Golf Burn News Week 43

Golf Burn News Week 43

The fog has yet to clear the mind of Graeme McDowell after his celebrations of retaining the Ryder Cup. It would seem the Northern Irishman has forgot which country he is from. McDowell is confused as to which nation he should support in the 2014 Olympics in Rio, Graeme would prefer a committee to make the decision for him. "The Olympic Committee should either step and tell us either ‘you guys are playing for Ireland’ or ‘you’re playing for Great Britain’,” said McDowell this week. If the IOC can't make the choice for you G-Mac then I suggest Ip dip dip, my blue ship.

Well done to Padraig Harrington for winning the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, a tournament the Irishman wasn't even invited too. Harrington was a late edition to the competition after Erine Els cried off through injury, McDowell and Tiger Woods, the first two reserves both had better offers. For the two days of the tournament Padraig was looking great in Bermuda.

Not looking good in Bermuda (shorts) was Lee Westwood. On the first day in Antalya at the Turkish Airlines World Golf Final Westwood opted for a shorter stride. Since the event The Telegraph has run a poll on whether professionals should be allowed to wear shorts. My opinion is yes, pros should wear shorts and thigh high leather boots and pink crop tops. Here is the link for the poll http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/golf/9598033/Poll-Lee-Westwood-dares-to-bear-his-legs-but-should-professional-golfers-be-allowed-to-wear-shorts-on-tour.html

Rumours have been circulating this week that Rory McIlroy is prepared to switch from Titleist to Nike in a deal said to be worth £156 million. Rory has played down the hype and is trying to concentrate on his golf. If Rory is to emulate the great Tiger Woods then what better way to achieve this than donning the same logo of the sportswear giant. Lets hope he doesn't go down like his hero too.

Golf Burn News Week 42

Golf News Week 42

There is a stench in the Van Pelt household today as BO wafted around. It is the sweet smell of victory. 

Bo Van Pelt won his first European Tour after beating Jason Dufner by two-shots in the ISPS Handa Perth International in Australia.

Tommy 'Two Gloves' Gainey was victorious in the PGA Tour McGladrey Classic at Sea Island, Georgia. I have been a couple of rounds with a bloke who wore two gloves. It was a knockout. 

Pat Hickey, President of the Olmypic of Ireland committee is trying to persuade Rory McIlroy to represent Ireland at the Rio 2016 games with a flag. Mr Hickey has offered Rory the opportunity to be the flag-bearer for Ireland at the next Olympics should he choose the Emerald Isle over Britain - I would give Rory a British flag and all the bunting he can carry if he picks to play for Britain. And I'm not alone. Padraig Harrington also thinks McIlroy should side for Great Britain - probably so there's more chance for him to be selected for Ireland. 

Rory has said in the past that he would "probably play for Great Britain" has he holds a British passport. I'm sure he also holds a watch but that didn't stop him from turning up late for his tee off. Rory's comment has not put Hickey from trying to seduce the Ulsterman. 

Hickey said “You know it was over two years ago when Rory made some rash comments about representing Team GB. I think that he was perhaps a little immature back then and although he reiterated them again recently, in his present state of mind right now, I feel that he might be thinking differently.” It was last month when Rory said he feels more British than Irish. 

Tiger Woods and Darren Clark have both recently announced that they are assisting in designing new golf courses. Clark has teamed up with Team Niblick to design a championship course. We have exclusive pictures of his early concepts on a hole and clubhouse below. And we are patiently waiting to visit "El Cardonal", Tigers course which begun work last month. We are particularly interested to visit the lap dancing bar. Which brings a new meaning to 'a quick 18'. 

Darren Clark's vision of the 7th

Clark's clubhouse design 

Gun Crime and Hackers

Today was a nightmare day at the golf track. First off the manager was robbed at gun point of his push bike and phone. Then worse of all we got stuck behind a bunch of newbies. 

Now I have no problem with beginners playing in front of me. We have all been there and they have to start somewhere. But what I detest is that these fresh-faced wannabe McIlorys show a blatant disrespect for the course and golfers. 

First of all they had a kid, say about twelve years old playing off the yellows; we pointed out that shorty should tee off from the reds just give him a chance of getting out of the tee box with his drive. Then they were dragged their feet on the green, this was after they each took fifteen shots to get there. They were literally dragged their feet, churning up the green. There was no point phoning the clubhouse to get someone out to have a word because the only bloke who would was in hospital dribbling and changing his underwear (and no one would blame him).

