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You Do The Math...

Jack Nicklaus's career winnings multiplied by 3 = $17,142,846

Tiger Woods winnings from the 25 WGC events to be held to date = $17,182,000

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WGC Bridgestone Invitational Preview – Firestone Country Club, Akron, Ohio

"The pretzel stand? It's just over there Monty..."

On the face of it, there really is little point in anybody other than Tiger Woods turning up this week. So thanks for your time and check in all this week for more WGC news as it happens...

What do you mean you expect more from a preview than that? Blimey. OK then. What can we tell you? Well, in the eight times Tiger has a played this event, he has won it five times and never finished lower than fourth when he didn’t take the title. This year, Woods is looking for his third successive title having sunk Stewart Cink in a play-off last year and beaten Chris DiMarco by a stroke in 2005. Perhaps the only consolation for the rest of the field, apart from an $8 million prize fund, is that Woods, while still challenging most weeks, hasn’t really found the imperious form he had in the early part of the season. Of course, what that could also mean is that sooner or later he’s going to come good. We’ll see.

This week will also see the return to action of not just of the new Open champion Padraig Harrington but of the man he vanquished in the play-off at Carnoustie, Sergio Garcia. With a major under his belt, Harrington’s odds have now been slashed by most bookies while Garcia, having missed out yet again, remains the biggest enigma in the game. We can’t see either of them winning to be frank. Don’t know why but we think Chris DiMarco is due a return to the winner’s enclosure, if there is such a thing at Firestone.

Look out for the notorious signature hole, the 16th. At 667-yards, it's a cow of a par-five and is out of reach in two for most players, apart from Fred Funk, for which it is out of reach in four. Expect him to go driver-driver-driver-driver-driver-putt for bogey and then tootle off to the 17th thanking the Lord for small mercies...

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On This Day In History - Jan Stephenson Rockets To A Major

31 Jul, 07 | Comments [1] | Tags: Golf Central | On This Day In History

Stephenson: foxy

Jan Stephenson finishes at 6-over-par 290 to win the U.S. Women's Open by one stroke over JoAnne Carner and Patty Sheehan. The sex-bomb of the LPGA Tour in the 1980s, Stephenson once posed naked for a pin-up calendar by sitting in a bath tub of golf balls. “We have to promote sex appeal,” she later said. “It's a fact of life. The people who watch are predominantly male, and they won't keep watching if the girls aren't beautiful."

Oh and by the way, it was Jerry Barber that won the PGA play-off we mentioned yesterday, defeating Don January 67 to 68.

It was also on this day that the American space probe Ranger 7 transmitted the first close-up pictures of the Moon’s surface back to earth. Initially, NASA scientists saw the images of the dark, desolate landscape and assumed the probe had been re-routed to Rochdale.

And it’s fortuna dies natalis! as they used to say in ancient Rome and, possibly still do in the Vatican to Harry Potter author and all-round wealthy fox JK Rowling (42); DJ and one-time Housemartin Fatboy Slim and former REM drummer Bill Berry (49).

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PGA Tour News: Day Four, The Canadian Open, Angus Glen Golf Club, Markham, Ontario, Canada

"Thanks...now past me the Hennessy..."

I noticed you were pretty quick off the mark last night…: So you know that Jim Furyk won then?
Yep…: Yeah, as soon as Vijay had failed to birdie the last I was there waiting to press that ‘post to weblog’ button.
And that makes you better than me does it?: No, I was just saying…
Oh and just saying makes you better than me, does it?: Do you want to hear the details or not?
No, frankly…: Well I’m going to tell you…
Not listening…(fingers in ears)…la la la la la la…: Well, despite a bogey at the last, Jim Furyk became the first player since Jim Ferrier in 1950 and 1951 to successfully defend the Canadian Open title, shooting a 64 to pip the overnight leader Vijay Singh by one shot.
Na na na na na….: Highlight of the day was Furyk’s ace at the 209 yard fourth when he flew a 5-iron on to the green, only to see it roll 30 feet or so across the putting surface and into the cup. “A special bonus,” he called it.
Boop boop boop…: This was Furyk’s 13th Tour victory and the $900,000 winner’s cheque propelled him to no 2 on the event’s money list and sixth in the all-time list with a few bob short of $35 million to his credit.
Cluck cluck cluck cluck…: Furyk’s slip at the last had opened the door for Vijay but his 20-foot birdie putt at the 18th which would have forced a play-off slid past. "I had a chance on the last, but Jim played well,” he said. “Anyone who shoots seven-under on the last day is deserving.".
Oink oink…: Furyk’s winning total of 16-under par was one ahead of Singh, while Ryan Palmer and George McNeill were two shots further back. England's Brian Davis finished tied for 27th on seven under.
Awooga!: Oh do one.

For full result visit www.pgatour.com

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On This Day In History - Barber Battles Back

30 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | Golf News | On This Day In History

Today’s the day that the American golfer Jerry Barber (above) holed a succession of monster putts from all over Illinois to tie Don January and force an 18-hole play-off the following day in the 1961 PGA Championship at Olympia Fields. We’ll let you know who won tomorrow. Besides, if we told you now, this section would have be called On That Day In History, wouldn’t it?

It’s 41 years ago to the day that England won the football World Cup at Wembley beating West Germany 4-2 after extra-time. Hero of the day is striker Geoff Hurst who scores a hat-trick and in doing so makes Scotch folk the world over cry, or ‘greet’ as they say up there, into their watery porridge.

It’s Ilanga elimndandi kuwe, as the Zulus say, to British golf legend in waiting Justin Rose (27); Governor of California and ageing beefcake Arnold Schwarzenegger (60); Wuthering Heights songstress Kate Bush (49). This is also the day that Henry Ford, car maker and big shot industrialist was born in 1863. If he hadn’t have died of a massive brain hemorrhage in 1947 he would have been celebrating his 144th birthday. But he did.

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BREAKING NEWS - Jim Furyk Wins The Canadian Open

Defending champion Jim Furyk has retained the Canadian Open title at Angus Glen GC in Ontario, Canada. Furyk shot a final round 64, including an ace at the fourth hole, to win by one from overnight leader Vijay Singh.

Full report to follow.

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Gulbis Breaks Her Duck Too...

"I wanna thank the R&A, my management, His Holiness the Pope..."

American glamourpuss Natalie Gulbis has ended her title drought on the LPGA Tour by claiming a thrilling win at the Evian Masters in France. Gulbis (pictured above at the trophy presentation) birdied the first hole of a sudden death play-off to defeat South Korea's Jang Jeong after the pair had tied on four-under 284 in France. "This is my sixth year on tour but I knew if I was patient it would eventually happen," said the 24-year-old. Lorena Ochoa and Juli Inkster tied for third while Laura Davies was the best of the Britons as she tied for 12th. Hawaiian teenager Michelle Wie, meanwhile, finished with a share of 69th place on 16-over after a final round 76. Which is rubbish really.

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Watson Wins Again!

Tom Watson survived a double bogey at the last to win his third Senior British Open title by a single stroke. The Kansas Kid's final round of 73 saw him finish the tournament on level par, one shot ahead of Stewart Ginn and Mark O'Meara. Four more players tied for fourth place a further three shots behind. Sam Torrance and Gordon Brand both shot final rounds of 76 to finish joint 10th on seven over while Nick Faldo hit a second successive round of 75 to finish a further shot off the pace, in joint 14th place.

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European Tour News: Day Four, The Deutsche Bank Players’ Championship of Europe, Gut Kaden, Hamburg

Evenin. And the latest is?: The latest is that after his third place at the Open at Carnoustie last week and having started the day with a two-shot lead, the 26-year-old Argentine Andres Romero finally broke his duck here in Germany…
Whoa! Hang on a minute! He broke his duck? Were the RSPC there? Or their German equivalent?: Shut it. You know what I mean…
And anyway, what’s with the ‘here in Germany’ business? It’s not like you’re there, is it? I mean you’re hardly swinging a huge stein of lager, eating sauerkraut and slapping your knees all night long, are you?: No, I’m not. I apologise.
OK, carry on…: OK. So his maiden European Tour win not only gave him a winner’s cheque of a little over 400 grand but helped book his place at next week’s WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Akron and gave him a five-year exemption to the European Tour.
That’s a hell of a trophy, he’s got there. Hell need one almighty mantelpiece for that bugger…: The trophy is actually that little glass thing on tp of the blue monstrosity.
What did he have to say for himself?: Well, he dedicated his win to the Cockney stand-up, Runaround presenter and Eastenders actor Mike Reid who died today.
Whaddya take me for? Some kinda donut?: Walllllop!!!
No really…: “I won a lot of tournaments in Argentina and one two years ago in Manchester on the Challenge Tour but this is a big tournament with great players”.
So who came second?: Denmark’s Soren Hansen and England’s Oliver Wilson. Zane Scotland, who lied in second overnight, finished in 11th after a stinking 76.
So what next?: Frank Butcher’s funeral I guess…
You going?: Nope, didn’t know the guy…
Presumably they’ll bury him in his shades and his car coat?: It’s what he would have wanted…

For full result visit www.europeantour.com

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PGA Tour News: Day Three, The Canadian Open, Angus Glen Golf Club, Markham, Ontario, Canada

Hello again, hello: Just called to say hello…
One thing…: What?
This tournament is ‘presented by Franklin Templeton’ isn’t it?: That’s right…
Funny…: What is?
I went to school with a Franklin Templeton…: Really?
No. I didn’t. Just thought I’d say it and waste a bit of your time: Have you got nothing better to do?
Not really. Shall we do the golf then?: Yes please. Three rounds down and it’s the Flying Fijian Vijay Singh (above, looing constipated) who’s leading the way. Three birdies in five holes gave him a two-shot lead over the rest of the field at one stage but he wobbled coming home and finished with a 68 and just a one shot lead over the American John Mallinger and the Australian Steve ‘Lord’ Allan.
Could be a tasty finish come Sunday?: Could be, especially as there are ten players within four shots of Vijay, including the defending champeen Jim Furyk.
Will Vijay be singhing when he’s winnhing?: Dunno, but he has won 17 of the 26 events where he has held a 54-hole lead so he’s worth a few quid.
And what of Furyk?: Well, he’s lurking like a bald golfer trying to win a professional golf tournament and if he can do it he’ll become the first back-to-back winner of this event since the last person to do it.
And who was that?: Jim Ferrier in 1950 and 1951.
You’re good…: No, the internet is good.
One last thing…: What?
This tournament…: Yes…
It’s being played at Angus Glen right?: Yes…
Funny…: What is?
I went to school with an Angus Glen…: (sound of door closing)
I said, I went to school with an Angus Glen…: (silence)
I said, I went to school with…oh forget it…

For full leaderboard visit www.pgatour.com

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On This Day In History - Byron Nelson Wins His 10th On The Trot

29 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | On This Day In History

On this day in 1945, Byron Nelson won the Tam O'Shanter Open thus clinching the 10th of his record-breaking 11 consecutive victories.

John Byron Nelson, Jr. was born in 1912 near Waxahachie, Texas and began caddying at the Glen Garden Country Club at the age of 12. Caddies were not allowed to play at the club themselves and so he practised at night, placing his white hankie over the hole so that he could find it in the darkness. The club would later change its policy and sponsor the Glen Garden Caddie Competition in which Nelson defeated a certain Ben Hogan by a single stroke.

Nelson's record-breaking 11 tour successes in a row came in a year in which he won a staggering 18 tournaments in total, also a record. Critics have suggested that the 1945 tour was a weak one due to the war and have questioned the significance of these achievements. However, in a year in which Sam Snead and Ben Hogan were both breathing down his neck and that Tiger Woods described as “one of the greatest in the history of the sport” most feel that Nelson well deserves his place in the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Nelson retired at the age of 34 but in his relatively short career he amassed 52 PGA tour wins and 5 majors. In recognition of his accomplishments he received the PGA Tour Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 and the Congressional Gold Medal shortly after his death in 2006.

July 29th, 1874 and Major Walter Copton Winfield of England receives the U.S patent for the lawn tennis court. His patent for a hill of guffawing, over-optimistic buffoons was rejected although adopted by the Wimbledon Tennis Club some years later.

Also on this day, in 1981, Charles and Diana walked down the aisle sparking mass hysteria and commemorative-plate-making.

Continuing in a commemorative vein it's chestit rojden den as they say in Bulgaria to current F1 champion Fernando Alonso who handily has the day off (26); Blade star Stephen Dorff (34) and yellow-card-loving referee Graham Poll (44).

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Stenson disqualified after losing count

28 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The European Tour

Fanny: 'Tell me when it's over'

Henrik Stenson was disqualified from the Deutsche Bank Players' Championship on Friday after losing count of how many shots he had taken.
On his way to missing the cut Stenson was initially credited with an impressive 12 on the par-5 17th at Gut Kaden, but was disqualified as he couldn't remember his exact score and was therefore unable to sign his scorecard.
The 31-year-old Swede had led the Order of Merit since February until Padraig Harrington's victory in the Open Championship last Sunday.

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Richie Ramsay turns pro

28 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Amateur Golf | Golf Central | The European Tour

Scotland's Richie Ramsay, last year's winner of the US Amateur Championship, has decided to forego his place in the Great Britain & Ireland Walker Cup team in September to turn professional. Having played The Masters, The US Open and last week's Open Championship as an amateur, he will make his professional debut on The European Tour in next week's Russian Open Golf Championship.

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European Tour News – Day Three, The Deutsche Bank Players' Championship of Europe, Gut Kaden, Hamburg

28 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The European Tour

What’s the story?: Another cracking day in miserable conditions, Andres Romero (pictured) took charge with a tremendous 63 to end the day on 17-under, including eagles on the third hole and 15th. It would have equalled the course record had they not been using preferred lies. Zane Scotland, meanwhile, carded a remarkable 66 to lie two shots behind Romero at 15-under.
Remarkable in what sense?: He was 6-under after five holes, reached the turn at 31, chipped in twice and managed to card four bogeys in his round.
Fair enough. Anyone else there or thereabouts?: Lee Slattery is third at 14-under.
Not your usual bunch are they…: True. Romero nearly flew back to Argentina after his exploits at The Open last week, Scotland is the youngest Englishman ever to play in The Open in 1999 when he was 16 and has battled against a three-year neck injury. Slattery has also overcome glandular fever to earn his tour card, packing the game in for a year or so to work at Next, or somewhere…
Does he still get a discount?: Dunno. He might not need one after this weekend.
Anyone else in the hunt?: Alexander Noren is 4th at 13-under, while Paul Casey is tied 5th at 10-under, alongside defending champ Robert Karlsson, Brett Wetterich and Oliver Wilson.
And the InGolfWeTrust tips?: Miguel Angel Jimenez slid to tied 15th at 8-under and Paul McGinley is tied 42nd at 5-under. Nick Dougherty, as you already know missed the cut.
Oh dear…: Yeah, well, we were getting tired of all that high living…

For the full leaderboard, visit www.europeantour.com

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PGA Tour News: Day Two, The Canadian Open Angus Glen Golf Club, Markham, Ontario, Canada

28 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The PGA Tour

Bit late aren’t you?: Soz.
Any excuses?: Been walking around Arundel Castle and enjoying a long lunch at The Black Rabbit.
What did you have?: Mind your own business…
OK, get on with the golf stuff then…: OK.
Any chance of the InGolfWeTrust tips delivering the goods? They don’t work for UPS , they’re golfers.
You know what I mean: I’m just stalling for time because my connection’s gone again. Tell you what, those guys at TalkTalk sure now how to put the fun into using broadband… OK, we’re back. Pat Perez is tied 27th after a second round 70, toothsome Stephen Ames is tied 42nd and managed to upset the tournament organisers, claiming the course was so soft it had been reduced to a putting match while Kent Jones is tied 51st.
And who's leading?: Steve Allan (pictured above) and John Mallinger lead on 10-under after Day Two, with Vijay Singh hot on their heels at 9-under, alongside Tripp Isenhour.
What, is he on fire?: Metaphorically, yes.
Forgive me, but I’m not altogether familiar with the work of Allen and Mallinger: Allen won the 1998 German Open and the 2002 Australian Open, while Mallinger’s a rookie who finished third at Pebble Beach and tied 3rd at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Where’s the defending champ?: There or thereabouts on 7-under. Yesterday’s leader Hunter Mahan was on 6-under after following his 62 with a 74.
Is that it then?: What do you want, a flaming tap dance?

For the full leaderboard, visit www.pgatour.com

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On This Day In History - Jerry Pate strangles puppy*

28 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: On This Day In History | The PGA Tour

'Just smile and act perfectly normal honey...'

On this day in 1981, Jerry Pate (pictured with wife Suzzi and tiny dog Sugar) won the Danny Thomas Memphis Classic pipping Tom Kite and Bruce Lietzke to the title by two strokes.

Jerome “Jerry” Kendrick Pate was born in Macon, Georgia in 1953 and enjoyed a successful amateur career before turning pro in 1975. The following year he won his only major, The U.S Open which was to be the first of 8 PGA tour wins in total. He was also a member of the victorious American Ryder Cup team of 1981.

All of Pate's professional triumphs came between the years of 1976 and 1982 before shoulder injuries set back his promising career. It was not until 2006 that Pate managed another victory, the Champions Tour's Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am..

Also on this day, in 1896, Miami was incorporated into the U.S.A. Widely regarded as a moment of importance unrivalled in 1980's T.V and cinema, the most overused film set in the World was born and future makers of white linen suits rejoiced.

On July 28th in 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia and World War One began. Roughly 90 years later, a group of Glasgow art students would adopt Franz Ferdinand's name for their band and truly cement his 'Unluckiest Archduke of All Time' status.

On a more peaceful note, it's Vill Glück zum Geburri, as they say in Switzerland, to England footballer Michael Carrick (26), shouting, bearded 'comedian' Justin Lee Collins (33) and cricketing legend Sir Garry Sobers (73).

*We're kidding of course...

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The Senior Open Championship, Muirfield, Gullane, East Lothian

27 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | Seniors Tour

'This was all high-rise flats when I was a lad'

With winds gusting up to 25mph only nine players played to par or better on the second day of the Seniors Open. Irish links veteran Des Smyth leads the field at the halfway stage at 2-under, with Gordon Brand, Stewart Ginn, Eduardo Romero and some bloke called Tom Watson at 1-under. Some other bloke called Nick Faldo is among those lying a further shot back at level par.
Tony Jacklin, Neil Coles, Wayne Grady and Peter Jacobsen are among the players who missed the cut at 9-under.

