In Golf We Trust

Abu Dhabi Golf Club a Firm Favourite for Defending Champion

2010-01-20T21:28:47.129+00:00

On the eve of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship defending champion Paul Casey impressed by quality field and course set up

As the host venue of the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship and the home of golf in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Golf Club has developed an enviable reputation as one of the finest golf courses in world golf. As the Championship has grown so too has the quality and condition of the golf course and the prestigious event will welcome 8 of the world’s top 15 golfers for the 2010 Championship. In an interview today defending champion and world #8, Paul Casey, stated, “The course is as good as I have seen it. I thoroughly enjoy the layout and play well round here. The field is very strong this week and I am looking forward to getting out there and competing.” On the eve of the first round, a list of headline golfers from around the world line up for what is quickly becoming a must play event on the European Tour circuit.

“The Championship has grown in stature over the previous four years and once again we can welcome some of the biggest names in golf. The vision to grow golf in Abu Dhabi and the UAE has seen the Championship quickly establish itself as one of the most distinguished and coveted titles on the European Tour. The course this year has been set up immaculately; the greens are smooth and very quick, we have the fairways shaped perfectly and the whole facility has come to life as the excitement grows. Whoever wins this week will be a worthy champion.” commented Ken Kosak, General Manager, Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

The global appeal of the championship is represented by 26 countries across 6 continents, with the field being led by Europe’s #1 and #2 players in 2009, Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy; further testament to the position the golf club holds as an international championship venue. Joining them in pursuit of the coveted Falcon trophy is two-time Abu Dhabi Golf Championship winner, Paul Casey, as well as Ryder Cup stars Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Anthony Kim, and multiple US PGA Tour winners, Camillo Villegas and Geoff Ogilvy.

Now in its fifth year, the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship is set to welcome a record crowd to see some of the world’s best golfers compete for their share of the total prize fund of €1.5m. A number of spectator facilities have been introduced for the 2010 Championship including viewing platforms, an interactive Championship Village and a host of food & beverage outlets, which ensure this years’ championship is the most impressive so far.

The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship takes place at Abu Dhabi Golf Club between 21-24 January 2010.

Social Currency from Barclays...

2009-10-29T15:55:18.681125+00:00

Adam Scott on the 6th green watched by Colin Montgomerie at Loch Lomond Golf Club, July 09, 2009

It is the 27th destination to host a European Tour event on the 2009 Schedule.

Our picture editor banks at Barclays as does Roger the mechanic that works on the corner.

The event was first played in 1961 and will be the 46th edition.

The tournament was not played between 2002-2004 but returned in 2005 and won by Adam Scott.

Our very own Industry Insider played the Sentosa course and shot a brilliant 54 on the front nine which included six straight doubles. He did how ever follow it up with a respectable 41 on the back.

The event, the richest National Open in Asia is co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour.

This will be the 58th tournament sanctioned between The European and Asian Tour since the first one in 1999.

Singapore is well used to hosting European Tour events.

The 1993 and 1996 Johnnie Walker Classic were staged at Singapore Island and Tanah Merah respectively. From 2001-2007 the Singapore Masters was held; 2001 at Singapore Island and 2002-07 at Laguna National G&CC.

Facts supplied by EuropeanTour.com

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-29T15:45:20.9155+00:00

Can Maria Verchenova retain her crown as Queen of the Fairway? Time to vote and decide...

To celebrate this year's Rusty Awards, we're going to let you lot do the hard work. No, it's not us being lazy. We just thought it'd be nice to get you, the IGWT faithful, involved in the proceedings.

We've got ten Rusty Rosettes to give away in total, with all the categories listed below. So what are you waiting for? Tell your friends and get clicking.

Player Of The Year
Best Breakthrough Act
Major Of The Year
Hero Of The Year
Most Annoying Broadcaster
Hottest Female Player
Villain Of The Year
Hottest Female Celeb Golfer
Must Have Gear Of The Year
Manufacturer Of The Year

The Industry Insider

2009-10-29T15:40:11.353+00:00

Finally, IGWT get the thumbs up from the powers that be to invest in some quality journalism...

Introducing the 'Industry Insider'. The latest kit? Check. The big manufacturers? Check. The sordid rumours? Check. Three Mars Bars, a multipack of Walkers and a litre of cherry coke? Check.

By Christ does he know his golf onions, so hit him up at editorial@madeupmedia.net and he'll send a gigabyte or two of knowledge your way.

To see his first reviews on all the latest from Titleist Click Here.

His Name Is Rio...

2009-10-29T15:38:30.103+00:00

And he's hosting the 2016 Olympics. Good news for Usain Bolt, bad news if you're Tiger Woods...