Due to the robbery, the first lot of golfers were late to tee off as the police were investigating the crime scene. So there was already a delay when the hackers turned up.  Daddy hacker would take three practice swings and then strike the ball ten feet. We were only playing nine holes and that took us three hours. I couldn't believe it. There was already a hold-up at the gate this morning and now we were being held-up on every hole. 

What I found absolutely remarkable was the hackers taking their tee shots on a 196 yard par-3 while the group in front were still on the green. They were safe though, they were on the green. 

The frustration of waiting got the better of me on the 9th. I had hit a tremendous drive to set me up for a barnstorming conclusion. A firm 3 iron onto the green and a birdie putt would have given me the win. Instead I hooked the iron out of bounds losing the ball and victory. 

What these selfish pricks don't realise is while they think it is fun for them taking seventeen shots to reach the green, everyone behind them are like a coiled spring, then having to wait. While they wait they cool, and lose that momentum. Then angst, frustration and anger creeps in. You try and remain calm. But after seven holes of this the blood starts to boil and when the time comes to hit, rhythm and timing are lost and the ball is shanked, topped, sliced or hooked. 

Now I don't blame the starter for letting out the beginners. It is a pay-&-play course and they have every right to play when they want. But they must have an iota of responsible to golfers behind them, a smidgen of respect, shred of duty, a piece of fucking consideration.  Step aside if your taking twenty minutes to complete a hole. Let the groups behind play through. No way should it take three hours to play nine holes! 

Golf Burn News Week 41

A lot of comparisons between football and golf have been made over the years, things like; the overachieving, lying, cheating, overpaid , shagging spoilt gobshits versus the gentile, respectable, sporting golfers. However this week both sports were full of apologies this week. 

Ashley Cole and Ryan Bertrand made grovelling apologies after both Chelsea stars took to Twitter to air their grievances with foul-mouth rants. The FA took the decision to give the pair slap on the wrists after they said sorry. 

Roy Hodgson was full of apologies for telling a tube train full of passengers that Rio Ferdinand's international career was effectively over without telling the Man United player first. You would have though Rio new that after being rejected for the European Championships and the fact that he past his best form. 

In the world of golf, Tiger Woods was saying sorry to his Ryder Cup debutant  teammates for his dismal performance of the weekend in which Europe regained their trophy. 

Later on in the week the president of the Turkish Golf Federation apologised for head-butting a journalist. Mr Ahmet Agaoglu delivered the Glasgow kiss while escorting Tiger Woods to the first tee. Woods may be called as a witness if the case goes to court, but that won't be the first Tiger has been in the box.

The tournament has been a PR disaster following the head butt saga; Justin Rose wasn't the organisers first choice as the winner, or second, or third; and Rory McIlroys performance was dismal. Last week the Northern Irishman nearly never turned up on the final day of the Ryder Cup. This week he never turned up at all. Or at least he wishes he never. 

The Turkish Airlines World Golf final was held to promote the addition of the Turkish Open to the European calendar from 2013. World War 3 should well and truly be underway by then so the organisers might wish to erect similar signs that donned the Richmond Golf Club during the Second World War. 

Follow me on Twitter: @golf_burn

Rydering To Victory

Europe's victory on Sunday in the US was their best since the colonisation of the Americas in 1607. 

Going in to the final day on six points to America's ten seem insurmountable. The US players had been in awesome form during the first two days. So on Sunday morning Europe was in turmoil. Some how José Maria Olazábal rallied his troops. He made the brave decision to put out his in form players first to try to turn the scoreboard blue. And this tactic worked. Eight of the twelve singles matches went to the away side.  

There were so many stand out performances, Rose's 35 metre putt (every article I read has a different measurement); McIlroy's policeman driver, Martin Kaymers winning putt;  but the most iconic and momentous image has to be that of Ian Poulter's exhilarating fist pump of the air after five straight birdies on Saturday. All weekend Poulter was inspirational, Seve-esk, a future Captain maybe.

But let's give credit where credit is due, the Americans put on a fabulous show. The course was set up beautifully, the US players were gracious in defeat and they thoroughly deserve respect for their meritorious service. 