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Canadian Open - three caddies a day for Jay Williamson

27 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The PGA Tour

'Anyone fancy carrying my cap?'

To employ three caddies in a day must be some kind of PGA Tour record. But when Jay Williamson dispensed with the services of Mike Mollet at the 15th hole of The Canadian Open he found a queue of people offering to carry his bag. 69-year-old Don Alexander, who played the same event as an amateur in 1962, received a dozen new golf balls for his troubles.

"At the 14th hole, Williamson hit it over the green and he and his caddy started having words," explained Alexander. "It got hotter and hotter and hotter. At the 15th tee they went at it again and Williamson fired him on the spot. The caddy then threw a handful of golf balls into the lake and stormed off."

Williamson shot a 1-over par 72 and when he returned to the clubhouse, recruited the services of regular tour caddy Kris Cox.

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European Tour News – Day Two, The Deutsche Bank Players' Championship of Europe, Gut Kaden, Hamburg

27 Jul, 07 | Comments [1] | Tags: Golf Central | The European Tour

What gives?: Well, it’s been a long week, but nothing a big plate of sausage & mash at the St Georges Inn in Sudeley Street couldn’t fix.
With onion gravy?: You betcha.
So what gives in Hamburg?: An extraordinary day.
Really?: It is if you consider the leader missed the cut.
Really?: Yes.
Really?!: Yes!
Well, tell me the story then!!: OK. Simon Khan went from 1st place tied 93rd with a snowman (that’s an 80 to us real people) to follow his first round 65. Seven bogeys, a treble and two birdies.
Poor bloke. When was the last time that happened?: No idea.
Fat lot of good you are…: I know. Michael Campbell is on his way back to Brighton as well, after going from tied 10th to tied 93rd after a 77, Marcus Higley fell even harder, going from tied 10th to tied 103rd, while Rory Sabbatini managed a Lazarus-style recovery, following his first round 78 with a 65 to make the cut at 1-under.
So who’s leading?: Zane Scotland, who’s English by the way, is at 9-under after a second round 68, tied for first with Southport’s finest Lee Slattery, with last week’s have-a-go-hero Andres Romero, who’s tied with Oliver Wilson at 8-under. Miguel Angel Jimenez is 7-under and Paul Casey and Bradley Dredge are among a bunch of people at 6-under.
Isn’t Jimenez one of your InGolfWeTrust tips?: He is indeed. He’s another one of those born-again belly putter users, inspired by compatriot Sergio Garcia’s exploits last week.
And how are the rest of your tips faring?: Paul McGinley is tied 46th at 2-under, while Nick Dougherty missed the cut at 3-over.
Another tenner in the pocket of Mr Paddy Power then: Not if they ponytailed Spaniard has anything to do with it, pal.

For the full leaderboard, visit www.europeantour.com

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On This Day in History – Weiskopf beats Nicklaus

27 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The PGA Tour

On this day in 1975, Tom Weiskopf defeated Jack Nicklaus in a playoff to capture the second of his two Canadian Open victories.

Born in 1942, Weiskopf turned pro in 1964 and achieved the first of his 16 PGA Tour wins in 1968. In 1973 he won his only major, The British Open at Royal Troon (pictured above). Many feel that, despite this impressive CV, Weiskopf was the game's greatest underachiever, partly evidenced by his four time runner-up placing at The Masters and a second place finish at the 1976 U.S Open.

Acknowledged as having one of the best swings in golf, Weiskopf was a man driven by perfection. Always striving for excellence, it has been argued that his downfall was his inability or perhaps, his unwillingness to 'play ugly' and yet still win. Early in his career, he was tipped to be the man most likely to challenge Nicklaus. On this day in 1975 – he lived up to his promise.

Meanwhile in 1965, in news sure to delight double-entendre fans, the BBC announced : “Shadow Chancellor Edward Heath has beaten off his rivals in the Conservative leadership contest.” Well done Ted.

Sadly, this was also the day that Bob Hope, golf fan and alleged comedian died in his sleep just two months after his 100th birthday.

Less depressingly, it's Suk San Wan Keut as they say in Thailand, to goateed, recently-released-by-Everton footballer, Alessandro Pistone (32), film sound-tracking Pete Yorn (33) and pile-driving WWE star, Triple H (39).

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PGA Tour News: Day One, The Canadian Open Angus Glen Golf Club, Markham, Ontario, Canada

27 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The PGA Tour

I hear it’s all about dear Hunter: I like it. And you’re right. Hunter Mahan made a little bit of a history…
Hang on there, how do you make ‘a little bit of history’. You either make history or you don’t: OK, he made history for all the right reasons…
I can see where going to have to introduce a cliché fine soon…: Whatever, granddad, do you want to hear what happened or no?
Go on then, although it’s ‘not’, unless you’re mugging up for a role in Trainspotting II: Mahan shot 62 including three eagles, holing out twice from the fairway, and in doing so equalled the tournament low alongside Greg Norman (1986), Leonard Thompson (1981) and Andy Bean (1983).
Didn’t he nail his first tournament win earlier this season?: He did and guess what he shot in the first round:
87?: Close. 62.
Who else is in the hunt?: Australia's Steve Allan was second after a 64, and Canadian David Hearn was another stroke back along with Tripp Isenhour. Mark Calcavecchia, who won the Canadian Open in 2005 at Shaughnessy, Vancouver, shot a 67 and Jim Furyk, the winner last year at Hamilton Golf and Country Club, shot 69.
And the InGolfWeTrust tips?: Pat Perez is tied 18th after a 3-under 68, Stephen Ames is tied 54th after a 1-under 70 and Kent Jones is tied 35th after a 2-under 69.
Anything else to report?: John Daly withdrew after a 75 with a shoulder injury and Bubba Watson coseyed a 374-yard drive down the fairway on the first hole. He shot a 74.

For the full leaderboard, visit www.pgatour.com

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European Tour News - Day One, The Deutsche Bank Players' Championship, Gut Kaden, Hamburg

26 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The European Tour | Tournament Betting

What’s the scoop then?: It’s Enger-land, Enger-land, Enger-land… as Simon Khan (pictured) leads at 7-under after a cracking 65, with Lee Slattery and Oliver Wilson at 6-under.
How did Khan do at The Open?: He wasn’t there. Sat at home stewing and messing about with his putting, which was superb today.
The Swedes have traditionally done well here..: And there’s a couple near the top of the leaderboard, if not the usual suspects. Johan Axgren and Alexander Noren both shot 5-under.
Where’s the defending champ Rober Karlsson?: Probably in his hotel room having a kip…
I meant, where is he is in the field?: Tied 22nd at 3-under, after picking up five birdies and dropping just two shots on 9 and 10.
And the InGolfWeTrust tips?: Miguel Angel Jimenez is tied 22nd at 3-under, Paul McGinley is tied 82nd after shooting level par 72 and Nick Dougherty is tied 109th at 1-over par.
Any early surprises?: Rory Sabbatini probably didn’t expect to be one place off the bottom at 155th after a 6-over par 78.
And no Swedish Chef jokes today, I notice: You can have too much of a good thing you know…

For the full leaderboard, visit www.europeantour.com

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On This Day In History - Wayne Grady is born

Wayne Grady, winner of the 1990 PGA Championship, was born on this day in 1957. He turned pro at 21 and six months later with just nine dollars in his pocket he won the Westlakes Classic. He came second a staggering 17 second times before winning the 1984 German Open. He beat Greg Norman in a four-hole playoff for the 1988 Australian PGA Championship and almost won the 1989 British Open. After leading from lunchtime on Friday he wasn’t caught until a late bogey on the long par-3 17th put him back into a tie with Greg Norman and eventual winner of Mark Calchaveccia.

Grady is one of only eight Australians to win a professional major tournament with the 1990 US PGA Championship. He now divides his time between playing Seniors events, his Golf Design and home rentals companies as well as the commentating for The BBC.

Having lead the coalition government through World War II, Winston Churchill lost the British general election to the Labour Party on this day in 1945. Clement Atlee was elected prime minister on the basis of his party’s promises to implement the Beveridge Report and its plans for creating a welfare state.

Meanwhile, it’s nifrahlek ghal gheluq sninek! as they say in Malta to a veritable army of musos and luvvies including Kate Beckinsale (34), Sandra Bullock (43), Kevin Spacey (48), Queen drummer Roger Talyor (58), Helen Mirren (62) and Mick Jagger (64).

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European & PGA Tour Betting Tips - The Deutsche Bank Championship

Miguel Angel Jimenez @ 28/1: Hardly generous, but he's been there or therabouts for some weeks now. Would have been wonderful to see him mount a charge at Carnoustie - maybe he saved it up for this week.

Paul McGinley @ 50/1: Seemed to enjoy his mate Padraig Harrington's Open victory as much as the man who beat Sergio in the play-off. Hopefully, he's inspired by it, rather than nursing a golfing hangover for the week.

Nick Dougherty@ 33/1: I know, I know... But he didn't really get going at Carnoustie, he's still fresh after a couple of weeks off before then and he is more determined than to make a big name for himself this year.

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PGA Tour Betting Tips - The Canadian Open

Pat Perez @ 40/1:

Strange bloke, extraordinarily confident about his golfing abilities, so let's stick some money on him and see how he copes with that kind of responsibility weighing on his shoulders.

Stephen Ames @28/1:

Hate his teeth, but he's related to someone who used to live next door to one of the InGolfWeTrust team and that'll do.

The TipAndWin.co.uk free tip:-

Kent Jones @125/1:

The unfortunate Les Dennis look-a-like, Kent Jones, has as good a chance of any player in the field as this is a new venue for the players. Ranked 6th for driving accuracy and 1st for putting when 18th last week in Milwaukee he hasn’t missed the cut in five Canadian Open visits. Can he win ? 'Ooh I don’t really know...!'

For a full list of odds, visit www.paddypower.com

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European Tour Preview - The Deutsche Bank Players' Championship of Europe, Gut Kaden, Hamburg

25 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The European Tour | Tournament News

What the hell is going on?: How do you mean?
The bloke in the chef’s hat: He’s a chef.
I'd guessed that much...: He's The Swedish Chef off The Muppets.
What, haven’t Getty Images got any photos of Robert Karlsson?: Probably…
So what’s it all about, then?: Well, we’re on a bit of a roll what with The Honey Monster and Pat Butcher and the like…
And…?: Considering this event has been dominated by Swedes over the past couple of years – Niclas Fasth won in 2005 and Karlsson in 2006 – I thought it might be a laugh to suggest he was quoted at 50/1 to win the event on Paddy Power this week.
And is he?: No, he’s not.
You really are a satirical genius you know...: Cheers.
Who’s here then?: It’s a really interesting field, actually. There’s Stenson, Goosen, Fasth and Casey, a few leftovers from The Open like Rory Sabbatini and Charley Hoffman and a few others, Graeme’s McDowell and Storm, for example, who’ll be really keen to make up for a miserable time in Carnoustie.
They should be spending the day at The Star Wars exhibition in London then, like me, not playing golf in Germany. In the rain: I’m sure they wouldn’t swap with you for all the Euros in the world…

For further information, visit www.europeantour.com

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Harrington Tops Order Of Merit

'Hope those ladybirds are OK in there...'

There’s a new name at the head of the European Tour Order Of Merit and it ain’t Barry Lane. It is, of course, none other than Padraig Harrington, last year’s eventual winner, who has streaked ahead of Henrik Stenson by 326 thousand Euros, which we’re reliably informed by our accounts department is about six and half shillings in old money. Guess who’s the hardest-working golfer on tour? None other than Gregory Havret, who’s played 24 events this season. And the least successful player who’s appeared in more than 10 events? Havret’s fellow Frenchman Julien Foret who’s played 12 times and bagged just 3,714 Euros in prize money.

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Langer Recovering From Kidney Operation

25 Jul, 07 | Comments [2] | Tags: European Tour | Golf Central | Golf News

A month short of his 50th birthday, German golf legend Bernhard Langer was rushed into a Hamburg hospital on Wednesday and operated on for damage made to the wall of his kidney by a kidney stone. He has pulled out of this week's Deutsche Bank Players’ Championship of Europe at Gut Kaden. He now has a fight on his hands to regain fitness in time for the KLM Open, where he was planning to join his son Stefan in the starting line-up.

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On This Day In History - Calvin Peete wins Michelob

Calvin Peete won the Michelob Championship by two strokes over Bruce Lietzke on this day in 1982. Peete was born in Detroit Michigan in 1943 and learned the game in his 20s in Rochester, New York, playing on the municipal course at Genese Valley Park.

Peete was by far the most succesful black golfer on tour of his era, winning 12 times on tour and representing the US in the 1983 and 1985 Ryder Cup teams. His game was built on his phenomenal accuracy, his iron play was majestic, making up for his lack of power off the tee due to a badly broken arm that never healed properly.

Meanwhile in 1978, the first baby was born through IVF in Oldham and District General Hospital. Louise Brown's arrival seemed miraculous at the time, but the practice is now common, with over 300,000 women conceiving through IVF by 1999 with a success rate of 17per cent.

Talking of the birth and all that, it's quchjaj qoSlIj! as they say in Klingon to comedy-actor in search of a good script Matt LeBlanc (40), artschool punk incarnate Thurston Moore from alternative music legends Sonic Youth (49) and striking clothes horse and Mrs David Bowie Iman (52).

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Harrington's Van de Velde Moment

25 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: The Majors | The Open Championship | Tournament News

After a long night of celebration and two hours’ sleep, Padraig Harrington woke at 6am and shook his wife Caroline awake. 'I'm the Open champion. I can't believe I've done it,'' he said. “I can believe it, there's the trophy, now can you go back to sleep,” she replied.

Padraig has revealed that in midst of the chaos on the 72nd hole at Carnoustie, where he hit his tee shot into the Barry Burn twice, he did think back to the triple-bogey that cost Jean Van de Velde the same title in 1999. "One big part of me making 6 was that it wasn't 7," he said. "I was counting it up in my head. It crossed my mind that Jean took 7 to lose the Open and I was sliding down that slippery slope, too."

From that point of potential meltdown, he managed to pull himself together for a great up-and-down. We reckon he owes Van de Velde a bottle of vintage red for the reminder.

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The Jennifer Wilson Smackdown - John Daly, 1995

Named in honour of the poor lady who had her temple dented by Tiger Woods' Nike One Black ball on the sixth at Carnoustie last week, we present the first in an occasional series of photographs illustrating that tournament golf-spectating is not for the faint-hearted.
Marshall Boz Pritchard knows this all too well. A marshall at the 1995 Telecom Open in Tucson, he was struck by a drive by John Daly. Rumours that was feigning unconsciousness to avoid receiving mouth-to-mouth from the future Open champ were made up for the convenience of this article.

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Skipping The Halfway Hut

Hats off to skateboarding Swede Richard S Johnson for not hanging about during his last round at the US Bank Championship in Milwaukee. The first person to tee off on Sunday, he played on his own and completed his round in an impressive 81 minutes. He his six of 13 fairways, 11 of 18 greens, had 29 putts and carded a level-par 70. And before you ask, we don’t know who has the honour of playing the fastest round in PGA Tour history because, rather surprisingly, there are no official records.

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PGA Tour Preview: The Canadian Open Angus Glen Golf Club, Markham, Ontario, Canada

24 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The PGA Tour | Tournament News

Ah, Canada…: Been there then?
No, but I always fancied it: You really like to live on the edge, don’t you. Bet you holiday in Shropshire.
Holiday? What’s that?: Stop moaning and get on with telling us about how Davis Love III spent two years tinkering with the North Course at Angus Glen to give it more drama and definition and how the par has been reduced to 71 despite the course being 7,400 yards from the tips.
But that’s your job: OK, then. Here’s a piece of trivia for you – The Canadian Open is the third oldest national open after the Open Championship and The US Open.
I’m gobsmacked…: Thanks. Jim Furyk won in 2006 with a superb putting display, there hasn’t been a winning-margin of more than three shots since 1977 and there were play-offs to decide the tournament winner in 2002, ’03 and ’04.
Who’s in the field this week?: The gang’s all here…
Tiger?: Apart from Tiger. And Phil. And Adam. Jim Furyk has turned up to defend, though.
Praise the lord…: And as it’s a week ending with a ‘k’ Vijay Singh will be out there trying to earn a crumb or two.
Hang on, you can’t slag players off for not turning up and then have a go at Vijay for playing every week beginning with a ‘w’!: I can and I just did.
Tell me where smart money is going…: According to PGATour.com the man to watch is Pat Perez, who shot a course record 63 here in 2002 before Davis Love got his hands on the course. He’s also in decent nick, tying for 20th at The Open.
What about Mike Weir?: He’s one of a cavalcade of Canucks appearing and after an undistinguished 18 months seems to be finding his form once more. Having said that, the last home win was by Pat Fletcher in 1954.
What?! Pat Butcher won The Canadian open!? That's incredible!: Pat Fletcher, you idiot.

For a tournament preview of considerably greater consequence, visit www.pgatour.com

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On This Day In History - Doug Sanders Is Born

Doug Sanders, who won 20 tournaments on The PGA Tour and a cruel tally of four second places in Major championships, was born on this day in 1933 in Cedartown, Georgia. He was renowned as the fairway dandy of his time, once taking the supreme effort of painting his white golf glove pink using his wife’s nail varnish to complement his salmon outfit.

With one of the shortest backswings on tour, he was an inveterate gambler, counted Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Evel Knievel as mates and once offered a hitman $40,000 to have him murdered if surgery on his neck wasn’t successful (it was). A colourful character who has lived a fascinating life, he will, however, be immortalised for missing a two foot in a play-off for the 1970 Open Championship, gifting the title to Jack Nicklaus.

On this day in 1974 president Richard Nixon was ordered by The Supreme Court to hand over tape recordings of White House conversations about the Watergate affair. When the tapes were finally released, more than 18 minutes of a crucial meeting were found to be missing – the official explanation was that the president's secretary had accidentally erased it by pressing the wrong foot-pedal while answering the phone, but the House Judiciary Committee were having none of it and on July 27 it recommended that the president be impeached and removed from office. Nixon resigned before the House debate on his impeachment could begin.

Meanwhile, it’s Lihkos Riegadanbeaivvis! as they say in Lapland, to Latino pop actress Jennifer Lopez (38), Wonder Woman herself Lynda Carter (56) and Amelia Earhart (who would have been 110).

