldn’t take the heat. Now Rubenstein replaces her weekly game of tennis with rounds of golf her local Claremont course. “I grew up on golf, it was my game as a girl. I play as much as I can,” Rubinstein said, “which isn’t nearly enough, if I get a game in a week, I’m very lucky.”
Rubenstein has converted some of her old tennis friends to the wonderful world of golf but it is more of a family affair when it comes to her playing time, “usually I play with my own children, they love golf.” Rubenstein’s daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all love sport as much as Rubenstein does, but it was Rubenstein who was the original athlete of the family.
“My father loved to watch sports but he didn’t play them,” Rubinstein said. “And my mother was totally a lady. My parents didn’t discourage me from playing, because it didn’t do a lot of good.”
A fine tennis player in her heyday, Rubenstein was forced to abandon the game four years ago after realising her legs couldn’t take the heat. Now Rubenstein replaces her weekly game of tennis with rounds of golf her local Claremont course. “I grew up on golf, it was my game as a girl. I play as much as I can,” Rubinstein said, “which isn’t nearly enough, if I get a game in a week, I’m very lucky.”
Rubenstein has converted some of her old tennis friends to the wonderful world of golf but it is more of a family affair when it comes to her playing time, “usually I play with my own children, they love golf.” Rubenstein’s daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren all love sport as much as Rubenstein does, but it was Rubenstein who was the original athlete of the family.
“My father loved to watch sports but he didn’t play them,” Rubinstein said. “And my mother was totally a lady. My parents didn’t discourage me from playing, because it didn’t do a lot of good.”
Rabbit burrows, molehills and damaged grass are some of the things a greenkeeper would be on the lookout for during his early morning walk of the course. So imagine the horror one young greenkeeper felt when unearthing a burning body found at one of Scotland’s most prestigious golf courses yesterday.
The horrific discovery was made as the greenkeeper began preparing the Buddon links course at Carnoustie for the day’s play. Lying in an open stretch of ground close to the 11th tee, the charred corpse of the man was burned beyond recognition. The body was still in flames and the state of remains sparked rumours that the man had been mutilated.
All play at the three courses at Carnoustie was suspended for more than two hours after the discovery was made and the Buddon course remained closed through the night.
Detective Chief Inspector Graham McMillan confirmed, “We are treating this as a serious, suspicious incident. We are following a number of lines of inquiry at the moment – key amongst which is trying to identify who this man is.”
A detailed post-mortem examination will be carried out in Dundee this morning and will reveal whether he died as a result of murder or suicide.
The horrific discovery was made as the greenkeeper began preparing the Buddon links course at Carnoustie for the day’s play. Lying in an open stretch of ground close to the 11th tee, the charred corpse of the man was burned beyond recognition. The body was still in flames and the state of remains sparked rumours that the man had been mutilated.
All play at the three courses at Carnoustie was suspended for more than two hours after the discovery was made and the Buddon course remained closed through the night.
Detective Chief Inspector Graham McMillan confirmed, “We are treating this as a serious, suspicious incident. We are following a number of lines of inquiry at the moment – key amongst which is trying to identify who this man is.”
A detailed post-mortem examination will be carried out in Dundee this morning and will reveal whether he died as a result of murder or suicide.
Listening to a radio interview on Talksport this afternoon e heard these immortal words from the voice of golf.
"Tiger's a remarkable talent...I've had the privilage of watching a few greats like Federer at tennis or Phil Taylor at darts".
The arrows have long been the second sport at GP Towers and Pete proves he's a man after our own hea
"Tiger's a remarkable talent...I've had the privilage of watching a few greats like Federer at tennis or Phil Taylor at darts".
The arrows have long been the second sport at GP Towers and Pete proves he's a man after our own hea