I didn't care for Tiger's time-wasting tactics during the weekend. No one can hit the ball into the crowds that many times and not mean it. I'm surprised he didn't attempt to take the ball to the corner while defending America's lead.

In two years time golf returns to its home for some long overdue deep fried salad. Two years after that golf makes first appearance in the Olympics. I for one am looking forward to that. I am hoping the golf will be in the matchplay format because the performances we witnessed last weekend was intoxicating. If the Europeans can be worked up for their continent can you imagine what it would be like for some nation on nation action. 

Ryder Cup

The European's Ryder Cup defence has not met with expectation that we had hoped for at the moment. The visitors are currently in second-place, led by the the Spaniard Olazábal, surging ahead is the neighbours across the pond, Team USA.

Of course, the competition is still only two days old and on Sunday positions are likely to shift more dramatically than Woods replicating the Karma Sutra with a gaggle of ho's. It’d take a brave man to bet on US to take away the trophy, although the Yanks are looking good.

One golfer worth particular focus this weekend has been the very inconsistent Tiger Woods. Tiger was dropped for the morning session on Saturday and he probably should have sat out the afternoon game too. Steve Stricker, Tiger's playing partner, got fed up saying "It's still your turn". 

So what’s happened to Europe? Mcllroy has wowed everyone with his skills, determination, relentless talent in recent months. The lad from Northern Ireland, current World Number One, was tipped to lead the charge to retain the cup. This has not materialised in the team games, but Rory has been blitzing the competition in most tournaments as an individual so I expect him come good on the final day. 

So who do the Europeans have to look up too? Well whoever is organising those sky writings of course. 

Well what do have to look forward to on Sunday? The weather looks very promising in Chicago. There is a chance of gale force winds coming from a hoard of Yanks screaming "Get in the hole!" after every shot, including a tee shot on a par 5.

There will be tremors first thing as the Americans rock up in their SUV's, RV's and pick-up trucks. More tremors expected later on as they amble down the fairway.

 

The current score is 10 - 6 in favour of the Americans. It is not an impossible task, but the hosts have a tight hold of the cup. The Europeans need to dig deep and find that fighting spirit that drove the pilgrims out of their homelands in the seventeen hundreds. Actually that's probably a bad analogy has that resulted in fighting between the Europeans after the English gave the Americans blankets riddled with Small Pox. Maybe we could hand out caps laced with the pox. 

Follow me on Twitter @golf_burn

Ryder Cup Hype

So the Ryder Cup is now upon us and it is the most eagerly anticipated one since the infamous celebration of 1999.

I most admit I wasn't watching the Americans storm the green in 1999. I wasn't even interested in golf then. I wasn't interested in the Ryder Cup until 2010. That was when I was bitten.

For the Celtic Manor competition I was in Spain taking part in a low budget Ryder Cup tourny. We had formed two teams but both declared to be the Europeans. No one wanted to play the part of the Yanks.

After the golf we would find a pub and sit down to watch the rivalry in Wales. That is my first memory of a Ryder Cup

Why is the Ryder Cup so attractive to watch? Well my guess is because it is a team event. Like football, rugby and cricket. The whole nation gets behind the team to cheer on the lads.

In a normal golf tournament you wound support the local lad. Maybe pick one golfer or two to cheer on through the comp. But the support is for an individual taking on hundreds of other individuals. The Ryder Cup is picking a side, good versus evil. Europe versus America.

Also another factor is the passion that the players have. They want to win together. They will support and cheer on their teammates. And because of their determination and devotion you want to share in the ecstasy of the moment.

This is my second Ryder Cup and I cannot wait for it to begin. For Friday I have BBC Radio 5 Live preset on the radio in the car. My iPad will be tucked into my drawer in work. The link for updates will be constantly being refreshed come the first tee off. I'm more excited about this than of Transfer Deadline Day.

So come on Europe!!!

Mersey Valley GC

Situated on a former farmers field just off the A57, Warrington Road, lies Mersey Valley GC. For more a century this track was a ploughed field which is why there are "no hills or gradients". The website says this makes the course attractive for all ages and abilities and indeed it is, the steepest slope is the ramp to get up the kerb in the car park.

In the seventeen years of operating the course has matured and the trees are established. All of the fairways are flanked with trees, most of them are wide and relieving, but there are a couple of narrow, testing fairways requiring an accurate drive. 