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Padraig Harrington's Ladybird-Drowning Shame...

And we thought he was such a nice man... Straight after Padraig Harrington got his hands on The Claret Jug, his four year-old-son Patrick asked if they could put ladybirds in it - an unusual request, granted, but one his euphoric father was only too happy to oblige. And just hours later, here is The Open Championship winner, transformed from the former mild-mannered tee-total qualified accountant to a bitter-swilling, ladybird-murdering hellraiser of the highest order. Let's hope he had the common decency to 'fess up to Patrick the morning after...

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PGA Tour News - Ogilvie Wins US Bank Championship

23 Jul, 07 | Comments [1] | Tags: Golf Central | PGA Tour | Tournament News

Holing out from 119 yards for an eagle two on the 16th hole, Joe Ogilvie broke Tim Clark's little heart by taking a two-shot lead at Brown Deer Park Golf Course in Milwaukee with just three holes of the tournament to play. Ogilvie eventually went on to win his first PGA Tour event by four shots over Charlie Wi at 14-under par. It’s the second weekend in a row that the diminutive Aussie has let a last round lead slip – he held a brief two-shot lead after Ogilvy bogeyed the 10th hole. Journeyman Jeff Brehaut, meanwhile, set a tournament record this week, carding four eagles, all at different holes.

For the full story, visit www.pgatour.com

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On This Day In History - Long John Wins The Open

John Daly added a second Major title to his improbable career portfolio, winning a four-hole playoff against Italy's Costantino Rocca at the Old Course in St Andrews on this day in 1995. Daly demonstrated a delicate short game to match his fearsome power off the tee, while Rocca made the play-off following a terrible chip to 18 followed by a miraculous 70ft putt holed from the Valley of Sin. Daly's 1991 PGA Championship
Meanwhile, in 1986 it was joy unconfined as Prince Andrew tied the knot with Sarah Ferguson at Westminster Abbey, with an estimated television audience of 500million reveling in the occasion. Ten years later they divorced.
It’s selamat hari jadi! as they say in Macedonia to actor Woody Harrelson (46), the smoking rock poodle that is Slash (42) and Daniel Radcliffe aka Harry Potter, who’ll no doubt be getting shedded on WKD now that he’s (18).

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Day Four, The Open, Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus, Scotland

Blimey, that really was a bit special…: You watched it then?
I was talking about the re-run of Titanic on BBC2 actually…: I despair.
Tell me about it then: Where do I start…
At the beginning?: OK. All eyes were on Sergio Garcia and whether he could keep his three-shot lead. It was looking good until the 5th, when he went bogy, par, bogey, bogey and suddenly it was anybody’s tournament, with Ernie Els, Padraig Harrington and Andres Romero reaching the turn in 33. Even Richard Green got in on the act, coming from nowhere, posting a course-record equalling 64.
What happened next?: Both Els and Romero faded out of contention, so we were left with Harrington and Garcia to battle it out down the last few holes. Harrington was on fire…
Did they have to call in the fire brigade?: …Metaphorically, you idiot, while Sergio fought right back with birdies at 13 and 14. Then the Carnoustie effect took over.
Tell me more: Harrington took a shot advantage into 18 and promptly stuck his tee shot into the burn. Nerves jangling, he stuck his second into the water again, but bravely got up and down with a perfect pitch and a putt for a double-bogey six.
So how come Sergio didn’t win it there and then?: He proceeded down 18 with a touch too much caution. A shortish tee shot meant he couldn’t get near the green in two and his 3-iron approach shot ended up in a greenside bunker. A bogey meant a 4-hole play-off- hole 1, 16, 17 and 18.
And…: Harrington’s approach to the 1st was dynamite, just six feet from the hole, while Garcia found the greenside bunker again. Padraig went two shots up after holing his birdie while Garcia carded a bogey. It all came down to the 18th, with Garcia needing to hole a birdie putt to try and draw level, but Harrington sank a three-footer and Ireland landed its first Major since 1947.
Who was the last Irish winner?: Fred Daly from Portush saw off Henry Cotton and Frank Stranahan at Hoylake.
Funny to have a report from the last day of the tournament with no mention of Tiger Woods: Well, it was, until you mentioned him.
How did he get on?: He carded a couple of early birdies, but ended up tied 12th at 2-under. To be honest, it’s quite heartening that we’re talking about the best finale to a Major for years without depending on Tiger to provide the fireworks.
And how did the InGolfWeTrust tips do?: Ernie Els finished tied 4th, KJ Choi was tied 8th, Niclas Fasth was tied 35th and Nick Dougherty was tied 42nd.
In the money, then…: Who cares. Just going for a lie down now…

For the final leaderboard, visit www.opengolf.com

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The Open Championship - Postcard From Carnoustie, Day Four

Rumour of the day: The biggest rumour here all week has been that this was a rubbish Open. Crap weather, poor crowds, dull play. Well how do you like them apples? The 136th Open might have been a slow-burner but my Lord didn’t it bring the heat late on. I’m still shaking like a shitting dog with excitement.

Player-spotting off course: Who cares! The course was where it was at on Sunday. Did you see Paul McGinley and Miguel Angel Jimenez watching the action around the greens at the end there? Even Tom Lehman hung around. Top man, Tom, even if he is a Republican. I would like to say I would love to know where Padraig is going tonight but he doesn’t drink so I’m not that bothered. Rory McIlroy, on the other hand, is off out tonight with his mates in Dundee. Let’s hope he leaves the citrus yellow jersey at home.

Star-spotting: Well they’re all stars in my mind. Andres Romero, now there’s a superstar. His hobby is monocycling, by the way. Isn’t that what clowns do? If it is 'celebs' you’re interested in, I heard a rumour that Vernon Kaye has been up here. I am surprised he leaves the house after the job Avid Merrion did on him. Tosser.

Moody players: Sergio was a bit miffed, can’t imagine why. Bless him. I really felt for him in the press conference, afterwards. You could see he just wanted to smash the place up and tell us all to leave him alone. But he held it together. Well done. Ian Poulter spouted off big style too when asked about the whole eight-year drought thing. He said he was “trying his bollocks off”. Nice image.

Villain: That Barry Burn bloke is a bit of a rotter, isn’t he? He always manages to upset somebody at these occasions.

Hero: Porridge? Is that too obvious? You have to hand it to the guy, though, don’t you? To get up and down like that for his six after putting it in the water twice, he’s got some stones. And then that rattler at the end… Three feet of pure potential humiliation. But he drained it. So it was gold and silver for the Irish. Plastic Paddies come out, wherever you are!

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The Rob Harborne Photo Of The Day*

Padraig find out he's finished just in time for the repeat of Heartbeat

*He's not dead or anything, we're just trying to butter him up.

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Quote Of The Day III - The Open Championship, Day Four

"I might go out into Dundee with some mates. I could do that. Or I might just sit in and watch the highlights."

Eighteen year-old Rory McIlroy knows how to live it up

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The Duffer’s Guide: 10 Heroes Of The Open Championship 2007

1. Padraig Harrington: OK, let’s just assume we’re all in agreement that anyone who card four birdies, an eagle and no bogeys in the final round of a Major deserves everything he gets. But to find water twice on 18 and still win?! It’s that up and down for six when most of us would have broken down in tears that makes his magnificent achievement all the more memorable.

2. Sergio Garcia: We never gave him an earthly before the tournament began and reporters on the spot during practice days gave willing testimonies to the Spaniard’s moodiness. Once the golf started, however, he was magnificent.

3. Rory McIlroy: He drives the ball like a dream and has just the right amount of swagger. A contemporary of several European tour players, he’ll be delighted he resisted the temptation to turn pro at the start of this season so he could pick up a cherished silver medal.

4. Richard Green: To have one putt to make Open history is a rare thing indeed, particularly when you’re not anywhere near the final group of the day. Green played the golf of his life in the final round to give him the chance of a 63. Just a shame it didn’t drop…

5. Andres Romero: For half an hour on Sunday we thought we were looking at the second Argentinian Major winner in a row. Romero carded a fabulous 67 to finish in third place – if only he hadn’t finished double bogey, bogey…

6. Boo Weekley: it’s one of the joys of The Open. Take a cold, wet and windy seaside golf venue and stick some confused Americans in the middle of it. You couldn’t have cast Boo any better – a tobacco-chewing, chicken-licking, orangutan-fighting star.

7. Jon Bevan: The 40-year old finished tied for 63rd alongside Luke Donald, but while Donald will probably be jetting it back to his home in Chicago, Bevan will be teaching golfers at the Wessex Golf Centre in Weymouth for £20 a shot. "I've had the chance to walk with giants this week," said the 40-year-old, who has previously qualified in 1999 and 2006 without making the cut.

8. Mark James: We love Sam Torrance, as you well know – a humanitarian of the highest order, he feels for every player out there. But of the BBC commentary team Mark ‘Jesse’ James is our pick. A constant source of good humour and insight, delivered in a beautifully downbeat way.

9. Jennifer Wilson: Smacked on the temple by a Tiger Woods approach shot on the sixth hole on Saturday, she smiled through the pain, clutched some paper towels to staunch the bleeding and accepted Tiger’s apology and signed glove with grace. True British grit…

10. John Philp: After being suspended following an incident with an apprentice, head greenkeeper Phelp returned to Carnoustie with the world’s media lying in wait. Carnoustie, however, was immaculate – the best Open course in donkeys.

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Quote Of The Day II - The Open Championship, Day Four

“I once had a session with Jos. He spent an hour emptying my mind of clutter, but when he did that there was nothing left and I could hardly stand up. It took me at least an hour to fill it back up with clutter again.”

Mark James, on Jos Van Stiphout, Ernie Els' mental coach

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The Open - Richard Green, Clubhouse Leader, Day Four

Starting the day among the also-rans, Australian lefty Richard Green got within millimeters of immortality today, with a putt for a record-breaking round of 63 just shaved the hole on the 18th green. An incredibly amiable chap, he looked a little down in his post-round interview with The BBC’s Hazel Irvine, but when you’ve been that close to posting a new course record and equalling the lowest round in Open history, you’re entitled to be just a touch disappointed. Either way, the next few hours of his life should be quite interesting…

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The Open Championship - Silver Medal Winner

Breaking news from our 'so tell us something we didn't know' department. Rory McIlroy has won the Silver Medal for the top amateur at the Open Championship after carding a final round 72 to finish with a 5-over score of 289, following in the footsteps of the likes of Jose Maria Olazabal (1985), Tiger Woods (1996) and Justin Rose (1998).
We don't like to be pedantic, but all the talk of him being the silver medal winner having seen off his amateur rivals after round two was surely a bit premature. Would the R&A have handed over the medal if there had been a scorecard debale a la Pernevik and Roe? Or had an eagle swooped down and plucked the kid from the 14th fairway and flown him off to his nest in the Scottish mountains? This, admittedly, is an unlikely scenario, but you get my drift...

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The Honey Monster Golfing Mystery

Honey Monster Forget The R&A racism row, Tiger's cablegate palaver and spectators nursing head wounds. The big story of The Open Championship has been unearthed by those good folk at BBC Online. Former professional golfer Kim Thomas is one of the voices you hear commentating on BBC Sport interactive - British readers will have become intimately familiar with their red buttons this weekend.

Turns out Kim used to do a spot of moonlighting by acting as understudy to the Honey Monster, that jolly yellow monster that put in many loyal years of service to the marketing of breakfast cereal Sugar Puffs. Don't remember him? Well, put it like this, you'd rather have a pint with him than Tony The Tiger any day.

Kim also revealed that a fellow pro played the Honey Monster character for many years, "but I have promised never to reveal his identity!"

Frankly we won't rest until the truth is out. Nominations and photographic evidence please to us@ingolfwetrust.com

For the full story, click here.

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Quote Of The Day, Part I - The Open Championship, Day Four

"I do detect some sunshine over there. In Norway..."

Sam Torrance auditions for a gig with The Met Office

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On This Day In History - Nick Faldo Wins His Second Open title

On this day in 1990, Nick Faldo gave a golfing masterclass to the world, winning The Open Championship by five shots from Payne Stewart and Mark McNulty at The Old Course in St Andrews. His second Open Championship and fourth Major title, he didn't land in sand until the fourth hole of the final round and only three putted once, when he elected to play up short on the 17th and putted off the green.
Meanwhile, away from the links, Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar escaped from prison – well, when we say prison, we mean five-star luxury accommodation on this day in 1992, OJ Simpson pleaded innocent to the murder of his ex-wife Nicole and Ronald Goldman in 1994, while in 2005 Brazilian electrician Jean Charles de Menezes was shot seven times in the head by police, who mistakenly identified him as a potential terrorist.
Som owie nek mein aryouk yrinyu! as they say in Cambodia to American artist Edward Hopper (84), funk legend George Clinton (66), dishevelled actor and former InGolfWetrust schoolmate Rhys Ifans (38) and ultra-camp singer Rufus Wainwright (33).

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The 18th at Carnoustie - Home Sweet Home

Whatever happens, let's hope it all comes down to the last hole...

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The Duffer’s Guide – 10 Things We Hope & Pray Will Happen On The Final Day Of The Open

1. Sergio to double-bogey the first hole – just to make things interesting.
2. Steve Stricker to card a 75. Nothing against him, but there are so many players we’d rather see at the top of the leaderboard.
3. Tiger to make a charge. The way he’s playing at the moment (more loose shots than at the US Open) you can’t take it for granted by any means.
4. Vijay, Harrington, Ernie and KJ Choi to roll up their sleeves and make things interesting. It’s a big ask to shoot 66 on the final day, but cometh the hour…
5. Nick Dougherty to finish as the top Brit. Nothing against Broadhurst, Rose, Casey and Westwood, but he’s our man and he deserves it.
6. The conditions to be the same for everybody – the last thing you want to see is the wind dropping just as the leaders stand on the first tee.
7. For the R&A to keep their heads. If the pin positions are murderous, then we’re unlikely to see any final day fireworks.
8. Gary Lineker & Co to keep the European blather to a minimum. Fat chance, but let's face it, the only reason they’re talking about Europe is because there isn’t a British contender.
9. Rory McIlroy to have a cracking last round. He’s a great bloke, a fantastic golfer and an inspiration to every aspiring scratch junior player in the country.
10. Boo Weekley to walk onto the first tee dressed head-to-toe in combat fatigues. Just for a laugh…

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The Open Championship - Postcard From Carnoustie, Day Three

Carnoustie in 12 words: Who’s crying now, Car-nasty? Not me. Well, not until tomorrow at least.

Rumour of the day: We heard talk that Ernie Els would be wearing an outfit from his new skin-tight, hi-tech fabric, Ibiza range of clothing today. Or perhaps it was a dream. The giant South African was wearing the same 'slacks ‘n sweater' combo he has been sporting for the last 20 years. We also heard it was going to hammer it down and blow a gale, but that never happened, either.

Player-spotting: This is obviously getting a bit harder now that over half of the field has bolted to Edinburgh airport to go anywhere warmer than 13 degrees and the ones that are still here are concentrating more on their golf than completing the Carnoustie crawl. But it seems the place to catch a golfer this weekend is the Titanic Pizza Co in the High Street. Loads of them – Cink, Howell, Leonard, Quigley, Vaughn … sensing a pattern here? – have scribbled on the wall to prove just how unadventurous their palates are.

Star-spotting: Still no sign of Clooney and Trousersnake, they must be coming tomorrow. They’ll probably bring Jodie Kidd with them. I know she wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to demonstrate her love for golf once more. She’s a supermodel too, didn’t you know. Does ex-Charlton, Newcastle and England midfielder Rob Lee count as a star these days? He’s here with Alan Shearer, who is always welcome at these events because it stops Gary Lineker from thinking he is the best footballer on the premises.

Moody players: Ian Poulter was definitely the most riled man in Carnoustie today but I’m not sure if that makes him moody. He was doing really well and then completely cocked it up. I’d be pissed off too. Jon Bevan is probably got a bit of an egg on too. He’s in last place. But then he’s still looking at a £9,500 pay-day, so the mardy get should cheer up. Come on Bevan, give us a smile!

Hero: Steve Stricker deserves a nod, I suppose, but he is so dull and his name is so bad-80s-cop-show that he only gets a small one. Sergio is the main man here. Did you see what he was wearing today? The Spanish flag meets boiled sweet. It was shame the rain came as he then hid his trousers under waterproofs. I also quite like this Swedish tennis player Pelle Edberg. Apparently his favourite sport is indoor floorball, which is surely the kind of game you used to make up when you were kid. You know, really intricate rules and it only can be played in your dining room.

Villain: The army of photographers who instead of rushing to help their mate when he was brained by Sergio’s errant approach to the 17th all stood there taking photos. “Oh yeah, that’s a good one.” “Can you just move please, love, you’re in the way of my shot.” “Don’t wipe the blood off, it looks great.” Lady Diana-murdering scum, the lot of them (isn't that just a touch harsh? - Ed)

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Day Three, The Open Championship, Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus, Scotland

So much for the vicious winds and rain then…: Listen, it’s no summer picnic - Paul McGinley’s still sporting the JL golf mittens. The guys at the Met Office said it would rain at 3pm and the umbrellas went up at 2.54, but you’re right – the weather was kind and the friendly pin positions set by the R&A gave the players their best day yet, with 24 of them beating par.
Who was the star of the show today?: Steve Stricker equaled the course record 64 to put him in second place at 6-under, but you’d have to say that Sergio Garcia’s 68 was the round of the day. Three birdies, no bogeys, he leads the rest of the field by three shots at 9-under and never showed the merest hint of frailty that did for him last year at Hoylake.
But then he hasn’t got Tiger breathing down his neck this year…: True. Tiger shot a remarkable 69 to end up tied 15th at 1-over.
That doesn’t sound too remarkable: You obviously didn’t watch his round. He shot four birdies and two bogeys, but doesn’t tell you anything about his struggle to put the ball where he wanted. Aside from cracking the skull of a spectator with a wayward approach to the sixth green, he holed some great putts to keep him in contention.
He’s too far back to win, though, surely: I’d say so, even though he keeps on referring to the 10 shot swing in ’99 that lead to Paul Lawrie’s victory.
Who else is in the hunt?: There’s an impressive group of big-timers at 3-under including Chris DiMarco, Paul McGinley, Stewart Cink and Padraig Harrington. And despite an awful treble on the par-5 6th hole, Ernie Els is right with them after a tremendous 31 on the back nine.
Any other notable stories?: It was like one of those Ryder Cup days when players were chipping in all over the place, but John Senden was the jammiest player on course, when his approach to 18 cannoned off a spectators barrier, cannoned across the green heading out of bounds only to hit the OB marker and bounce back into play. He still carded a double-bogey six, though.
How are the InGolfWeTrust tips doing?: KJ Choi and Ernie remain our best bets, both tied for 3rd at 3-under, Nick Dougherty is tied for 24th at 1-over after a tidy 69, while Niclas Fasth is tied 45th at 4-over after a disappointing 73.
And your predictions for tomorrow?: The weather’s set fair, apparently, which means the R&A are likely to set tough pin positions. That should scatter the field and it all depends on whether Sergio and Stricker can hold their nerves. DiMarco’s likely to make a last-day charge and you have to expect a couple from the pack of Harrington, Els, Choi, Jimenez and Singh to go low.
How low can they go?: To shoot better than 3-under on the final day of The Open is tough, but let’s cross our fingers and pray for a classic finale…

For the full leaderboard, visit www.opengolf.com

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The Open - Final Round Betting Odds

We lost count at 4,583 the number of times a European victory was mentioned today, but if Mr Paddy Power's odds are anything to go by it's next-to-certain that Sergio will win his first Major tomorrow. Furyk and Vijay have got to be worth a punt haven't they? Weir and Rose also look like very appealing each-way bets.

