My Blog

Well well what a start! 3 birdies in the first 4 holes today in soaring temps, must have been 36 deg today! Anyhow, though a fast start a bit of a wobble then back on track with a good birdie at no 15, a long par five, but pitched to 3 ft, 2 under and threatening the lead-steady on! The 17th is a terrific par 4, elevated tee shot and dog leg around some horrid marsh/jungle but a smashing 8 iron 145yds to 9 ft set up a chance…but no I raced it past and missed the return! Solid par down the tricky 18th tho secured a good start , 1 under par 70 and just in the top ten. Its tough keeping cool and calm after a pathetic 3 putt, but loose your composure at your peril.

Early start in rd 2 due to a severe storm heading our way, fingers crossed for a hot putting round and no rain.

The 1st event of the European senior tour is in Brunei! Yep the european tour! 16 hr flying time east of London, the course is a jack Nicklaus design along side the ocean in parts, and jungle in others. A spectacular setting indeed for the 1st event of the 09 season.

The Empire Golf & Country Club has been a host to a number of professional ‘invitation ‘ tournaments, but this is for real and counts toward the European Seniors Tour Money list. The field is very strong, headed by double major winner Sandy Lyle, Sam Torrance and a number of Asian senior tour players too. Arriving here from a winter in the uk is more than a bit of a shock to the system it has to be said! The temperature today in practice was 32deg, and with 94% humidity, is a challenge , not only of ones fitness but in judging the distances the ball is flying. Normally is warm weather it flies further, but here its so ‘muggy’ that it appears , esp in the early morning its ½ a club shorter. The green , as all in Asia are very ‘grainy’ and that also make reading them an art form!

All in all though, my practice so far has gone well. I have to date played 1 and ½ rounds with Torsten Gideon a pal from Germany, who incidentally won the golf world cup whilst partnering Bernhard Langer a few years ago! A good guy , and he and I are conducting a ‘kids’ clinic later today for 20 locals.

For anyone who has not been to these parts, the people are just so polite, helpful and a joy. A bit like home really!

Anyhow, off to the practice ground! 1st round is Friday and to follow hole by hole coverage, go to www.europeantour.com link to live scoring, and in U.K. we are 8 hrs behind!

15th Tee Shot

Andrew Murray and Torsten Gideon on 15th tee!! Nice spot hey!!

This year’s event will be hosted by Lymm Golf Club, Cheshire.

I have decided to change the venue for a number of reasons, and having consulted several of the sponsors, I feel I have made the right choice for the right reasons. Firstly, under the current financial climate I recognise that perhaps for this year to achieve the support to our chosen charities, we would have to cut costs. I have reduced the team entry to reflect that too. Secondly, I was very conscious that Portal had supported us fantastically for 4 years and wanted to move the event to the home club of one of the tournaments sponsors. Finally, Lymm Golf Club have shown great enthusiasm in giving us the opportunity to hosting such an established event.

I feel this year more than ever, we must strive to continue to contribute and support ‘our’ chosen charities and at the same time have an enjoyable day together. Our aim is to raise much needed funds for folk that are in desperate need of our help. I really do hope that you are able to play this year. Lymm will be terrific hosts, as have Didsbury & Portal before them. The course is a great challenge, though not long it will present us all with sufficient difficulties! I will restrict the number of teams to 23 for the shot gun start, so please book your team as soon as possible.

I look forward to seeing you in July.

To download the entry form click here.