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We played at Fairmont St Andrew’s this week, a fabulous hotel and course facility just 3 miles outside the ‘old town’. Sam Torrance designed the course on which we played, spectacular scenery overlooking the coastline and the town as a back drop too. A truly terrific place to play.

Of course the weather is a massive factor up in that part of the world, a stiff breeze in practice with a squally shower or two thrown in. Day one was very tricky indeed, but my start was not the best…par, double bogey! I recovered to score level par 72, the same on day two also when really sub 70 was very on. My old friend Glenn Ralph was leading on -6, so I was 6 back. I played with my pal Peter Allen and Denis Durnian, its was like playing the Manchester Alliance, as we all grew up in the area! A fair fan club arrived too, now that is keen, driving 280 miles to watch me play! Thanks guys. The final day was shocking weather, heavy wind and rain. I played with Bill Longmuir, a multi winner on this tour his 69 was superb, my 72 just hard work as I hit the ball so far from the pins. To be frank, 72 was a real result the way I played, my holing out was gutsy to say the least.  Paul my friend and caddy was an octopus, ‘hold the brolly, where’s a towel, what’s the yardage, the line , the club’? He was worn out and brilliant too! So level 72′s and 10th place- not too bad.  Up to 46th in the money list and I need to target top 30.

What with a great Ashes victory, the world athletics, Solhiem Cup and the footie, it was yet again a great week ends sport.

The highlight for me though up at St Andrew’s was firstly a visit to the grave of Tom Morris senior & junior. I have recently read a book  ‘Tommy’s Honour’ about the great duo, Open Champions  father and son 8 times between them, and the forerunners of professional golf as we know it today. A fascinating book, full of the history of the great game we all love. The second highlight  was my visit to The St Andrew’s Golf Club, a club founded in the late 1800′s, all the greats of the game as was then were members, the whole place steeped in history and such a delight to gain access through a pal who is a member. So taken was I with the club, I am striving to become a country member today!

All go for the TP Masters at Woburn next week,  so fingers crossed for good weather.

cheers

The Swiss Senior Open to give it the full title!

This was played over one of the prettiest courses I have played, Bag Ragaz a spa village an hour south west of Zurich. What  a stunning place, a beautiful course, facilities and fantastic hospitality. I have to say when a club like that hosts an event like this, they really do it with style and class!

We were spoilt all week , with fine food and drink after each round. And now…back home! The stunning scenery of last week is not replicated here in Lymm, but it is great to be home.

Anyhow, moving onto the event, the course is set up for good scoring as its fairly short and was in great ‘nick’. No surprise then that 6 under lead after round 1, my 70 was very ordinary albeit level par. A second 70 was horrid as I missed lots of shortish putts, so was a ‘whinging grump’ when I came off and headed for the practice green! Pete Allan, a pal who was making his debut assisted and gave me some home truths about my mental approach, and that helped lots I think! Round 3 in the company of Bruner from USA & Domingo from Spain started ok and then just got better and better, 8 birdies in all and a 63, my lowest round as a senior pro! 7 under was to eventually finish 5th, tied with 3 others. I must kick on from here now in next weeks Scottish Open at Fairmont St Andrews. Pete finished with67 and under par too for a solid debut.

The winner was John Bland from South Africa, after a nervy play off with Bob Boyd from the USA, a terrific tussle and some brave putts made on the 18th green by both to post an 11 under total, just 1 ahead of Sam Torrance. He will no doubt start as favourite in Scotland at Fairmont St Andrews, a course he designed some 6 years ago.

On the club front, a new r9 driver in the bag last week and all well, but as we all know its the putter that makes the score!

Cheers

This weeks senior tour event is in Bad Ragaz, a famous spa town an hour from Zurich. Up in the Swiss mountains and I understand a beautiful place, this will be my first visit. So, whilst my kids are on hols in Turkey I will try and win some loot!

I had a few days out myself last week near Harlech in  MidWest Wales, a gorgeous place and we were lucky with the weather too. Cricket on the beach, a few shots at Royal St Davids practice ground and fair bit of ‘chilling’.  Just Hannah , Matt and I, though 4 days with Dad was probably enough for them! Anyone that enjoys a little history, Harlech castle is worth a visit, and the golf course is one of the very best, and this week hosts the European Ladies Championship.

Bad Ragaz here we come, I have my ‘old ‘ caddy on the bag for a one off, as his new charge Wossie is not playing. My pal Peter Allen from Ashton in Makerfield is playing his 1st Senior event this week, his debut after gaining a ‘card’ at the school in November. His delay is due to him not turning 50 till last week! We are sharing a hotel this week and maybe the odd beer too, so a big week for us both. He text me earlier to advise of a small suitcase required as the rooms are so small- and you think life on tour is glamorous? Not a bit of it!

cheers