Sergio Garcia 4-7
Steve Stricker 11-2
Ernie Els 14-1
Padraig Harrington 20-1
Chris DiMarco 25-1
Tiger Woods 25-1
KJ Choi 25-1

Of the rest, Vijay Singh and Jim Furyk at 33-1, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Mike Weir at 66-1, Justin Rose at 66-1.

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The Open - Shooting Gallery II

Note huge gaggle of photographers not coming to the aid of one of their own...

If only our errant approach shots in the Saturday medal cannoned off heads of innocent passers-by and landed 10 yards closer to the fairway... Not sure what gift Sergio gave his victim on the 17th hole other than a firm handshake, but with the stakes will have to rise from a signed glove after two spectators were hit in one afternoon. Sergio's reaction afterwards? "He was a bit shook up, but he was fine and I managed to save a great four," said the recklessly colour-cordinated Spaniard. He's all heart, he really is...

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Supper In Carnoustie

Shame the grilled haloumi had run out, but what the hey...

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The Rob Harborne Photo Of The Day*

Give me (KJ) Choi in my heart keep me praising...

*He's not dead or anything we're just trying to butter him up...

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Quote Of The Day - The Open Championship, Day Three

“It’s like someone’s left the fridge door open…”

BBC commentator Wayne Grady. Unusual to hear an Aussie moaning about British weather...

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The Open - Shooting Gallery

'It's OK, Pelle Edberg lent me his headband to staunch the bleeding...'

With two stitches in a head wound after being hit by an errant shot from Tiger Woods on the sixth hole, Jennifer Wilson from Armagh in Northern Ireland received a signed glove by Tiger as well as his profuse apologies.

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On This Day In History - Sandy Lyle wins The Open

Mmmm… Tricky one this. It's the day in 1979 that Seve Ballesteros becomes the car park champion, winning his first Open title by three shots over Ben Crenshaw and Jack Nicklaus at Royal Lytham. Then Ian Baker-Finch posts remarkable weekend rounds of 64 and 66 to win the 1991 Open by two strokes over Mike Harwood at Royal Birkdale in England.

But our pick is Sandy Lyle’s one shot Open victory over Payne Stewart at Royal St Georges in 1985, the first British winner in 16 years. At the start of the final day Sandy was three shots behind overnight leaders Bernhard Langer and Australian David Graham, the key was an unlikely birdie on 14, when he recovered from the long rough with with a 45-foot putt for an unlikely birdie.

In the real world, nothing much happened. Some bloke called Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon on this day in 1969, but apparently it was all shot on a film studio lot somewhere.

It’s geriausi linkejimaigimtadienio progal! as they say in Lithuania to acting-types Josh Hartnett (29) and Robin Williams (56), as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning Ernest Hemingway (1899-1961). Today is the day that Harold ‘Jug’ McSpadden, winner of 17 PGA Tour events was born in 1908. McSpadden and Byron Nelson were nicknamed ‘The Gold Dust Twins’ such was theoir domination of tour golf in the 1940s. 1961 US Open champ Gene Littler was also born in 1930.

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Day Two, The Open Championship, Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus, Scotland

Have you caught the sun?: Oh, very funny.
Well, it’s not exactly harsh up there is it…: Well the sun shone for a bit, but you wouldn’t want to be wandering around the course in your speedos, if you know what I mean.
Ewww… I suddenly feel a bit queasy…: Thanks.
So how was it today?: Funny.
Funny ha-ha or funny peculiar?: The latter. Despite the relatively benign conditions, Mike Weir had the pleasure of carding the lowest round of the day with a 68, to lift him to tied 3rd at 3-under.
So is Sergio still there?: Yup, 6-under after shooting a relatively incident-free level par round, with KJ Choi second at 4-under, Miguel Angel Jimenez at 3-under and Jim Furyk and Boo Weekley at 2-under.
No sign of Tiger?: He was the focal point of attention as always and shot 74 to leave him tied for 20th at 1-over.
That’s great, though isn’t it?: How do you mean?
It’s set up for him to come charging through the field on Saturday and scare the pants off everyone: Now, you’re the one going on about skimpy briefs…
C'mon, it’s bound to happen: I’m not so sure. From his first tee shot, which he slashed into the burn for double he seemed to have genuine problems with his swing. You know how sometimes he seems totally exasperated by things and gets all brattish?
Yes: Well, this was more like ‘uh-oh, the elastic’s gone in my underwear’.
Eh?: He just looked like there was something seriously wrong with his game.
How are the InGolfWeTrust tips doing?: They all survived the cut, which is good going. KJ Choi’s right there in second, Ernie Els is tied 13th at level par, Niclas Fasth is tied 31st at 2-over and and Nick Dougherty is tied 42nd at 3-over.
Any major casualties?: Lots. What real drama there was happened at the end of the day when Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie lost the battle to make the cut by a shot. Lawrie won’t sleep easy tonight after a double on 18.
Any others?: Phil Mickelson, Henrik Stenson, Johan Edfors, Justin Leonard, last week’s winner Gregory Havret, Rory Sabbatini, Graeme McDowell, Aaron Baddeley… I could go on. And on.
Don’t bother. How did your mate Cambo do?: He undid his first round 68 with a stinker of a 78, but was last seen enjoying a philosophical glass of red wine.
And the amateurs?: Only one made the cut, so Rory McIlroy can enjoy the weekend in the knowledge that the silver medal is all his. He lies tied 31st at 2-over.
And rain tomorrow?: You betcha. That should sort them right out.

For the full leaderboard, visit www.opengolf.com

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The US Bank Championship, Brown Deer Park Golf Course, Milwaukee, Wisconin

20 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | PGA Tour | Tournament News

Something missing in your life? A void which Bernhard Langer, Jeff Maggert, Tim Clark or Frank Lickliter II used to fill? Well here they are, in Milwaukee, knocking a ball about while the rest of world is feasting on neeps and tatties in Carnoustie. Joe Ogilvie leads the field after Round Two on 10-under, with Maggert at 8-under and a host of players on 7-under including… Oh, c’mon it’s Friday night, give us a break…

For the full leaderboard, visit www.pgatour.com

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Quote Of The Day - The Open Championship, Day Two

"It's been rough on the food. Ain't no sweet tea, and ain't no fried chicken."
Boo Weekley

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The Open Championship - Postcard From Carnoustie, Day Two

Carnoustie in 12 words: The sun came out today...for an hour, thank God for Sergio

Rumour: The best rumour on Friday was that as cold and grey as it was up here, the Sassenachs got it worse. The galleries loved that. I have also heard that the R&A fibbed about the crowd numbers at Hoylake last year because they didn't want St Andrews to lose the record for top attendance at an Open. Hoylake already holds the record for the most football shirts and mobile phones at an Open.

Player-spotting: Jim Furyk, Justin Leonard and Scott Verplank were supping McEwans, which they seemed to think is some kind of local delicacy, in Carnoustie High Street's Kinloch Arms on Thursday night. Furyk, apparently, had only left the hotel to get a pizza, but those crazy animals JL and The Plank twisted his arm and he was forced to "get on it". Well, have one pint. I would say he really let his hair down but you've seen him without his hat, haven't you?

Star-spotting: We're still very light on the Hollywood star front. Even stars from British satellite television are steering clear. The only "famous" people here, apart from the players, have all been paid to be here. So Chris Evans is here, doing his show for Radio Two. It's probably really mad-cap and zany.

Moody players: Henrik Stenson is probably the first player to actually do something a little bit naughty this week (regardless of what Gary Player thinks he knows) in that he hit one of those plastic golf ball tee markers with his club after a ropey old drive and broke it. Bad boy. The enormous £500 fine the millionaire will no doubt be handed is going to really make him think again next time. Ernie Els also let himself down badly at the 9th. He resorted to industrial language after missing a putt. When asked what his coach would say about that slip, Els said: "Who gives a shit! Jeez!"

Hero: Miguel Angel Jimenez is something of a hero every day. I mean he must be to go around with a ginger pony-tail. But he was extra-special heroic today. Mugging for the cameras, taking on the pins, sparking up in press tent. Boo Weekley also needs to be mentioned in despatches, mainly for walking around all day wearing an undershirt that makes it look like his arms are covered in tattoos. He also revealed that he and his caddie have smuggled over 50 tins of chewing tobacco into the country. Let's hope he doesn't do a Sergio and gob black juice into the cup, although I wouldn't put it past him.

Villain: Five Live summariser and performing golf seal Mark Roe deserves some kind of custard pie for sounding off so self-righteously about the official who gave Tiger Woods a perfectly legitimate drop when he hit his ball near some TV cables. Roe kicked up a right stink which bored me shitless but excited Fleet Street's finest - largely because it was a story they could write without getting out of their chairs. Roe couldn't possibly have an axe to grind with the R&A, could he?

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Home Sweet Home...

InGolfWeTrust, but InTentAssemblyWeDon't...

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The Rob Harborne Photo Of The Day*

20 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | Golf News | The Majors

Fasth in bother: 'Next time I'll hit the ball...'

*He's not dead or anything we're just trying to butter him up...

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The Duffers' Guide: Top 10 Golfing Footballers

The sight of Alan Shearer in Carnoustie at this year’s Open prompted us to fire up a laptop, log on to Google and cobble together a InGolfWeTrust golfing-footballers-hall-of-fame-type-thing. So here we go…

1. Jimmy Bullard

Fulham midfielder who plays off one and has even dabbled in the dreamland that is scratch golf. Says he has aspirations of trying his hand on the Euro Pro tour one day. “I would like to become a serious player in the future,” says Bullard, who with a handicap like that is already a serious player in our book.

2. Michael Owen

Just as useful inside a tee box as he is in a penalty box, Owen had his first lesson when he was seven, picked up a few golf trophies in his teens and now plays off five.

3. Andrei Shevchenko

Not helping to dispel the theory that footballers have too much time on their hands, the Ukrainian eight-handicapper has travelled far and wide to quench his golfing thirst, and has been on course with the likes of Sergio Garcia and Ernie Els. Even carried a golfing theme into his wedding when he tied the knot with American model Kristen Pazik in a private ceremony on a golf course in Washington DC.

4. Lee Dixon

A member at Woburn GC, the former Arsenal right-back plays off five but has scratch golf firmly in his sights. “I’m being coached by Ian Poulter’s old coach, Lee Scarbrow,” says Dixon. “He dismantled my swing and then put it back together. Being a sportsman my hand-to-eye co-ordination was good, I could hit the ball a long way, but my swing wasn’t good enough under pressure. And when my timing was off, I found my whole game was off as well. Now, when my timing is off, I can rely on a reasonably good mechanical swing to get me from A to B. The bad shots become less frequent and less bad.” Yeah, we get the picture, Lee…

5. Julian Dicks

Took his passion for golf one step further by trying his hand at Stage One of the 2007 PGA EuroPro Tour Qualifying School. After a first round of 81, the former Hammer called it a day and has since returned to playing recreational golf.

6. Ian Wright

The former Arsenal forward (what is it with golf and Arsenal?) plays off seven and is gearing up for his third successive appearance for Team Europe at the All*Star Cup celebrity golf jamboree at the Celtic Manor.

7. Alan Shearer

“I’m going to hit the golf course trying to get my six handicap down,” he said after his recent retirement from football and playing golf trying to get his six handicap down.

8. Teddy Sheringham

Regular golfing partner of Michael Owen and Alan Shearer, eight-handicapper Teddy says: “Michael Owen hits the ball very well and Dave Seaman, Gary Neville and Alan Shearer are all good players.”

9. John Moncur

Golf clearly runs in the Moncur blood. Brothers Nick and Terry both run golf academies and former Hammer John hasn’t let the side down having played off scratch. It’s satisfying to see he still suffers from the same on-course problems as us, though.

"The trouble with golf is that when you get annoyed with yourself, it proves expensive," explains John. "That's your clubs gone if you lose it on the course."

10. Ruud Gullit

The two-time World Soccer Player of the Year and one-time winner European Footballer of the Year is also a two-time winner with Team Europe of the All*Star Cup celebrity golf jamboree (see No.6). And he plays off seven, which is good enough for us.

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Burn Baby Burn!

Tiger Woods errant tee shot from the first is recued by South African Willie Smith, clearly undeterred by the threat of trenchfoot.

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It’s goodbye from him...

20 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The Majors | The Open Championship

'Oh, knackers...'

We couldn’t help ourselves yesterday. The sight of John Daly at 5-under was a reminder that he still holds a place in our hearts. Then just as we were adding together two and two and coming up with 739, barely two hours later he was back at 3-over par after a closing stretch that included three single bogeys, one double and one triple. Errant driving and wayward putting were the chief culprits as the man dubbed the 'Wild Thing' lived up to his billing.

And things just got worse for the big man on Friday. He had four bogeys on his card by the time he stepped on to the 12th tee, and a few minutes later he’d added a double bogey to his ever-growing tally. Despite playing the last six holes in 1-under, the damage was done and a 76 to add to his 74 on Thursday left him 8-over for the tournament and on his way to the airport.

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Afternoon tea in Carnoustie

20 Jul, 07 | Comments [1] | Tags: Golf Central | The Open Championship | World Of Random

'They'll be smashing with a cup of oolong tea...'

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...And it’s goodbye from him as well

20 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The Majors | The Open Championship

'Preciate i... Oh, bugger...'

Big Phil Mickelson won’t be needing his hotel room tonight as he looks like missing his second successive Major cut after carding a 6-over 77 on Friday. Three bogeys on the front nine and two more on 12 and 15 preceded a double-bogey on 18 to leave him 6 over for the tournament and two shots over the projected cut. The wait for a title outside the US goes on…

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The pros just say “no”…

20 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The Majors | The Open Championship

While Britain’s MPs continue to bang (or should that be bong) on about their drug-addled student days (eight at the latest count), the world’s golfers are positively baffled by nine-time Major winner Gary Player’s comments that the sport has been infiltrated by performance-enhancing drugs.

"I know for a fact that some golfers are doing it," said the South African earlier this week. "I would say there are 10 guys taking something. I might be way out. It's definitely not going to be lower, it might be a hell of a lot more."

"You what?" comes the collective response from Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus, Scotland.

BBC voice of golf Peter Alliss snapped back: "If he knows about them, let’s hear about it. There’s no point stirring up the mud then moving away." A sentiment that was echoed by the players.

"He has to elaborate on what he knows," said Ernie Els. "If he's got his facts straight, he should get it done [and name names]. As far as I'm concerned, I think the game of golf is clean. I don't think taking any kind of drugs will make you play better.”

Aussie Rod Pampling chipped in: "If he's definite he should name the people. I think you have to name the people if you want to make it a worthy statement. I haven't seen anyone [using drugs], so I don't know who he's talking about. We'll have to wait and see if he names someone."

England's David Howell added: "I was amazed by the comments. If there was one person [taking drugs] I would be amazed. I'm shocked by his comments, but maybe I’m naive. It's not even on the radar. I could be absolutely wrong, but of the people I know, no chance. I don't think we have a problem."

Fellow Englishman Nick Faldo is in agreement: "I know of nobody and have not heard of anyone," the six-time Major winner said, with Thomas Bjorn adding: "I'm amazed he would use this scene to bring this into the world's eyes."

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On This Day In History – Greg Norman wins first Major

It’s 1986, and Prince Andrew, Duke of York, is three days away from tying the knot with Sarah Ferguson. Some 421 miles north of London’s Westminster Abbey, though, Aussie Gregory John Norman’s mind is firmly on golf.

The Great White Shark maintains his focus to complete a five-stroke victory over second-placed Gordon Brand Jr and leaves the British Open at Turnberry with his first Major under his belt. The first of many more, surely? Well, not exactly.

Norman repeated the feat by collecting the Claret Jug again in ’93. And that was it as far as Major trophies went. Second-placed finishes at three US Masters, two US Opens and two USPGAs tell their own story.

Texan Justin Leonard helped himself to his British Open title at Royal Troon on this day ten years ago and Tom Watson pocketed his third of five Open victories at Muirfield in 1980.

Judging by the violence that has marked this day through history, InGolfWeTrust advises you draw the curtains, stick BBC2 on and stay out of harm’s way today.

One Adolph Hitler survived an assassination attempt when a bomb exploded at his headquarters in Rastenberg, East Prussia, in 1944. Not one for being sidetracked, though, minor burns and concussion didn’t stop him from swapping dictator-type tips with Mussolini after a spot of lunch.

July 20 has also witnessed two IRA attacks in London, one in 1982, and another eight years later. Eight soldiers on ceremonial duty were killed in two IRA bomb blasts in Hyde Park and Regent's Park in 82, and a bomb blew a whole in the London Stock Exchange in 1990.

On a lighter note, Neil Armstrong took his giant leap for mankind in becoming the first man to walk on the moon in 1969.

And it’s "Feliz Cumplea–os" to 60-year-old Latin rocker Carlos Santana, who celebrates today with fellow birthday boys and girls Kiwi mountaineer and explorer Sir Edmund Hillary (88), Yorkshire lass and one-time Bond girl Diana Rigg (69) and Eastenders legend, Wendy Richard MBE, who notches up 61 years today.