On the day I played the first two fairways were boggy, but not surprising after the downpour the night before. All of the greens are large and were in pristine condition. Water comes into play on several holes in form of lakes and ditches. 

Mersey Valley was designed and constructed by the St Mellion Leisure arm of St Mellion International, home of the Jack Nicklaus course in Cornwall. The designer must have had an off day in the office as a couple of the holes are a bit samey, but by no means boring. In fact everyone in our party enjoyed the course. This par-72 is a terrific course and a good test. I would like to play again in the height of summer as with firmer fairways I believe I could reach a few greens from the tee, maybe even on a couple of the par 4's. 

Three of the holes are dog legs. The 12th had a right bend to the hole, my drive was tight to the bend, the second shot caused me to sprint left to keep an eye on the ball.  Fortunately there is a lot of space around most of the greens to slice into. This course is very forgiving at times.  

The clubhouse is of timber construction and blends nicely with its surroundings. The club office is a port-a-cabin which stuck me as bit odd. There isn't much stock to peruse before tee off but the spikes bar is a nice setting to examine your scorecard and to relive your flop shot.

 

The staff are extremely friendly and helpful. I made a list of demands with vouchers and offers and the staff were very accommodating. The food was splendid and the bar is well stocked. If you don't like the clubhouse then there is The Griffin pub just down the winding drive. The entrance to the course is difficult to spot, the signage isn't great but if you are heading from the M62 then the drive is about 50 yards past The Griffin. 

A truly fantastic day out and well worth the visit. For more information go to http://www.merseyvalleygolfandcountryclub.co.uk/

Course: Par-72, 6,300 yards. Location: just outside of Warrington, on A57. Green Fees: Mon-Fri £18. Sat-Sun £22. Twilight: offers on golf and supper from £15. Tel: 0151 424 6060. Rating: 3

 

  

Battle Of The Sexes

This weekend Laura Davis said to reporters "It's always about the men and then the women come second". Well maybe she just hasn't found the right man or she's doing it wrong. 

Hang on, I've just re-read the article and Davis was in fact talking about TV coverage of women's sport. 

It's a battle that had been raging on since the beginning of time. No not England v Scotland, or England v the French, or the Germans, or anyone else (what have the English done to piss so many off?). 

No I'm referring to the battle of the sexes. (probably gave that way with the title of this post). 

Laura Davis was asked by an American journalist if the attention of women's sport would increase on the back of the success of the Olympics and the achievements women had. 

I think that the men's purses and the TV packages are far larger than the women's. I think it is unfair but I don't see this ever changing. However, there is one solution I can think of that could address this imbalance. 

In Tennis men and women compete on the same day, not for the same trophy, but if have a ticket for centre court during Wimbledon then chances are you will get too see a women's game and a man's. 

Couldn't there be a tournament where men and women compete at the same time (I haven't done any research, I'm writing this on the toilet while I should be working so I'm not sure if a competition like this already exists). 

They don't have to use the same tees, the ladies could still hit off from the reds. But both sexes could play the same course, to the same pins on the same day with the same audience and have different prizes for each sex. This could raise the profile of the women's game and get more people interested. 

Another solution could be to include team events that include fellas and lady's. Mixed sexed foursome or four ball comps (then there would four balls per team) could work. Or introduce a quota of women into the Ryder Cup teams (has Jiyai Shin got a Scottish or Norwegian grandfather?). 

There are more ways to increase attention for women's golf but the leading organisations and the pros need to be fully committed. If events like those suggested were held and the media companies show these then I'm sure the audience and viewers will watch. 

Golf Burn News

Golf Burn reporting the golf news you may not have seen this week.

Colin Montgomery withdrew himself from the BMW Italian Open due to a calf injury he pulled earlier in the month. It is not known exactly how the 49-year old's injury came about, the most likely theory is due to the scots quick turn of pace contacting his divorce lawyer. Montgomery could only manage nine holes and was in obvious pain from a bunker shot on the second. I have also had a whimper or two in a bunker, but not through injury. 

No one likes to see a fellow golfer sidelined and we wish Colin a speedy recovery as he swaps the dinner table for the physio's table. 

In other news this week, Valderrama announced this week that they will be taking bookings for dates booked between 18 - 21 October. The news comes to light after the European Tour confirmed the cancelation of the 2012 Andulica Masters due to take place at the Sotogrande course. 