So, Rio de Janeiro got its wish in the end, much to the dismay of the other cities' candidates, not least Chicago-born golfing nut, Barack Obama. Yeah, Rio has miles of lovely sandy beaches, but since when have us golfers enjoyed being in the sand, eh?

Chicago's got Cog Hill, Madrid the wonderful Campo Villa. Even Tokyo boasts a handful of the world's Top 100 tracks. And Rio? Erm, give us a minute to have a scour through Google. No, sorry, there's not much.

A fabulous city, maybe, but a distinct lack of world class courses makes you wonder whether it's the perfect excuse for the IOC's bigwigs to put golf being an Olympic off until 2020. When they'll probably end up choosing somewhere like Guatemala as host city, anyway...

The Famous Five

2009-10-29T15:16:40.353+00:00

Paddy Power are offering a fair price on the the top dogs versus the field. Surly you fancy Mickelson, Harrington, Els, Ogilvy and Hansen over Gary Murphy, Sam Hutsby, MadsVibe-Hastrup and the like*?

*seriously harsh to refer to the rest of the field as 'the like' but to be fair we haven't eaten lunch yet

Go and bet here

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-29T15:11:46.774875+00:00

Can Maria Verchenova retain her crown as Queen of the Fairway? Time to vote and decide...

Dyson Cleans Up Alfred Dunhill

2009-10-29T15:04:44.993625+00:00

As in Simon Dyson the golfer, not James Dyson the bagless vacuum cleaner designer...

England's Simon Dyson produced a (Kings)barnstorming 68 to win the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship by three shots. Despite severe winds delaying the final round until Monday, Dyson (-20) smashed through St.Andrews like it was nobody's business to establish an early grip on the title.

Third round leader Luke Donald, however, crumbled with a dissapointing 71. He'll probably blame that dodgy wrist of his...

Good thing we didn't put our house on Rory McIlroy like we were originally tempted to. Despite starting the day level with Dyson on fourteen-under-par, Rors had to settle for tied second with Oliver Wilson (both -17).

The win marks Dyson's second tour victory this year, which just leaves us to say, erm, congratulations, as they would in his home city of York.

The Industry Insider

2009-10-29T15:00:14.743625+00:00

Finally, IGWT get the thumbs up from the powers that be to invest in some quality journalism...

Introducing the 'Industry Insider'. The latest kit? Check. The big manufacturers? Check. The sordid rumours? Check. Three Mars Bars, a multipack of Walkers and a litre of cherry coke? Check.

By Christ does he know his golf onions, so hit him up at editorial@madeupmedia.net and he'll send a gigabyte or two of knowledge your way.

To see his first reviews on all the latest from Titleist Click Here.

His Name Is Rio...

2009-10-29T14:32:01.353+00:00

And he's hosting the 2016 Olympics. Good news for Usain Bolt, bad news if you're Tiger Woods...

Hole-In-One With A Difference

2009-10-29T14:27:55.837375+00:00

Brought to you by Leif Olson at the 2009 Canadian Open. You know, Leif Olson, the well-known, bona fide PGA Tour superstar...

Chav Campbell At The Viking Classic

2009-10-29T10:29:42.837375+00:00

This week, Chav explains his disappointment that he couldn't defend the tournument last year because of the Ryder Cup.

War's Over! Let's Play Golf!

2009-10-29T09:51:42.578+00:00

'Right, I'm off down to the local muni...'

On this day in 1945, a grateful Britain, still partying at the end of the Second World War, heard the crackly news announced from Royal and Ancient HQ in St Andrews that 'normal golf service shall resume'. This meant that the Open Championships, cancelled from 1940-45 due to the war, would be played at St Andrews again the next summer...

Drive For Show, Putt For Dough?

2009-10-28T15:37:02.889+00:00

Every time I study Tigers stats on PGATOUR.com something doesn't add up.

Get this, of the 93 individual statistics the PGA record, the chosen one is ranked first a massive, 38 times. Although beyond impressive, it's the fact he is ranked 22nd in putts per round and his driving accuracy is 83rd that got me... He's not brilliant at either driving or putting and yet he's still (rightfully) player of the year.

The Shark Caps Off A Big Year

2009-10-28T12:29:03.743625+00:00

Greg Norman: 'Bet Faldo can't balance a ball on his head like this...'

Drive-By Absuer

2009-10-28T10:43:11.478+00:00

llustrators Jon Link and Mick Bunnage specialise in offensive cartoons. Click, Watch and Laugh. Then visit the Modern Toss shop, which a wonderful attitude to the economy... "Buy more shit or we're all f**cked">

(I'm guessing at least eight people will complain about this video - Ed)

Visit Modern Toss here

The Auction

2009-10-27T22:28:31.203+00:00

I once helped convince my boss to spend £7,000 on Ian Poulter's golf clubs. It turned out rather nicely for the charity auction, not so much for us...