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Day One, The Open Championship, Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus, Scotland

If I hear it one more time I’m going to vomit: Steady on lad…
Seriously, I’ve had it up to here: It’s only the first day, you’ve got to be more patient.
European winner, European winner, European winner… Aaaaaarghh!!!: Now you know how Paul Lawrie feels.
Talking of the ’99 champ, how did he get on today?: He did OK. A birdie at 18 to get him to 3-over cheered him up a bit after a round where he was compelled to complain about the hordes of press and TV getting in the way.
They were following Tiger weren’t they…: Yes they were.
No wonder he was annoyed. So who’s the rabbit then?: Er, Ben Bunny?
No, I meant who’s winning: Ah, right. Clutching a belly putter and a steely resolve, it’s none other than Sergio Garcia, who shot a 6-under round of 65 to lead by two shots.
And the last time he was here...: He went in his mother’s arms a broken-hearted kid who shot 89 and 83… That one’s getting boring already and he only finished his round a few hours ago.
But still, it’s sort of poetic…: Not in the slightest. It’s just a well-worn statement of fact.
Sergio’s using the belly-putter isn’t he?: He is.
I don’t like them: Neither do I.
At least we agree on something. What was the general feel of the day?: Cold and wet in the morning, but still enough to score. Tiger could have been six or seven under, his iron play was sublime, hinting at what might come later in the week.
What did he shoot?: 2-under, which sees him tied 8th with KJ Choi, Stewart Cink, Padraig Harrington and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
Who else is in the hunt?: Until Paul McGinley bogeyed 15 and 16 he looked effortlessly authoritative. Can’t complain in second place at 4-under, though. Michael Campbell, Markus Brier, Angel Cabrera, Boo Weekley and Rory McIlroy are one 3-under…
Woah… back up a minute. Rory McIlroy?: You know, amateur prodigy from Holyhead, Northern Ireland.
Crikey…: And he has the distinction of being the only golfer among the top 10 to not have a bogey on his card. An honourable mention must go to Boo too – short sleeves, never played links golf before. 3-under, job done.
How did your InGolfWeTrust tips do?: Fair-to-middling. Kj Choi is tied 8th, Nick Dougherty is tied 25th at level par, Ernie Els is tied 39th at 1-over, but Niclas Fasth has a mountain to climb after carding a 75 to leave him tied 104th.
What, they force players to climb mountains if they shoot a bad score?!: No, it’s just a turn of phrase.
Wasn’t John Daly doing well at one point?: He was, particularly after holing his approach shot on 11 for eagle. At that point he was 5-under, nut then he finished double, par, treble, bogey, bogey, par, bogey.
Horrid. Any other casualties?: Stephen Ames shot 81 as did 2004 Open champ Todd Hamilton, but considering the cold, this was Carnoustie at its most benign.
Something tells you’ve got your fingers crossed for a hideous day of driving wind and rain…: How did you guess?

For the live leaderboard, visit www.opengolf.com

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The Drugs Don't Work...

The BBCs golf anchor Gary Lineker proved that Gary Player was right and something strange is going on in the world of golf, when he acted as interviewer and Spanish translator in conversation with US Open Champion Angel Cabrera.

You could almost see the edges of Cabrera’s mouth twitching with suppressed delirium, as the former Barcelona winger (Johan Cruyff’s idea, not ours) progressed with his whicker inquisition.

If only he’d had the courage to say: “You do know I speak fluent English, don’t you Gary?”

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The Open Championship - Postcard From Carnoustie, Day One

Carnoustie in 12 words: Quite exciting once the drizzle stopped but would be better in summer

Rumour: There was talk early doors that the organisers were so worried about the patchy crowds during the practice rounds and absolutely gash weather forecast that they may reduce the ticket prices. Turned out to be as much as a false dawn as Oliver Wilson's birdie at the very first hole of the tournament. He finished on 9-over and the tickets stayed at 50 sheets.

Player-spotting: Gary Evans leading Brian Davis off for a private coaching session on the practice range (apparently Brian's shoulder wasn't "fucking releasing and you know what I'm like when that happens") about half six on Thursday evening. Zimbabwe's David Frost and American JJ Henry swapping children stories behind the 18th green like a pair of yummy mummies in Waitrose. Not a player, but Amy Mickelson looking very "Milan, dahhhling" in Louis Vuitton pashmina and matching Green Beret beefcake bodyguards.

Moody players: I want to say Colin Montgomerie (he gave it the "not today, guys" line and bolted for the car park when asked for an interview today... Yesterday we couldn't get him to leave the press tent), but that's too obvious. Everybody’s still on their best behaviour, although Henrik Stenson did do some good (and English) swearing when missing his par putt at the last.

Hero of the day: I can't not mention Sergio Garcia, it seems his moodiness earlier this week was just game-face concentration, but the real heroics of the day were performed by Rory McIlroy from Lil Ol Norn Oireland. Top stuff fella. Shocking top and haircut, though. He looked like one of the Asbo kids that hang around outside the Spar in the middle of Carnoustie.

Villain of the day: Gary Lineker for managing to look so pleased with himself when swaggering around the mix zone for doing so little. He is only reading lines that hard-pressed producers have just written for him, he is not the star of this show, he is not Peter Alliss, he is not even Ken Brown. Wipe that smug look off your face and stop being so superior.

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Teach The World To Singh...

You’ll never go short of tour golfers with kind words to say about Vijay Singh. He’s the pros pro. At the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth earlier this year he sidled up to Michael Campbell on the range and asked him if he could chip in with some advice. He pointed out to Cambo that the rhythm of his swing had got appreciably quicker since the glories of 2005, when he won the US Open and the HSBC Matchplay.
He sees that, and the adoption of Odyssey’s two-ball putter, as the reason he’s in contention after Day One of The Open, shooting six birdies and three bogeys in a 3-under 68. Can he win? He thinks he can, and that’s half the battle with Cambo.

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The Rob Harborne Photo Of The Day*

Justin Rose joins the cast of Shaun Of The Dead II

*He's not dead or anything, we're just trying to butter him up.

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Rory McIlroy - The New Jimmy Bruen, whoever he is...

Rory McIlroy’s exciting rise up the leaderboard today prompted a rush of interest, not least from Peter Alliss on commentary, who likened the young Northern Irishman with Jimmy Bruen.
‘Who the hell is Jimmy Bruen?’ was heard through open windows all across town.
This much we know.
Jimmy was a schoolboy phenom from Cork, who made his name in the 1930s, playing off plus one at the age of 15 before carding 19 rounds in the sixties.
His swing was known as ‘the loop’, the crack of the wrist at the top owed a bit to his grounding on the hurling field and played in the 1938 Walker Cup which they won. He then won the best amateur at the Open the following year.
Rory’s role model? Good enough.

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'Last European To Win A Major' Watch

723 mentions of 'The Last European To Win A Major' before the end of Day One, the latest in Gary Lineker's introduction to Paul McGinley, both sitting on whicker chairs next to the putting green, as if Sunnigdale had been moved 500 miles north.

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Open Fashion - Seriously, Olive Really Is The New Black...

Two peacock's chose the same part of the colour wheel today. After Ian Poulter's drab olive coloured jumper-and-tartan-slacks set this morning, the afternoon began with a similarly greenish tinge in Johan Edfors' ensemble.
If Edfors' outfit is representative of the way forward, skin tight is very next year. Not just snug, England rugby-shirt tight. It drew gasps from Mark James and Wayne Grady in the commentary box and has evidently been kept from public view by Getty Images, who have yet to post any pictorial evidence. When they do, you'll know about it...

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Paul Lawrie - Unhappy, For A Change

'Bloody photographers, bloody journalists, bloody tv crews...'

Paul Lawrie has found the media attention that goes with playing with Tiger Woods difficult to cope with. Paired with the reigning champion, Lawrie made a complaint to the R&A that the crowd and attendant photographers were making concentration difficult in the first few holes of the opening round at Carnoustie this morning.
Marshalls then waded in with truncheons and tear gas (they didn't really, we made it up) to push back the media hordes out of Lawrie's personal space.
The Aberdeenshire pro has given several interviews in the past few weeks in which the lack of attention he has received for his achievement in winning the claret jug in ’99. It's the last time a European player collected a Major championship, you know...

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Duffer’s Guide - The First Day of The Open

Ten useful facts about the first day's play down the years...

'My name is Otto, I love to get blotto'

1. Watch out for Tiger's first round score today. He jointly holds the record for the lowest first round by a champion, scoring 66 at St Andrews in 2005. Other champs to have hit the mark? Peter Thomson, Royal Lytham, 1958; Nick Faldo, Muirfield, 1992; Greg Norman, Royal St George’s, 1993.

2. South African Hennie Otto (pictured above) won through a qualifying event and was off in the first group of the 2003 Open Championship at 6.31am. A five birdie streak around the turn meant he led his first Open after Day 1.

3. The last time the Open was held at Carnoustie, the average first round score was a dream-shattering 78.

4. Bobby Clampett led in 1982 and gave a post round interview admitting to having up to 24 separate swing thoughts while standing over the ball at address. He led by seven going into the last round before blowing up, losing to Tom Watson.

5. Denis Durnian still holds the record for the lowest front nine ever played at an Open. He played the front nine in 28 shots at Birkdale in 1983.

6. The lowest first round score is 64, a record held by five players: Craig Stadler (1983), Christy O’Connor (‘85), Rodger Davis (’87), Raymond Floyd (’92) and Steve Pate (’92).

7. Four players have led the Open after every round, a mix of old school legends: Vardon, JH Taylor, Trevino and Player.

8. Beware men wearing odd clothes. The first day is the biggest sales day of the year in the golf business. Get out the Union Jack trousers. Three years ago, TaylorMade players all wore bright orange caps to flag up their new drivers.

9. Aussie Rod Pampling tore up Carnoustie in 1999 with a 71, when 71 really meant something. But so did the 87 he hit in round two to miss the cut.

10. Tiger’s first shot of the Championship in 2003 was a big slice into deep rough resulting in a lost ball and a treble bogey seven. It’s the first and only time he’s lost a ball on the first hole of a pro event.

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Bin Laden Is A Golf Fan

Apparently, he's sleeping on Ken Brown's floor...

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On This Day In History - Harry Vardon's Six Appeal

On this day in 1914, 44-year old Harry Vardon wins The Open Championship at Prestwick, Scotland, three shots clear of JH Taylor. In case you thought players being distracted by cameras was a modern phenomenon, Taylor, who is distracted by a snapper on the third hole, drops a shot, then falls apart at the 4th hole, taking a seven to Vardon’s four. The Jerseyman wins with a score of 306 to become the first player to win The Open six times – a record that remains unbroken to this day.

Meanwhile, on this day in 1997, The IRA announces its second ceasefire in three years. Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said he supports a ceasefire because of a "commitment by the two governments (UK and Republic of Ireland) to inclusive peace talks".

It’s co` latha breith sona dhuibh! as they say in certain northern parts of Scotland to tennis legend Ilie Nastase (61), poodle-haired Brian May (60) and gun manufacturer Samuel Colt (193 if he’d figured out the secret of eternal life).

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Breakfast At Carnoustie

"Just a slice of grapefruit and a glass of warm water for me, thanks..."

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Betting Tips - The Open Championship

"Hang on mister, you're not Nyron Nosworthy..."

After weeks of desperation, it rained pound coins upon our tender heads thanks to Gregory Havret (with a bit of help from Phil Mickelson’s errant driver). Typical that this would happen the week before the Open Championship, where we will be returning a sizeable portion of our winnings to Mr Paddy Power, courtesy of the following tips.

Ernie Els @11-1: He’s playing his chances down and muttering quietly about not quite finding his putting form. And we’re ignoring him…
Niclas Fasth @ 35-1: Is literally on fire this season, but once the fire service has damped him down a bit, he could well emerge as a contender.
KJ Choi @ 60-1: Always has a knack of creeping up the leaderboard during Majors and has won twice this season already. He’s also nicknamed The Tank.
Nick Dougherty @150-1: Would be wonderful if Dougherty was the first Britain to win a Major since ‘99. Has taken a couple of weeks off, let’s cross our fingers…

For a full list of odds, visit www.paddypower.com

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Tournament Preview - The Open Championship, Carnoustie Golf Links, Angus, Scotland

Are you there then?: I’m here, there and everywhere, man…
Whadaya mean?: I’m the sun, the clouds, the stars… The stars, man, they’re smiling at me… They’re telling me to fly to them…
Are you doing one of those comedy ‘I’m on drugs routines’ like you see on pre-watershed BBC programmes?: Dammit. How did you know?
Because it was nonsense. And forgive me for asking, but why?: Well, Gary Player says everyone in golf’s on drugs these days.
That’s not precisely what he said is it…: Perhaps not.
Anyway, are you up in Carnoustie or not?: Half the InGolfWetrust team is in a tent round the back of the course, the other half is in Brighton glued to the telly.
You mean you’re in two places at the same time?: Yup.
How is it up there?: Damp. Miserable. Scottish.
What do you reckon will happen this week?: Cruelly, I’m hoping the tent will get a battering and the weather will dish out good and bad in even amounts. The last thing you want is half the field to get blown away and the other half
And the course?: Sam Torrance has described it as “The best links course of them all”. Tiger describes it as easier than ’99. The fairways are wider and the rough less overwhelming. A big-hitter’s paradise – a course tailor-made for Tiger.
Any other names cropping up?: Jim Furyk’s getting mentioned in dispatches, Mickelson’s talking the course up, Ernie’s on the downlow, but he can’t be discounted.
And David Shacklady?: You’re just taking the mick out of him because he’s got a funny name.
You do the jokes, I'll do the spiteful name-calling...: And I'll keep taking the drugs.

Follow The Open at www.opengolf.com

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Fancy A Game Of Golf Tomorrow?

The 433 yards par 4, 17th Island (right) and the 444 yards par 4, 18th Home. Easy-peasy...

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The Open Championship - Postcard From Carnoustie

Describe Carnoustie in 12 words (including two French ones): Strange seaside town desperately seeking golfing carnage to maintain its raison d'etre

Rumour of the day: Golfing legend, air miles king and sit-up champion, Gary Player thinks the drugs do work for today's golfers and says they're all it. That can be the only sane explanation for the distance they are hitting the ball these days, isn't it Gary?

Where they're staying: Jeev Milkha Singh at local golf and fishing 'resort' Forbes of Kingennie, Tiger Woods in the "best house in Carnoustie" and Ernie Els and lots of others in the Old Course Hotel at St Andrews.

Player-spotting in town: Are you mad? There is no fathomable reason for a millionaire sportsman to visit any other part of Carnoustie other than the golf course. That said, we think we saw Ben Bunny looking for somewhere to eat in the High Street last night.

Moody player: Sergio Garcia. Normally a massive fan having witnessed him actually fix a fan's camera so they could get a picture of them with him; but this week he is being a stroppy little so-and-so. We think he just got the downer for this place after what happened last time - it made him cry - either that or this is all part of his bid to be all business-like and Tiger-esque ahead of a big tournament. He should just practise his putting.

Hero: Hard to say. Any of them that went out there to play today deserve some kind of nod, it was horrible. But I'm going to plump for Adilson da Silva (above), Brazil's sole entrant in the field. He was out there first of all, in the worst of it. He had at least three layers on, though. And Colin Montgomerie must get a mention, largely because he'll probably be either the moodiest player out there tomorrow or even the day's biggest villain. He was in Ryder Cup charm offensive mode today and actually told three or four amusing, self-deprecating jokes in his press conference - the best being that it was players like Retief Goosen, not him, that get bothered by mobile phones.

Villain: Nobody was particularly naughty today, there wasn't the weather for it. But Player deserves some kind of rap on knuckles for disturbing the press corps with his drugs claims after everyone had written their preview pieces.

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The Rob Harborne Photo Of The Day*

18 Jul, 07 | Comments [2] | Tags: The Majors | The Open Championship

Lumped your childrens' pocket money on Angel Cabrera? We're not saying anything, but either that's a nasty wrist injury he's carrying, or he's really upset that Brazil beat Argentina in the Copa America final...

*He's not dead or anything, we're just trying to butter him up

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Pin Drops Within Half A Mile Of Monty

Colin Montgomerie and his sensitive ears (see above) appear to be a critical part of R&A security strategy. The great man has come out to publicly support the mobile phone ban which sees those travelling to The Open this week asked to leave their mobile phones at home. Searches will be conducted at the gates, and free storage for mobiles will be provided on site.

At a press conference, Montgomerie said today the policy, "has been coming for many years" and that he believed it is ‘the start of other tournaments in Europe doing the same’.

Sergio Garcia recalled having to "back off every single shot" at last year’s Open, which he clarified was not to be confused with his own pre-shot routine. The Spaniard is all for extending the ban to other categories of electronic hell. "It's not phones ringing but camera phones that are the problem," he said today.

Johnny Foreigner will also soon feel the wrath of the golfing authorities according to Darren Clarke: "I think the British public are aware of the problems caused by mobile phones, unlike some of the other places we play around the world," he suggested darkly.

InGolfWeTrust learns is one of several such measures due to hit the R&A rule book.
Encouraged by the players’ support, there are hints that head man Peter Dawson is considering a raft of new policies aimed at ceasing the incessant and deafening noise pollution that has made modern life so intolerable.

Future bans may include ‘the general public’. Research indicates people are the source of up to 73% of noise on the golf course. The rest is down to players and caddies moaning...

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Amateur Hour

A lovely Silver Medal and a place in golfing history awaits the best amateur golfer at Carnoustie this week…

Rory McIlroy (above)
What Wikipedia might say: McIlroy made his first appearance in a European Tour event a few days after turning sixteen, when he took part in the 2005 British Masters. He made the cut on the European Tour for the first time as a seventeen year old at the 2007 Dubai Desert Classic, where he had to forego prize money of over €7,600 due to his amateur status.
Wunderkind status: McIlroy is routinely to be referred to as Boy Wonder, the new Seve, The Celtic Tiger (Northern division).
Rare documentary footage available? UTV (ITV for Northern Ireland) ran an hour devoted to Rory from Holywood, a cut and paste version of Posh goes to LA.

Llewellyn Matthews
This year’s Welsh angle: Forget the fact Wales has never produced an Open winner (Dai Rees came second three times, including losing to Hogan at Carnoustie in ‘53). Ignore that there are only two from the principality teeing it up this year (Bradley Dredge is the other one).
Adorability quotient (9.5): Llewellyn Matthews won through his local qualifier at Monifieth and is set to bring a certain boyish freshness to the gnarly, cynical world of Major championship golf.
“I had played here before but it was a little different at the British Boys’ Championship, there were no stands in the way or ropes and it was a bit easier to get about,” he says, before his mum spat on a tissue to wipe the Toffee Crisp from around his mouth.
Lil’ Llew plays with Luke Donald and Charles Howell III on Thursday and Friday. If the on course chat moves to seven degrees of Kevin Bacon, Llewellyn will be in his element. “I know someone who knows Luke really well,” he says of his playing partner.
Existential question of the day: Does anyone really know Luke Donald?

Drew Weaver (above)
Call My Bluff/episode 2438. (Adopts Frank Muir vocal performance). Drew Weaver is (a) A Scottish arts and crafts based occupation (b) A knock off second generation website building tool or (c) One of America’s best young players who won this year’s Amateur Championship at Lytham.
Tiger aspect: Weaver will tee off with the great man on Thursday and Friday
Extraordinary fact: He was studying a few hundred yards away when the Virginia Tech shootings took place.
Best celebratory email message: Following Weaver’s Lytham victory, the assistant golf coach at Virginia Tech, Brian Sharp, just wrote: "Crow's Nest in April."

Paul Waring
Boys own hero: Former England Amateur champ Waring earned caps at under-16s and boys' levels and was England Boys' captain in 2003 and last season won the Peugeot Classic, and came second in Duncan Putter, ahem.
Tee off chums? Aaron ‘Dresses’ Baddeley and former Open champ Ben Curtis.
It’s not over until Shacklady sings: Cheshire’s Waring qualified through to the Open with David Shacklady from Mossock Hall, a character from Midsomer Murders.

Richie Ramsay (above)
Who he? Ramsay comes to Carnoustie still an amateur despite much pressure to ‘do a Justin’ and cash in early on his US Amateur win of 2006. His reward is to tee up with Tiger and Big Phil in the Masters and US Open so far this year. The 23 year old from Aberdeen has spent the first part of the week in a ‘Scot Pack’ - not in a Road Less Travelled sort of way - as Paul Lawrie and Alister Forsyth have guided him around Carnoustie’s back alleys.
US Amateur conversation starters: The last Scot to lift the US Amateur trophy (the Havemeyer Cup) was Findlay Douglas, originally from St Andrews, who won the title in 1898 after emigrating to America. And Ramsay is the first British winner since Harold Hilton in 1911.

David Coupland
Sixties siren: Twenty one year old Coupland cruised to victory in the qualifiers with scores of 69 and 65 for a total of 8 under par.
Speech, speech: County player Coupland’s entry to the big time left him "absolutely speechless" before going on to say that "This is the best thing I've ever done in my life”.
First time lucky: Coupland had never tried to qualify for the Open before this year and will tee off with Vaughn Taylor of the US and Australia’s Peter Fowler.

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Faldo - Fit & Fabulous At 50

18 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | Media Watch

We've dwelt on this one in the past, but on his 50th birthday we'll have a brief respite from the Nick Faldo is good/evil debate and point you towards Paul Kimmage's excellent piece with him in last weekend's Sunday Times.

For the full story, click here.

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On This Day In History - Paul Lawrie wins The Open Championship

A great day in golf by anyone’s reckoning. In 1988, Seve Ballesteros wins his third Open and fifth Major championship at Royal Lytham & St. Annes; while in 1993 Greg Norman sets a tournament record 13-under-par total to win the Open at Royal St Georges.

It’s also the day that Paul Lawrie won The Open in ’99. You probably know the story off by heart – how Lawrie beat France's Jean Van De Velde and American Justin Leonard in a four-hole playoff after Van De Velde blew a three-stroke lead at the last. It’s easy to forget, however, that Lawrie shot 67 in tough conditions to make the play-off, which helps to explain why he feels so sore that his achievement has never been fully appreciated.

On this day in 2003 the body of Dr David Kelly was found near his Oxfordshire home. An expert in arms control who had worked as a weapons inspector in Iraq between 1991 and 1998, he committed suicide after being caught at the centre of a row between the British Government and the BBC about the use of intelligence reports in the run up to the war against Iraq.

The row centred on a report by journalist Andrew Gilligan during the Today programme on BBC Radio Four in which he said the government had ‘sexed-up’ its dossier on Iraq to boost public support for the war.

On a happier note, it’s Zorionak! as they say in the Basque region of Spain to British golfing ledge Nick Faldo (50), groundbreaking Afro-American PGA Tour pro Calvin Peete (64) and that nice South African chap Nelson Mandela (89).

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Steve Williams - Shy, But Not Retiring

17 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | Golf News

Steve Williams, the highest-earning caddy in history, is not about to jack in his job to become a full-time dirt track racer. "Caddying for the World No1 player is a bit more profitable and meaningful," he told New Zealand's Sunday Star-Times on the weekend. Rumours that Darren Clarke's caddy Billy Foster was earmarked as a replacement for Williams have no grounds according to the Kiwi. Not that we're ones to gossip, but what are the odds of Williams being the last one to find out if it's Tiger's shout to change bags, rather than his?

For the full story click here

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The Duffer's Guide - Seve Ballesteros

17 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | Golf News | The Duffer's Guide

10 things you need to know by law about the golfing legend Severiano Ballesteros...

1. Seve won five Major titles during a glittering career (‘79 Open, ‘80 Masters, ‘83 Masters, ‘84 Open and ‘88 Open).
2. His 1980 win at Augusta was the first by a European player.
3. During one stretch in 1978, Seve won six weeks in a row across three continents.
4. He was disqualified from the US Open in 1980 when he was late for his tee time.
5. Seve has a tattoo on his arm of himself winning the 1984 Open.
6. His Ryder Cup partnership with fellow Spaniard José María Olazábal is the most successful in the history of the competition, with 11 wins and two halved matches out of 15 pairs matches.
7. Of his wayward play from the tee he said: “I'd like to see the fairways more narrow. Then everyone would have to play from the rough, not just me.”
8. His uncle Ramón Sota was Spanish professional champion four times and finished 6th in The Masters in 1965.
9. Of his competitive spirit, Seve said: "I look into their eyes, shake their hand, pat their back, and wish them luck, but I am thinking, 'I am going to bury you.'
10. His retirement from golf comes in the wake of a statement denying reports that he attempted to commit suicide last month.

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Golf Betting Update – Hip Hip Havret!

So we return to the beautiful Lake Lomond in Scotland, Northern England and to the scene of In Golf We Trust’s biggest betting windfall to date. To be honest, it wasn’t looking good at first. Colin Montgomerie had missed the cut, our other tip Johan Edfors had put up the worst defence of a title in living memory (138th out of 154), and it looked for all the world that it was going to be another fruitless week for the team and their pathetic little tenner. Then, just as we were about to start flogging our kids’ internal organs on eBay, something truly magical happened. Ever seen the film Miracle On The 17th Green with Robert Urich? Well, it was nothing like that. It was good though. The Frenchman and 80/1 shot Gregory Havret (seen here celebrating with Miss Glasgow 1996) crushed the world number three Phil Mickelson in a play-off to take the Scottish Open title. That meant a record pay day of £153.00 and all for a paltry £1.50 each way bet. That, quite clearly, is a result. Now pass me the foie gras Crouchy lad…

Colin Montgomerie 22/1: 71st – missed cut
Johan Edfors 66/1: Tied 138th – missed cut
Gregory Havret 80/1: 1st – Hurrah!

Across the pond, though, we weren’t so lucky. In fact, we stunk the place out. Thanks guys…

Anthony Kim 25/1: Tied 74th – Missed cut
Jesper Parnevik 50/1: Tied 33rd
Camilo Villegas 50/1: Tied 74th – Missed cut

Season’s betting:                                   £370
Season’s winnings:                                 £321.22
InGolfWeTrust balance:                           -£48.78

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McGinley In The Zone At Carnoustie

17 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | Golf Tournaments | The Open Championship

"Thanks, just stick it on Monty's tab......"

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An In Golf We Trust Appeal...

17 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Tiger Woods

OK, OK, OK, so Tiger Woods has become a father. Congratulations to him, Elin, Taz and whatever his labradoodle is called but can everybody please stop banging on about it like it's some big deal. After all, there are 245 babies born in the world EVERY MINUTE.

That's better. Now put your coat on and go and get me some midget gems...

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Go Figure!

17 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | Golf Tournaments | The Open Championship

Paul Lawrie's position in the 1999 Open Championship at Carnoustie prior after the third round. After shooting a 67 in his final round - the lowest of the day - he ttook the title, beating France's Jean Van De Velde and America's Justin Leonard in a play-off.

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I Suppose You Think That's Bunny...

17 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | Golf Tournaments | The Open Championship

Finally, a name emerges in the Open Championship startling line-up to rival Boo Weekley's title as the best name in professional golf. So ladies and gentlemen, in game no1, representing Australia, please welcome...BEN BUNNY!

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Carnoustie Tee Times

The tee times for the first and second round of the Open Championship at Carnoustie have been announced and all eyes will be on the killer marquee grouping of Scott Laycock, Anders Hultman and Seung Ho-Lee who go out at 1610hrs on Thursday. If you're interested in any of the other players, and why would you be, then the defending champion Tiger Woods (above) is out at 0909 on Thursday and 1420 on Friday, alongside Justin Rose and some bloke called Paul Lawrie who reckons he won this title in Carnoustie in 1999. Itchy beard...
Elsewhere, Britain’s top ranked player and winner of no majors Luke Donald tees off with Welsh amateur Llewellyn Matthews, who qualified last week, and the American Charles Howell IIIIIIIII. Monty, meanwhile, goes off with the American Stewart Cink and the Japanese pro Toshi Izawa while Padraig Harrington partners high-flying amateur Richie Ramsay and the self-styled wildman of pro golf, David Toms.
Last week’s loser Phil Mickelson steps out with the Worksop Whirlwind Lee Westwood and japan’s Toru Taniguchi while the top two European finishers at the US Open, Sweden’s Niclas Fasth and England’s (cue fanfare) NICK DOUGHERTY will trade tips with the world number three Jim Furyk.

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Taking The Nick

17 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | The Open Championship

So it’s that time of the year again when Nick Faldo steps forward to give his annual address to the rest of golf on how things should be done.

This year’s lecture is entitled “Young Golfers Don’t Know They’re Born”. Ahem...

“All the current generation are having lunch together and then going off to play for a million dollars. I can't imagine myself sitting with (Greg) Norman and Pricey (Nick Price) and having lunch together. And Tiger (Woods) isn't like that, either. In our era we were competitors, very separate individuals and we kept it that way. We had to win to create a brand and a future and a pension plan. These guys now have a future in a year. You can be a millionaire now in six months."

So that’s what drove the young Nick Faldo to his many successes; brand development and retirement funds. Listen and learn, kids, listen and learn…

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On This Day In History - Nick Price Wins the Open

17 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: On This Day In History

It was on this day in 1994 that the Zimbabwean golfer Nick Price took the Open Championship title at Turnberry, Scotland. Neck and neck with Sweden’s Jesper Parnevik, he holes a monstrous 50-foot eagle putt at the 17th (above) to help him to a one shot victory. It would be his only Open title.

It was also on this day in 1917 that the British Royal Family changed their name, With the nation at war with Germany and them being, well, Germans, they decide to ditch Saxe-Coburg Gotha and pretend they’re English. The new name, Windsor, narrowly beats Bumstead in a poll to find the family a new, less Teutonic name.

Bumps today to golfers Eduardo Romero (53) and Peter Lonard (40); the actor Donald Sutherland (72); the Baywatch bampot David Hasselhoff (55) and Princess Di replacement Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall.

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BALLESTEROS RETIRES FROM GOLF

16 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News

BREAKING NEWS * BREAKING NEWS * BREAKING NEWS

Seve Ballesteros has announced his retirement from golf. The 50-year-old Spaniard, who won three Open and two Masters titles, said: "This has been the most difficult decision of my life." Ballesteros played in four successful European Ryder Cup sides and captained the team to victory in 1997. He has suffered with back and knee problems in recent years, and missed the cut at this year's Masters after finishing on 22 over par. He also made his debut on the US Seniors Tour in May, but finished joint last alongside Lee Trevino.

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On This Day In History - Sorenstam Begins Her Reign

16 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: On This Day In History | The LPGA Tour

It was on this day in 1995 that Sweden's Annika Sorenstam wons the US Women's Open by one stroke over Meg Mallon at Broadmoor Golf Club's East Course in Colorado Springs, Colorado to earn her first major title. She would go on to win 69 official LPGA tournaments including ten majors, 17 other tournaments internationally and to top the LPGA's career money list with earnings of over $20 million, $7 million ahead of her nearest rival. In short, she was and is quite handy.

On This Day In History - Sorenstam Begins Her Reign

This is also the day that in 1969, the NASA rocket Apollo 11 took off from Cape Kennedy in Florida bound for the moon. On board were Commander Neil Armstrong, Command Module Pilot Michael Collins and Lunar Module pilot Edwin 'Buzz' Aldrin and while the landing would prove successful, it was only when Alan Sheperd started hitting golf balls on the moon's surface during the Apollo 14 mission two years later that most blokes finally started to take an interest.

Birthdays commisserations to the the ludicrous 'Lord of the Dance' Michael Flatley (49); actor/lover/fighter Mickey Rourke (54) and Ian Curtis, singer with Joy Division, who would have been 51 had he not hanged himself in his kitchen.

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PGA Tour News – Day Four, John Deere Classic, TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois.

Another Christmas in the poor house for Little Timmy Clark, while Jonathan 'Dickie' Byrd is unmasked as a gruesome undertaker...

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European Tour News – Day Four, The Barclays Scottish Open, Lake Lomond

Mickelson wears trademark puzzled expression and French people douse each other in champagne again...

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On This Day In History: 1978 - Jack wins The Open again

Jack Nicklaus

Jack Nicklaus wins his 15th Major title and his second Open at St Andrews, finishing at 7-under-par 281 for a two-stroke margin over Ben Crenshaw, Raymond Floyd, Tom Kite, and Simon Owen at the Old Course at St. Andrews in Scotland. Tom Watson had started the final day in the lead, but a repeat of the previous year’s Duel In The Sun at Turnberry never materialized as Watson shot a 76.

On this day in 1997, Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace is shot dead on the steps of his Miami home. Detectives trace suspect Andrew Cunanan to a houseboat three miles from the murder scene on 25 July 1997 and after a five-hour siege a swat team storms the boat and find Cunanan dead, having shot himself in the head with the gun he used to kill Versace. Any motive or clues go to the grave with him.

Meanwhile, it’s penblwydd hapus as they say in certain parts of Western England to plausible Idi Amin Forest Whitaker (46), scary reconstructed blonde Brigitte Nielsen (44) and Dutch master Rembrandt Van Rijn (looking good on it, for 401 years-old). He was a painter, by the way, not a footballer.

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PGA Tour News – Days Two & Three, John Deere Classic, TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois.

The most exciting PGA Tour event of the year and it all boils down to a non-conforming 8-iron...

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European Tour News - Days Two & Three, The Barclays Scottish Open, Lake Lomond

So there's this Frenchman, this Spaniard and Yank who plays the wrong way round... No, come back, it's a cracker this one...

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On This Day In History - Lee Elder Is Born

14 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | Golf News | On This Day In History

It's a busy day, with Tom Weiskopf winning The Open at Royal Troon in 1973 (his only Major championship) and Tom Watson lifting the Claret Jug for the fifth time in 1983 at Royal Birkdale. On July 14, 1934, Lee Elder was born in Dallas Texas. Brought up in poverty, he caddied as a teenager to earn a living and snuck onto courses at night to practice.
He won four times on the PGA Tour and played on the US Ryder Cup team in 1979, but will be chiefly remembered as the first black golfer to play The Masters. When a group of prominent political figures wrote to Roberts, urging Augusta chairman Clifford Roberts to invite Elder to play he refused to bow to the pressure, replying: "We are a little surprised as well as being flattered that 18 Congressmen should be able to take time out to help us operate a golf tournament".
In 1968 he and his fellow black tour players were refused entry into the clubhouse of the Pensacola Country Club and forced to change in the car park. Six years later, he holed an 18ft putt there in the Monsanto Open to ensure victory and an automatic place in the field for the 1975 Masters. He missed the cut, but would appear in another five Masters tournaments.
On this day in 1881, William H Bonney, better known as Billy The Kid, was shot and killed by Sheriff Pat Garrett in Fort Sumner, New Mexico. As if he wasn’t in enough trouble already, The Kid killed two guards while escaping from the authorities, having been convicted of murdering Sheriff Brady and being sentenced to hanging. He was tracked down by Garrett and died a young man of 19 or 20 years old. Meanwhile, it’s happy birthday to 90s indie heart-throb Tanya Donelly (41), Swedish film-maker and theatre director Ingmar Bergman (89) and Mancunian suffragete Emmeline Pankhurst (149, had she been fortunate enough to discover the secret of eternal life).

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PGA Tour News – Day One, John Deere Classic, TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois.

Wind whistling through the trees, tumbleweed rolling down the fairway, welcome to the John Deere Classic...

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European Tour News - Day One, The Barclays Scottish Open, Lake Lomond.

Lefty's out of the traps at pace, followed by a hatful of Europe's finest...

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On This Day In History – Gary Player Wins The Open. Again.

13 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | On This Day In History

For what it’s worth, Gary Player’s recovery shot from the clubhouse wall behind the green on the 18th hole at Royal Lytham & St Annes in 1974 is the first golf shot this writer can remember. He hit it left-handed to scramble the ball back to the green and still won the title, four shots clear of Peter Oosterhuis with Jack Nicklaus a further stroke behind. His victory meant he shared the distinction of claiming the title in three separate decades with Harry Vardon.

It’s a busy day in the real world, with Ruth Ellis being last women hanged for murder in Britain in 1955 and the biggest transatlantic benefit concert of its time, Live Aid, organised by Boomtown Rat Bob Geldof taking place in 1995. If only they hadn’t got Phil Collins involved…

Meanwhile, it’s Happy Birthday to Charles Coody, winner of the 1971 Masters (70), Lawrence Donegan, former bassist in Brit indie band Lloyd Cole & The Commotions and golf correspondent for The Guardian newspaper (46), icon of British satirical journalism Ian Hislop (47) and fanatical golf stoner Cheech Marin (51).