We were a small company that struggled to pay the bills, the betting started slowly so we decided to outbid ourselves? From £1,000 to £3,000 to £5,000. Eventually we 'won' at £7,000. Genius.

The golf clubs eventually got nicked from the office. What I learned? Auctions are a bad mixer with wine and don't trust workies.

Check out the IGWT charity auction advice below, then 'win' yourself a weekend fishing trip with Boo Weekly by posting a private bid here.

Rule 1. Believe nothing and check everything.

Rule 2. Assume the reserve price is exaggerate.

Rule 3. Don't let the auctioneer know too much.

Rule 4. Research the true value.

Rule 5. Get legal advice.

Rule 6. Don't bid too soon.

Rule 7. Your highest price should remain a secret.

Photo not courtesy of Steve Read, although he is one of my best mates so I'm sure he'll be ok with it? Check Steve Read Photography Here

Jim Colbert Hits The Gold Rush

2009-10-20T18:00:23.019+01:00

Jim Colbert: 'You've been hit by, you've been struck by, a smooth criminal...'

On this day in 1996, Jim Colbert eased his way to victory in the Raley’s Gold Rush Classic, five strokes ahead of second placed Dave Stockton.

The tournament was a fixture on the PGA Champions Tour until 2001, with Colbert’s 1996 win accounting for one of his twenty Champion's Tour successes, which include a major in the form of The Senior Players Championship.

Colbert, born in New Jersey in 1941, also experienced a number of wins on the PGA Tour. He claimed eight victories in total, with his most successful year coming in 1983 as he racked up two victories and reached 15th place on the PGA money list.

The man from the Garden State has his fingers in many pies; with ownership of a golf course management company, a position as an analyst on American TV network ESPN and he also helped to design his own course in Manhattan, the aptly named Colbert Hills.

Also on this day, in 1973, the world famous Sydney Opera House was declared open by Queen Elizabeth II. One of the most beautiful sights down under has wowed crowds in Australia for the past three decades, as has pop singer Dannii Minogue who celebrates her 36th birthday today.

And it’s Jomo Kenyatta! as they say in Gatundu, to Welsh female golfing extraordinaire Becky Brewerton (b.1982), X Factor judge Dannii Minogue (b.1971), iconic rapper from the West Coast who always carries an umbrella ‘for drizzle’, Snoop Dogg (b.1971) and moustache sporting Liverpool legend Ian Rush (b.1961).

Exclusive Access to Ian Poulter's Closet

2009-10-20T17:08:11.534+01:00

That's right exclusive access to Ian Poulter's closet!

A sneak peak into the wardrobe of the most famously dressed golfer in the world. We just had to ask for a tour of his closet and garage. Why the garage? Because all his shoes won't fit in the closet!

Jim Colbert Hits The Gold Rush

2009-10-20T09:47:21.406+01:00

Jim Colbert: 'You've been hit by, you've been struck by, a smooth criminal...'

Driving Range

2009-10-06T15:56:59.386+01:00

Pros take on the leading amateurs at Celtic Manor...

Later this month, Peter McEvoy leads a team against former Ryder and Solheim Cup players at the Single Figure Golfer (SFG) Challenge Tour final. Forty events across the UK provided 84 finalists but with just 10 final places available, the format mirrors the Ryder Cup and will be played on The Twenty Ten Course that will host the 2010 Ryder Cup.

Rate Peter McEvoy's Swing Here in our 'Rate My Swing Section'.

SFG is a unique online community for single figure golfers giving access to exclusive tournaments, offers, custom-made clothing and travel breaks.

Check their bad selves out at www.singlefiguregolfer.co.uk (bad meaning good, yeah?)

Golfers' Cribs No.2

2009-10-06T13:45:23.565+01:00

Golfers' Cribs No.1

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-06T13:25:45.218+01:00

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-06T13:24:31.2424345+01:00

Course You Can, Tiger

2009-10-06T13:13:45.508+01:00

Fancy a Tiger Woods design in your back garden?

Well, if you've got a few acres' worth of land and a spare $10 million, why not give his agent a ring. That's right, Mr.Woods charges a mere $10 million to put his name (and probably a bit of graft) to a golf course.

Asked whether there was any truth in Forbes magazine's recent reports that he earns $10 million a pop per design, Lord Tiger simply smiled and said, 'That would be nice.' That'll be a yes then...

Click Here to see Tiger's latest project, The Cliffs at High Carolina. Nice, but we'll take Rottingdean GC any day of the week.