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PGA Tour Betting Tips - The John Deere Classic

We know you don’t really care about The PGA Tour this week – shame on the lot of you – but here are our tips for the top.

Anthony Kim (pictured) @ 25/1: This tournament is a rookie’s paradise and on the basis of the fact that we’ve already backed him a few times (returns – zero), then we’re backing him all over again.

Jesper Parnevik @ 50/1: Last week, he nearly ended up caddying for his caddie, Lance Ten Broeck, at the Buick Open. If he can get over the disappointment of not making The Open field, we reckon he’s got his best chance of the season to end up in t

Camilo Villegas @ 50/1: Having forged a reputation he now needs to win. He probably doesn’t need to win, in truth, because you can dawdle along happily on The PGA Tour and still live like a king.

For further information, visit www.pgatour.com

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Olazabal A Doubt For Carnoustie

Olazabal A Doubt For Carnoustie

After pulling out of the Scottish Open at Lake Lomond with a dodgy knee, Jose Maria Olazabal (seen here, aged 7) is now a major doubt for next week's Open Championship at Carnoustie.

"I played 18 holes here on Tuesday and actually it was alright, but when I woke up Wednesday morning it was the same scenario with fluid that they treated in the physio unit,"

says the 41-year-old has not played since missing the halfway cut at the US Open four weeks ago.

"I managed to hit a few balls, but that's not the problem. It's the walking. I didn't sleep well and this morning it was the same again, so there was no point trying to play."

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How Is He? Rubbish!

12 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: European Tour | Golf News | Golf Tournaments

Ever wondered what Sergio Garcia gets up to once he’s finished his practice round? No, nor have we. In fact, we’ve never given it the slightest thought. But if you really must know, then after his pro-am round at the Barclays Scottish Open, El Nino padded up and played in the Caddies versus the Press cricket match at nearby Helensborough Cricket Club. He looked quite handy too, although that square cut needs some work…

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Darren Clarke Shafted

In these days of flex, torque, kick-points and swing weights, it’s easy to get confused. Still, it comes as a bit of a surprise that Darren Clarke has only just realised he’s been playing with the wrong shafts in his clubs for three years (he’d assumed that he was playing extra stiff when he was playing stiff), particularly when you think he’s got a big TaylorMade truck at the bottom of the practice range.

Cynical types – not us, mind – may raise an eyebrow. A stunt to get his sponsors name out there? Too negative, surely. A diversion from the usual ‘his-wife-died-so-he’s-lost form’ school of reporting over the past year? Maybe. The truth? Well, you never know…

For the full story, click here.

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On this Day In History - Watson Wins His First Open

12 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: On This Day In History | The Open Championship

Tom Watson (above, middle) wins his first major championship, defeating Australia's Jack Newton in an 18-hole playoff to capture the Open Championship at Carnoustie, Scotland. Watson would go to win five Open Championships and a total of eight major championship in the space of eight years. Which, when you think about it, is pretty bloody good.

Today is also the day that in 1974 Bill Shankly retired from his position as the manager of Liverpool football club. To this day, many Liverpool fans regard him as the greatest ever boss at Anfield, largely because they have no idea who any of the managers were before him.

Big hugs and dead legs to today’s birthday boys and girls, including the actor Bill Cosby (70); Charlie’s Angel Cheryl Ladd (56); English cricketing let-down Alan Mullally (38); and English tennis let-down Annabel Croft (38). It was also the day that in 100BC, the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar was born, although it’s unlikely it was called BC back then because Jesus had yet to be born.

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Scottish Open Betting Tips

On the back of a fruitless tipping week, we’d just love it if we could tell you with any conviction that we’re just about to hit paydirt big-time, feel it in me water etc.... Truth is, we haven’t a clue, but we’ll have a go anyway.

Colin Montgomerie @ 22-1: Stupid to back last week’s winner? Probably, but Monty’s on a roll and will be particularly interested in keeping his good form going into Open week.

Johan Edfors @ 66-1: Stupid to back last year’s winner? Probably, but a) It stands to reason that he’s got to chuck in a couple of low rounds sooner or later and b) He looks the part.

Gregory Havret (pictured) @ 80/1: This is one of those random ‘he’s in decent form isn’t he’ comments that someone said around the office, while watching that bloke who played Warren out of This Life chatting to Chris, the car mechanic who works below us.

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PGA Tour Preview - The John Deere Classic

The way we see it is if this tournament is good enough for Phil Tataurangi then it's good enough for us

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To prove we'll report anything for the sake of a cheap gag...

11 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | PGA Tour | Tournament News

One Nationwide tournament, three brothers - Brenden (pictured), Deane and Craigen.

The Pappas family makes history in a very modest kind of way this weekend, becoming only the fourth family trio since 1943 to play a PGA Tour event, when they tee it up at the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Invitational in Columbus, Ohio.

Previous trios include Jackie II, Gary and Michael Nicklaus, who competed along with their father, Jack, at the 2003 and 2004 BMW Charity Pro-Am at The Cliffs, while Jim, Joe and Mike Turnesa played the Chicago Victory Open in 1943.

Just a shame that Barba Pappas didn't make it through qualifying...

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What's On Bubba?

11 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | PGA Tour

News reaches the In Golf We Trust HQ of the latest endorsement deal to be signed by a professional golfer.

Step forward Bubba Watson, the PGA Tour's longest hitter, who has teamed up with US discount clothing store Steve & Barry's to release Bubbagolf, a new line in cheap as chips golf wear.

With no item retailing for more than $14.98, the range will feature over 30 items, including polo shirts, shorts, windshirts (whatever they are) and pants, or trousers to give them their proper name.

"I chose which colors I liked, which designs I liked, which stripe patterns, how many buttons I wanted. Down to every last stitch, I played a part in everything. Picking the tags, everything," says Bubba.

"Packing them in boxes, driving them to the 200 stores, unpacking the boxes, putting them on the racks, serving customers, dealing with exchanges and returns, supervising the changing rooms, working overtime on Sundays..." (You're making it up it again - Ed)

Coming soon: The latest on the 'Woosie Signs Up With High & Mighty' deal in full...

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European Tour Preview - The Scottish Open, Lake Lomond, Glasgow, Scotland

11 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: European Tour | Golf News | Golf Tournaments

Scotland may be the land people leave when they get a better paid job in England but you can't knock the golf they've got...

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Visit www.ingolfwetrust.com/competitions Now!!!!

11 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Competitions

Apologies for interrupting your viewing, but we thought we'd better let you know that there'a treasure trove of golf stuff just waiting to be won at www.ingolfwetrust.com/competitions.

Up for grabs this month at www.ingolfwetrust.com/competitions are not one, not three but two Nintendo Wii consoles, a chihuahua's weight in Srixon Soft feel golf balls, some preposterously good Peak Performance golfwear and three, count 'em, Nike Sasquatch Sumo2 Drivers. They're the square ones that look like they're from Mars or somewhere. So don't wait for your ship to come in, push the boat out and go to www.ingolfwetrust.com/competitions. That's www.ingolfwetrust.com/competitions. Terms and conditions apply, apparently.

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Go Figure!

11 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Tournaments | PGA Tour | Tiger Woods

25

The number of dollars in millions that Montgomery County expects to make from hosting the inaugural Tiger Woods AT&T National tournament at Congressional Country Club last week.

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The Open - last few places, win now to avoid disappointment!

Barring this week’s tournaments and last-minute withdrawals from confused Americans who thought Carnoustie was somewhere near Iowa, the field for The Open Championship was completed yesterday with 12 players making it via the Local Final Qualifying from a field of 384 players.

Honours were taken by David Shacklady, who carded a course record 62 at Montrose, while a heart-wrenching playoff at dusk for the very last place was won by Scott Drummond, little of which has been heard since he won the PGA Championship in 2004.

Thomas Levet (pictured) was the big-name casualty, having failed to qualify at Panmure. All he has to do now is win the Scottish Open, which, to his credit, he managed in 2004.

For the full story click here

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On This Day In History - Nelson wins again

11 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | On This Day In History

A relatively quiet day in the world of golf, most notable for Byron Nelson victory in the Kentucky Open by three strokes over Melvin ‘Chick’ Harbert. Not being a sanctioned PGA Tour event, it’s not counted among Nelson’s phenomenal record of 52 tour wins and five Major victories. And his victory purse? A $1,000 war bond. Now that’s livin’ alright…

On this day in history in 1995, 1,500 troops from the Bosnian Serb army overran Dutch UN peacekeepers to seize control of Srebrenica. This heralded the what’s been described as the worst atrocity in Europe since World War II, with between 7,000 and 8,000 Muslim killed by Serb soldiers.

General Ratko Mladic, the Bosnian Serb commander, was later indicted by the War Crimes Tribunal for genocide but is still at large. One senior Bosnian Serb, General Radislav Krstic, has been jailed for genocide for his part in the Srebrenica tragedy. In 2002 the entire Dutch government resigned after an inquiry blamed officials for giving the poorly-armed troops an impossible task to defend the enclave.

On a happier note, birthday felicitations to saucy r&b jailbird Lil Kim (31), the inoffensively folksy Suzanne Vega (49), former heavyweight champ Leon Spinks (55) and Italian fashion geezer Georgio Armani (72).

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Hansen and Fasth Make The Match Play

11 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: European Tour | Golf News | Golf Tournaments

Denmark’s Anders Hansen and Sweden’s Niclas Fasth (above) have qualified to make their debuts in the HSBC World Match Play Championship at Wentworth on October 11-14 by finishing first and second on the 2007 European Tournaments Ranking. The pair qualified through an accumulation of Official World Golf Ranking Points earned from the HSBC Champions tournament, Abu Dhabi Golf Championship, Johnnie Walker Classic, BMW PGA Championship, BMW International Open, Open De France ALSTOM, the Smurfit Kappa European Open and the Milton Keynes Pitch and Putt Charity Challenge in association with Mick's Pet Stop, For All Your Animal's Needs...

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Tiger Woods 08 Trailer!

Coming soon to a games console near you, EA Sports present the next instalment of the Tiger Woods golf game series. This time they've gone for the imaginative name 'Tiger Woods 08' and new features include huge bags under Tiger's eyes, and an irritable Elin in the galleries, complaining that little Sam just won't stop crying...

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It's Kid's Stuff for Tiger

Like Tiger, sorry Sam, will actually take any of that stuff home...

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Burning Questions

10 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | World Of Random

What is the name of the new John Daly-backed golf club that has opened in Branson, Missouri? Is it...

(a) Mother's Ruin

(b) Murder Rock

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There Must Be An Angel...

10 Jul, 07 | Comments [1] | Tags: Golf News | Golf Tournaments | The European Tour

"He said 'I'll be sitting in my villa in Malaga in 34 degrees, smoking a cigar and drinking wine. You play in the rain'."

Paul McGinley reveals how Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez informed him of his decision to skip the European Open at the K Club. Wise move, if you ask us...

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Go Figure!

139,000

The total crowd for Tiger Woods's inaugural AT&T tournament at Congressional CC last week.

This makes it one of the top four stops on the PGA Tour in terms of attendance.

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KJ Choi - Swing Vision

Here it is, the swing that took him to Tiger's tournament title...

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Furyk Back Up To No2

The latest world golf rankings have been released and there's shock news as the long-standing No1 Tiger Woods has been deposed by Scotland's Andrew Oldcorn. Tell a lie, that was just a dream I had last night. But there has been some movement behind Woods. KJ Choi's win at the AT&T National has helped the Korean jump seven places to No13 while Jim Furyk's third place at the Congressional has seen him leapfrog Phil Mickelson back into second place. Not literally though. Finally, after his victory at de European Open at de K Club on Sunday, Colin Montgomerie has scaled the rankings like a nifty window cleaner scampering up his ladder. He's now at No30, up 13 places. "It's fantastic," says the massive Scot. "It's been a long time coming, but this saves me from going through that horrible (Top) 50 barrier and that means getting into majors and world events, so it is huge for me."

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On This Day In History - Trevino wins The Open

Lee Trevino wins his first Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, finishing with a 70 for a one-stroke victory margin over Taiwan’s Lu Liang-Huan. Trevino came into the tournament in form, having won the US Open and the The Canadian Open weeks earlier. 34-year-old Lu, contended right from the start and he Trevino and Tony Jacklin took a three shot lead over the field going into the final day.

Lu trailed by a shot going up the 18th and his errant drive struck spectator, Lillian Tipping, who was concussed and taken to hospital needing several stitches. Despite going to her aid, Lu managed to make birdie, but so did the Merry Mex to win his first Open, which he would successfully defend the following year at Muirfield.

Lu would have to be satisfied with being remembered for his pork pie hat and his role as the heroic underdog. He and Mrs Tipping sent each other Christmas cards for many years afterwards.

On this day in history in 1940, the German Luftwaffe starts launching daylight air attacks on ports and airfields along the south-east coast of England in what British Prime Minister Winston Churchill described as the Battle Of Britain. For the Germans this was the first stage in preparation for the German invasion of Britain, codenamed Operation Sealion, but despite numerical dominance the Germans were repelled and Sealion never took place.

It’s a very happy birthday to boxer Jake La Motta (86), Pet Shop Boy Neil Tennant (53) and popstrel/actress Jessica Simpson (27). It’s also the day that one of the greatest golfing mavericks off all time was born. Canadian Moe Norman never made the grade on the PGA Tour, but his ball-striking exploits are legend. Tiger Woods once said that he aspired to ‘own his swing’ in the way that only two players – Ben Hogan and Moe Norman – have previously.

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Austin Wimps Out of the Open

It's that time of year again when the Americans decide that they can't be bothered to make the trip to the UK for the Open Championship.

First out of the blocks this year is Woody Austin (that's the coward, up there), who earned his place at Carnoustie through a mini-Order of Merit on the PGA Tour but is having none of it.

"I don't know how to play that type of golf,"

he shrugged.

"I would probably go and shoot two high numbers and make a fool of myself." Pathetic, isn't it?

Austin's place will now be taken by someone who can be bothered to play, Australia's Richard Green, who is the highest non-exempt player on the world rankings.

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Play Golf? Go Fish, Says O'Meara

9 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | PGA Tour | The Champions Tour

After a life spent travelling the world in pursuit of golfing greatness, two-time major winner Mark O'Meara (he's the one with the big trophy) is now much more content wielding a fishing rod than a pitching wedge. "I owe everything to the game of golf, but there are times where the passion is not quite the same as it once was," explains the 50-year-old. "Now I'm in the river fly fishing pretty much every day...The problem I have is whenever the fly fishing is great somewhere in the world, I base (my golf) around the fishing schedule," he said. "When the fishing is good, it's hard to play. That's what I worked for: To make the money to where I can back off and do things I love to do. I would rather be in the river somewhere where I know the hatch is going off and the fishing is phenomenal than in a hotel somewhere playing any event, Champions Tour or regular Tour, and thinking, 'Why am I not doing that right now?"'

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PGA Tour News - Day Four, AT&T National, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland

The story of rotten Apples and KJ Choi's secret army. Isn't the PGA Tour just so freaky...

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Tiger and Federer' New Nike Ad

9 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Video | Media Watch | Tiger Woods

Actually Tiger, you keep up...

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Brad Bryant Wins The US Senior Open

Brad Bryant (above) took advantage of a final-round collapse by fellow American Tom Watson to win the US Senior Open by three shots at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin. Five off the lead overnight, Bryant fired a four-under-par 68 in devilish conditions for a six-under total of 282. Watson, three ahead with eight holes to play, fell back into fourth place at one under after closing with a 78, finishing on one under for the tournament, behind Bryant, Ben Crenshaw at three under and Loren Roberts at two under. Britain's Sam Torrance finished in tie for fifth at one-over par.

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European Tour News - Day Four, De European Open, De K Club, Straffan, Ireland

A shock winner emerges in the Emerald Isle? And no, it's not Vernon Kay...

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On This Day In History - The Duel In The Sun

9 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: On This Day In History

OK, so there weren’t actually any weapons involved and there was a bit of Scottish mizzle in the air for much of the tournament, but the Duel In The Sun between Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson remains one of the most compelling final days in Open Championship history. Watson closes with a 65 for a then-tournament record 72-hole total of 268, one better than Nicklaus, who shot 66 the final day.

Meanwhile, On This History in 1982, the Queen found herself rudely awaken by an intruder. Michael Fagan scaled the walls of Buckingham Palace and shinned the drain-pipe barefoot to the Queen's private apartments. When Fagan asked her for a cigarette she called for a footman who held the intruder until police arrived. Michael Fagan escaped a charge of trespass to avoid the head of state having to appear in court and was acquitted of stealing half a bottle of wine from the palace. An Old Bailey judge sent him to a top security mental health hospital in Liverpool and he was released three months later.

It’s happy birthday to PGA Tour veteran Scott Rachal Verplank (43), former grunge-vixen Courtney Love (43), Simple Minds vocalist Jim Kerr (49), warbling tattooed goth Marc Almond (51) and Hollywood leading man Tom Hanks (52).

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Chip Heck!

8 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Video

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PGA Tour News - Day Three, AT&T National, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland

There's a lone leader at Tiger's tournament. But who the hell can it be?

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European Tour News - Day Tree, De Smurfit Kappa European Open, De K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare

Day Tree at De K Club. Enjoy the craic, etc, etc, etc....

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On This Day In History - Nicklaus Defeats Sanders

8 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: On This Day In History

Jack Nicklaus defeats Doug Sanders in an 18-hole playoff to win the Open Championship at the Old Course, St. Andrews. Nicklaus tosses his putter in the air in celebration and the club almost lands on Sanders's head. Sanders had famously missed a 30-inch par putt (above) on the 18th hole in the fourth round the previous day to win the Claret Jug. He would never win a major.

Today is also the day that in 1965 Ronnie Biggs, one of the Great Train robbers, escaped from Wandsworth prison and disappeared to Rio de Janeiro. Certainly beats Wandsworth.

Birthday blokes today include Footloose actor Kevin Bacon (49); odd musician Beck (37) and Andy Fletcher of synth wizards Depeche Mode (46)

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Brewerton Wins English Ladies Open

GolfPunk Ladies English Open, Chart Hills Golf Club, Biddenden, Kent

After numerous near misses, Becky Brewerton landed her first Ladies European Tour title today, winning the GolfPunk English Ladies Open by three shots from Linda Wessberg, Kirsty Taylor and Karen Stupples.

Incredibly, Stupples hadn’t played 18 holes since November, having taken time out before the birth of her first baby 10 weeks ago.

For the full story, visit www.ladieseuropeantour.com

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European Tour News - Day Two, Smurfit Kappa European Open, De K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare

What is it about sports people and bandanas this summer? Anyway, Pelle Edberg leads, with Monty in hot pursuit...

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PGA Tour News - Day Two, AT&T National, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland

The story of KJ Choi, Stuart Appleby and stag night hell on the south coast of England...

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On This Day In History - Tony Jacklin is born

7 Jul, 07 | Comments [2] | Tags: Golf News | On This Day In History

July 7, 1944

Tony’ Raphael’ Jacklin was born in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. In 1969 he became the first British winner of the Open Championship in 18 years and he remains the last Briton to win the US Open in 1970 Jacklin is better known today as the captain of the European Ryder Cup teams that defeated the U.S. in 1985 and '87. He represented Britain and Ireland in the Ryder Cup in 1967, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1975 and 1977, and played in the first European team in 1979. He also made history as Ryder Cup captain, bringing the European team their first victory for 28 years in 1985.

Meanwhile, on this day in 1969 a verdict of Death By Misadventure is recorded after Brian Jones drowned in his Sussex swimming pool, Boris Becker wins Wimbledon in 1985 and in 2005 a series of bomb attacks in London carried out by Muslim extremists linked to Al-Qaeda kills over 30 people.

Birthday greetings and stuff to George W Bush and Sly Stallone (both 61), rapper 50 Cent (31) and country singer Nancy Griffith (54)

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PGA Tour News - Day One, AT&T National, Congressional CC, Bethesda, Maryland

It’s Tiger’s very own tournament and surprise, surprise, guess who’s winning?

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Cabrera Wins Again

US open winner and the man rumoured to be next face of Holland and Barratt Angel Cabrera has been named as The European Tour Golfer of the Month for June following his sensational victory at Oakmont Country Club.

“I am very happy with all this recognition which gives me strength to keep playing at the highest level,”

said Cabrera.

“This win was very important, especially as it had been 40 years since another Argentine won a Major so hopefully my US Open win will be a big boost for golf in Argentina. The Golfer of the Month award is very important to me. The European Tour is my home. I have been here since 1996 and feel very comfortable here... Now pass me my fags."

(He didn't say that last bit, did he? - Ed)

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European Tour News – Day One, The European Open, De K Club, Straffan, Ireland

Wet wet wet at the K Club? Are they back together then? God I loved 'Sweet Little Mystery'...

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On This Day In History - Arnaud Massy Is Born

6 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: On This Day In History

July 6, 1877

Today is the day that the French golfer Arnaud Massy was born in Biarritz, France. The son of a sheep farmer, Massy had worked on a sardine boat and supplemented his income by caddying at the new Biarritz golf course, a favourite among professionals keen to practice during the off-season. Later, having moved to Scotland in 1898, he honed his skills at North Berwick before turning professional. It was a wise move. By 1907, he had won back-to-back French Open titles and had also become the only French winner (and first non-British winner) of the Open Championship when he took the title at Hoylake.

Today is also the day that in 2000, the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair received news that his oldest son Euan had been arrested in London’s Leicester Square for being drunk and incapable. Police had found the 16-year-old lying on the ground in after celebrating the end of his GCSE exams with friends. He had been vomiting and was unwell but when paramedics reported that he did not need medical treatment he was taken to Charing Cross police station. There he gave a false name - Euan John - and a date of birth that suggested he was 18. He also gave them an old address. Well, he wasn’t going to say 10 Downing Street, was he?

Rolling out the birthday barrel today are comedy politician George W Bush (61); comedy actor Sylvester Stallone (61) and comedy rapper 50 Cent (31).

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On This Day In History - Art Wall Wins In His 50s

5 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: On This Day In History

July 5, 1975

No, not the original Madness line-up but the 1961 American Ryder Cup team featuring Art Wall (extreme right). It was on this day in 1975 that Wall, aged 51 years, 7 months, and 10 days old, beat Gary McCord by one stroke to win the Greater Milwaukee Open becoming the second-oldest player in history to win a PGA Tour event. It would be his 14th and final PGA Tour victory.

It was also on the very same day that Arthur Ashe became the first black man to win at Wimbledon. The son of a policeman from Richmond, Virginia, the 31-year-old beat his fellow American Jimmy Connors in four sets winning 6-1, 6-1, 5-7. 6-4. “Every time you win, it diminishes the fear a little bit,” he said. “You never really cancel the fear of losing; you keep challenging it.”

Much, much, much more importantly, though, is that it was on this day in 1946 that the bikini made its debut at a fashion show in Paris.

Popping the birthday bubbly today are the singer and golf fanatic Huey Lewis (57); Wu-Tang Clan rapper RZA (38); Bengt Lagerberg of The Cardigans (34) and Nick O’Malley of Sheffield upstarts The Arctic Monkeys (22).

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European Tour Betting Tips

5 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Betting | Tournament Betting

Which trio will we entrust to lead us to the land of milk and honey this week?

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Nike's Fantastic Juicy Ball Ads

5 Jul, 07 | Comments [1] | Tags: Golf Video | World Of Random

Can anyone please explain the difference is between a melon and a cantaloupe...?

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Billy Don't Be A Hero!

5 Jul, 07 | Comments [2] | Tags: Golf Central

What a strange life caddies lead, getting passed around the tour like sex slaves at a Roman orgy (steady on! - Ed). Mind you, for the cash Stevie Williams has earned over the last decade or so we wouldn't say no.

Darren Clarke's bag man Billy Foster (pictured with DC) is rumoured to be waiting in the wings should Williams decide to relinquish his duties as Tiger Woods' caddy. Not that he seems to know the first thing about it...

For the full story click here.

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PGA Tour Betting Tips

4 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Betting | The PGA Championship

'It's Tiger's tournament and he's a bit tired, so let's all be kind and let him win, OK?'

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The Golf Buggy Bites Back

4 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Video | Media Watch | World Of Random

If you ever wanted conclusive proof that carrying your golf bag is the only way to go, then this is it...

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On This Day In History - The Longest Shoot-out in Golf History Begins

4 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: On This Day In History

July 4, 1931

Billy Burke and George Von Elm (above) tie after 72 holes in the US Open at Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio. A 36-hole play-off ensued in which the two men tied again so it was decided that the best way to settle it was to have another 36 holes. This time, Burke prevailed – by one single stroke over 144 holes, the most ever required to determine an Open Champion.

This is also the day that Manchester United sacked their manager Tommy Docherty in 1977. Having won the FA Cup in May, the 49-year-old Scot was recalled from his holiday in the Lake District to be given the news from the Old Trafford board and it was alleged that his ongoing affair with the club’s physio Laurie Brown, 31, was one of the main reasons for his dismissal. Days later, having ended the relationship, Docherty appeared in public sporting a nasty black eye given to him by his spurned lover.

Apparently, it’s also Independence Day in the US too. What’s more it’s a public holiday. Imagine that, getting a day off because a really crap film…

Birthday greetings today to soul singer “Stick it in the microwave until its’ Bill Withers (69); On The Waterfront actress Eve Marie Saint (83) and one-hit wonder John “I Ain’t Missing You At All…’ Waite.

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Angel Cabrera - clearly delighted to be back...

4 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | The European Tour | Tournament News

“I have always enjoyed playing in Ireland, where the fans are both appreciative and knowledgeable." Two weeks ago, he had the sun on his back, a glass of something nice in one hand and the US Open trophy in the other. Welcome back Angel...

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Holey Moly! Open Qualifying Farce

Graeme McDowell and 15 others made the starting line-up for The Open on July 19 yesterday in the International Qualifying Final at Sunningdale, but play was held up while the hole on the par-3 fourth hole was re-cut. Eight players had already played it, but the pin position was so difficult that Argentina's Ricardo Gonzalez five-putted, while and Australian Brett Rumford four-putted from just two feet.

All eight had a second chance at the hole after they finished their round.
GMac is joined by Nick Dougherty, Peter Hanson, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Ross Fisher (pictured), Fredrik Andersson-Hed, Peter Baker, Mattias Eliasson, Mark Foster, David Frost, Jose-Filipe Lima, Francesco Molinari, Benn Barham, Gregory Bourdy, Alistair Forsyth and Oliver Wilson.

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Good Korea Move

3 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | Golf News | The European Tour

The European Tour and the Korean PGA have announced that Ballantine’s, the world’s number three Scotch whisky no less, will title sponsor The Ballantine’s Championship at the Pinx Golf Club on the island of Jeju, South Korea, from March 13-16, 2008, with a prize fund of €2,000,000. This is the first European Tour event to be held in South Korea. Next on the list, the slightly trickier North Korea...

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Burning Questions

3 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: The European Tour | World Of Random

Who is the only player in European Tour history to shoot 60 twice? Is it... (a) Colin Montgomerie (b) Nick Faldo (c) Darren Clarke

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European Tour Preview - The Smurfit Kappa European Open

3 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | Golf News | The European Tour

Hold on to your refillable lighters Angel Cabrera's back in town...

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PGA Tour Preview – The AT&T National, Congressional Country Club

Who's the daddy this week? Tiger Woods, that's who...

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Nick Faldo - a force of good or evil?

3 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | Golf News

With Monty you know what you're getting - a slice of mardy drama queen with a heart of glass and a streak of self-effacing honesty. It doesn't make sense, but then so little does these days. The Nick Faldo thing is far simpler and, as a result, more complex. We know people who sing his praises and others who would form an orderly queue for the opportunity to slag him off. He seemed OK when we met him, but he seemed to strike fear into the hearts of those standing around in his employ and that's never a particularly good sign. But then he was quite good at golf, wasn't he...

If you missed the chance to see Nick Grenslade's interesting portrait of Faldo in last Sunday's Observer Sports Monthly, click here.

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Boring Boring Buick

3 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | The PGA Tour

Golf is a sport that continues to wrestle with the fact that its had one of the planet’s most recognisable sporting idols in modern sport as its figurehead for a decade. We already know that when Tiger takes the weekend off the tv audiences stay away; but as this report from the last weekend’s Detroit Free Press reports, even the galleries at The Buick Open couldn’t get excited by the prospect of a nine-man race for the title on Sunday.

For the full story click here

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Jesper's Quick Fix

Jesper Parnevik’s message to the world is stay away from the booze and the kids. Going to the aid of one of his children who was having a nightmare he tripped over suitcase and broke a finger, then he broke a toe bumping into a case of beer on his boat.
His golf game has been equally fractured. He started his first Buick Open with a four-iron in his hand on the first tee, then shot a 64, the best score of the week on Saturday.
Legions of JL-wearing, Scando eccentric- loving fans were willing him on to win his first tournament for six years, but it wasn’t to be. Missing out in Open Qualifying means we’ll miss him at Carnoustie, although he did make the journey to Hoylake last year in the hope of a late call-up.

For the full story click here.

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Open Qualifying, Detroit

3 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf Central | PGA Tour | The Open Championship

At the European International Final Qualifying the R&A had a rare of a day without a sudden-death play-off to decide who would, or wouldn’t make the field for The Open on July 19. At Oakland Hills, however, six men went into the play-off. Duffy Waldorf, Mark Hensby and Spencer Levin made it, Kevin Streelman, Robert Oppenheim and Steve Allan missed out.

Twelve players in all made it to Carnoustie, including Michael Putnam, John Sended, Ryan Moore, Charley Hoffman, Matt Kuchar, Anders Hultman, England's Brian Davis (pictured), Jerry Kelly and Sean O’Hair. Plenty more will be tuning in on the telly, though, including Steve Elkington, Bob Tway, Brad Faxon, Camilo Villegas, Bo Van Pelt and Rocco Mediate.

Sadly, Brian Quackenbush didn’t make it either. We’ve no idea who he is, but he sounds like one hell of a guy.

For the full leaderboard, click here.

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Cristie Kerr Wins The US Women's Open

2 Jul, 07 | Comments [1] | Tags: Golf News | Tournament News

American Cristie Kerr has claimed her first major title with victory at the US Women's Open at Pine Needles. The 29-year-old shot a closing 70 for to win by two from Brazilian rookie Angela Park (70) and world number one Lorena Ochoa of Mexico (71). "Today was my day," Kerr said. "To hold it together down the stretch and make all those putts all week, it was really unbelievable." Kerr birdied the 3rd and bogeyed the 5th, but holed a 20-foot birdie putt at the par-four 14th to take a one-stroke lead over Ochoa.

The Mexican opened with birdies at the 1st and 3rd and then made 13 pars in a row but a bogey at the 17th handed Kerr a two-stoke lead and robbed her of a chance for a maiden major title. Kerr's near misses in previous majors included runner-up finishes at last year's Women's British Open and the 2000 US Women's Open, third places at the Kraft Nabisco in 2002 and 2005 and five other top-five major finishes.

For final result visit www.lpga.com

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PGA Tour News – Day Four, The Buick Open

2 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | The PGA Championship | Tournament News

Britain's on 'critical' alert. Thankfully, the PGA Tour isn't...

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Go Figure!

2 Jul, 07 | Comments [1] | Tags: Golf News | The PGA Championship | Tournament News

101

The number of minutes it took lone player Robert Garrigus to complete his final round at the Buick Open yesterday. He shot a 5-over par 77.

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McGowan Wins In Portugal

2 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Golf News | The European Tour | Tournament News

England's Ross 'Alistair' McGowan (above) captured his second title of the 2007 Challenge Tour season after a final round of 66 secured a three-stroke victory in the Estoril Challenge de Portugal. The 25 year-old, who won the Oceanico Developments Pro-Am Challenge a month ago, finished at 12 under par 272 and three strokes clear of Welshman Stuart 'So' Manley, who closed with a 68. England’s Robert 'Hot' Coles was a further stroke back at eight under par after also shooting a 68 with another Welshman, Jamie Donaldson, in fourth place on seven under after a 72. Overnight leader Peter Baker, bidding for a second successive victory, dropped four shots in the last two holes for a 74 to finish in joint fifth place with Daniel Denison (70) at five under par.

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European and PGA Tour Betting Update

2 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: The European Tour | The PGA Championship

After the unparalleled success of our wagers last week, we’ve crashed and burned this time round, much like that Jeep that ploughed into Glasgow Airport…

The Open De France Alstom

www.tipandwin.co.uk tips

Raphael Jacquelin @ 25/1: Tied 42nd at 6 over-par

Andrew McLardy @ 150/1: 155th (withdrew after a first round 83).

The InGolfWeTrust tip

Thomas Levet @ 50/1: 58th at 10 over-par.

The Buick Open

www.tipandwin.co.uk tips

Steve Marino @ 66/1: Tied 10th

Sean O’Hair @ 20/1: Tied 27th

The InGolfWeTrust tip

Brandt Snedeker @ 50/1: Tied 10th

Season’s betting:         £330
Season’s winnings:      £168.22
Total:                           -£161.78

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Helloooooo Mauritius!

2 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: On This Day In History

Tourist heaven it may but yesterday one solitary person on the African island of Mauritius got bored with lounging around on the beach sipping cocktails and decided to spend some time visiting In Golf We Trust. Thank you, whoever you are. Now tell your friend(s). Here then, as a token of our appreciation is the national flag of The Republic of Mauritius...

Interesting Mauritius Fact: Mauritius was the fifth country in the world to introduce postage stamps.

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On This Day In History - Duncan Dares To Dream

1 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags:

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July 1, 1920

Despite trailing the leader Abe 'Grant' Mitchell by 13 strokes after 36 holes, George 'Peter' Duncan (seen here with his son) stages the greatest comeback in the history of the Open Championship to win by two strokes over at Royal Cinque Ports in Deal, Kent. It is the second and last time the Championship is held at the club.

Today is also the day that a bunch of other stuff happened too, most notably in 1997 when the British returned control of Hong Kong to the Chinese after 156 years of living alright there. Then Governor Chris Patten shed a tear at the changeover ceremony, presumably because he had to return to the UK, a nation left in bits by his policitical party, the Conservatives.

Hip-hip-hooray to birthday boys and girls today including the direcotr Sydney Pollack (73); Blondie singer Debbie Harry (62); legendary Olympian Carl Lewis (46) and legendary thespian Trevor 'Shoestring' Eve (56). Gawd bless all of you...

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European Tour News - Day Four, The French Open

1 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags:

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Given the floods in the UK, it was only appropriate that a man with a name like that should win...

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PGA Tour News - Day Three, The Buick Open

1 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: The PGA Championship | Tournament News

Terrorist attacks and heightened security across the UK hasn't fazed Tom Pernice Jr. But then he is in Michigan...

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Wie Walks Out Of US Open

1 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags:

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What is Michelle Wie's problem? Well it's her wrist if you believe her version of events. The 17-year-old has pulled out of the US Women's Open at Southern Pines blaming a recurrence of her wrist injury for her withdrawal. The fact that she was 6-over after nine holes in her second round and a total of 18-over par for the tournament had nothing to do it with. Absolutely nothing, OK?

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Tiger's House Goes Up In Smoke

1 Jul, 07 | Comments [0] | Tags: Tiger Woods

One of the four houses on Tiger Woods's new estate has been burned to the ground after being struck by lightning. The beachfront guest house on his 12-acre $54 million compound on Jupiter Island, Florida was struck on Saturday and Jim Loffredo, a spokesman for Martin County Fire and Rescue Department, told press that one firefighter was treated for heat exhaustion, but no one was injured. 'Flames were coming out through the roof and the house was pretty much fully engulfed in fire,' Loffredo said. Fortunately for Woods and his family, they are currently staying in Orlando, some 170 miles north of his new house while it undergoes redevelopment.

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Pat Perez @ 40/1:

Stephen Ames @28/1:

The TipAndWin.co.uk free tip:-

Kent Jones @125/1:

The sight of Alan Shearer in Carnoustie at this year’s Open prompted us to fire up a laptop, log on to Google and cobble together a InGolfWeTrust golfing-footballers-hall-of-fame-type-thing. So here we go…

1. Jimmy Bullard

2. Michael Owen

3. Andrei Shevchenko

4. Lee Dixon

5. Julian Dicks

6. Ian Wright

7. Alan Shearer

8. Teddy Sheringham

9. John Moncur

10. Ruud Gullit

"He said 'I'll be sitting in my villa in Malaga in 34 degrees, smoking a cigar and drinking wine. You play in the rain'."

139,000

GolfPunk Ladies English Open, Chart Hills Golf Club, Biddenden, Kent

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