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-05T16:54:00.712+01:00

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-05T16:52:04.149+01:00

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-05T16:40:35.977+01:00

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-05T16:29:25.524+01:00

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-05T16:27:03.212+01:00

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-05T14:53:37.056+01:00

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-05T14:51:04.337+01:00

The 2009 Rusty Awards

2009-10-04T17:53:09.431+01:00

Golfers' Cribs No.1

2009-10-01T13:27:16.102+01:00

Who lives in a house like this? Work it out for yourselves you lazy bunch...

Once you think you know, email this article onto one of your golfing buddies (sorry if you haven't got any) and see if they can figure it out.

And before you ask, no, the answer's not Derek Fathauer. Or Jeff Klauk for that matter. Click Here for more pics of this tasteless abode.

Making A Major Statement

2009-10-01T12:07:20.774+01:00

This Week We Love

2009-10-01T11:15:21.524+01:00

Phil Mickelson - For truimphing in the face of adversity, always having a smile on his face, representing lefties across the world, an incredible short game, winning the Tour Championship at a canter and taking Tiger's FedEx Cup limelight, albeit temporarily. Phil, we salute you!

2010 Ryder Cup Countdown - Things kick off at Celtic Manor in approximately 365 days, begging the question, is it too early to start an official countdown? Well, Sky Sports News have, so that's enough of a green light for us.

Manuel de los Santos - Born in the Dominican Republic, 25-year-old Santos lost his left leg in a car crash aged 18. Naturally, he plays off three and will be teeing it up as an amateur at this week's Alfred Dunhill Links. Click Here to see footage of this incredible bloke in action.

Breakfast - It may be the most important meal of the day, but here at InGolfWeTrust HQ, we reckon it's the most underrated as well. Our current brekkie of choice is four Weetabix with milk and sugar, or pretentious toast with loadsa Whole Earth Crunchy Peanut Butter on top.

Lucie Jones - If you follow The X Factor religiously like we do, you'll know all too well about this mighty fine Welsh beauty. If not, Google Image her immediately and start watching this weekend.

The InGolfWeTrust Tenner

2009-10-01T10:53:50.415+01:00

Turning Stone Resort Championship

So, now that this FedEx Cup malarkey is out of the way, it's time for the Fall Series. Hooray for the Fall Series! Fall what, we hear you ask? Well, it's when all the great players go home for a rest, leaving the quite good ones to bag a cheque that'll sort Christmas out for the family.

Taking the piss aside, there's some cracking value to be had this week. Picking a winner is going to be harder than getting Dannii Minogue off the botox, but put your faith in this lot and you should bag some profit.

Jeffrey Overton @ 50/1 - £1 e/w
Kevin Streelman @ 66/1 - £1 e/w
Martin Laird @ 66/1 - £1 e/w

With your last few quid, why not have a cheeky dabble in the First Round Leader market. Try £ 1 e/w on Jeev Milkha Singh @ 55/1 and American youngster Colt Knost @ 200/1. Go on, have a punt.

The Billionaire Boys Club

2009-10-01T10:22:43.024+01:00

It's offical. Tiger Woods becomes first billionaire sportsman. Take a bow, you rich git...

Forbes magazine, where would we be without it, eh? The New York City-based financial hacks confirmed that Tiger has finally hit the billion dollar earings mark, becoming the first athlete in history to do so.

Tiger's recent $10 million FedEx bonus cheque has seen his lifetime earnings soar into the billions. Here's what Forbes had to say.

'Forbes has been tracking athlete earnings since before Tiger turned pro. Woods had earned a cumulative $895 million going into 2009, by our estimates, from prize money, appearance fees, endorsements, bonuses and his golf course design business.

'If you add his $10.5 million in 2009 prize money, the FedEx bonus and his take so far this year from his more than $100 million in annual off-the-course earnings, Woods' career earnings are now 10 figures.'

Question being, what the hell do you do with a billion dollars? Well, our resident financial expert, Rik Sellers, reckons it's only a matter of time before Woods has his own NFL franchise.

Alternatively, he could give his ever-so-faithful pals at InGolfWeTrust.com (who supported him through that knee injury and have never once criticised him for being grumpy or too good at golf) a slice of the pie. A few million will do us, Tiger. It's not much to ask, is it?

Krajicek's New Career In Golf

2009-09-22T13:36:16.062+01:00

Seen on the green. Former tennis champ on tour...

With time on their hands and no financial worries, perhaps caddying is the next big thing for celebrities after they’re out of the limelight.

First, leading US political advisor Neil Oxman caddied for Tom Watson at the Open this year, helping him to the runners-up spot which was as unlucky as it was unexpected. Oxman had, in fact, been part time caddy for the eight-time major winner since 2003. Nice work if you can get it.

Earlier this year, former Wimbledon champion Richard Krajicek was seen caddying for 23-year-old Will Bessling. With proven pedigree and a clear passion for golf, we're sure he has a lot to offer the 354th ranked Dutchman, who he has managed for the last two seasons.