The event was called off due the escalating financial difficulties Spain are going through at the moment. It is hoped that the competition will return in 2013 as the Oktoberfest Open as Germany renew their bid to take over Europe. 

And finally.  This has been a tough weekend for those competing in the Ladies British Open at Royal Liverpool. The women have had to contend with howling winds as Laura Davies made her visits to the breakfast buffet. 

FootJoy says “the hail with the weather”

A storm is brewing in among the golfing clothing world. The bods at FootJoy have diversified and turned their attention from merely making golfing clothing, to now predicting the weather. No they haven’t employed Michael Fish. FootJoy have created the website, http://www.footjoy.com/WeatherExpert/ and they have teamed up with AccuWeather, a leading weather forecaster as data providers. AccueWeather has been predicted the weather for many years and is considered the market leader, it blows away the competition.

 

The website doesn’t stop at informing you of the weather, oh no. It also advises you the best FootJoy apparel  one should wear on that day. Simply enter the postcode of the golf track you are playing, the FJ Weather Expert will show you the forecast and will list the appropriate FootJoy gear to wear.

 

"The thinking behind the FJ Weather Expert was to create a portal where our loyal following of FJ enthusiasts could make sure they were never caught out on the golf course with inappropriate clothing, footwear, gloves and accessories," said Russell Lawes, FootJoy's European Marketing Manager.

 

I must admit, the weather forecast is amazingly accurate and lighting fast. There are over two million locations to choose from.  From Augusta to St Ives, as long as there is a golf course there, you now know what to wear.

 

I have been using the website in conjunction with the Weatherfor Golf app on my smartphone, I have also crossed checked the information gathered with sticking my head out the window, and I can categorically confirm that they are correct most of the time. Some might say, a mixed bag.

 

All that is missing from the website is the lovely Laura Tobin to provide the weather for you. Maybe that is something for FJ to consider in the future.

The exquisite Laura Tobin

Dealing With Ryder Cup Rejection

I feel for Padraig Harrington. I know just how Harrington feels. We've all been there. Stood in the middle of a playing field while two team "captains" take turns to pick who they want on their team. Fortunately I was never picked last. I was a decent footballer, pacy, good feet and spirited. 

But I too have been excluded from a game of golf by my peers. I feel my story is even worse because my peers were my family. 

I am a son to my father, and nephew to my three uncles. Together we are the Brannings and we play golf every Sunday. And occasionally once through the week. 

One of my uncles befriended a man called James Wilson. James has three brothers that all play golf. My uncle and his chum arranged for all the brothers to go away together for a long weekend to play golf and to be merry. 

Unfortunately, none of the Wilsons had a son/nephew that could have joined they're team. So I had to miss out simply because I am a descendant of my father and not my fathers father. What are the chances. 

Credit goes to Harrington for dealing the situation like a gentleman. Did he whinge on twitter about the rejection? Did he criticise Jose Maria Olazabal for his team selection. No. Padraig admits that he wasn't the perfect choice, he has told reporters "dogs in the street knew I wasn't getting a pick". Posing for pictures with a sad face and posting on twitter is beneath golfers. 

Why are golfers so much more mature compared to their ball kicking counter parts. 

So what is next for Padraig. Well he is more than welcome to come for a round with me. I will teach him how to cope with rejection (I gotten pretty good at that, ever since high school I have been coping with the cold shoulder). Or Padrig could go on holiday for a long weekend at the end of September. Somewhere with no tv or Internet connection. 

But I am in doubt Harrington will be back in the spotlight. Padraig is a tremendous talent and there is the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles that he will be in contention for. 

Allerton GC

Created in 1921 and set in the grounds of Allerton Manor, previously owned by the Fletcher family, sits the 36 holes of Allerton Golf Course. The manor was destroyed by a fire so the clubhouse makes use of the stables that survived the blaze. Allerton, now owned by Liverpool City Council, is an inner city parkland course with gently undulating fairways and large manicured greens.

Not a particularly long course, at 5,494 yards and no par fives, makes it and ideal course for the average club golfer. On a nice summers day a few of the greens are driveable for the big hitters, so a great course if you need an ego boost.

There are plenty of scoring opportunities with a solid mix of long and short par fours.  There are two fantastic par 3's back to back with a butty van in between serving hot and cold refreshments, so you can expect a hold up on the 9th tee as golfers take a swing with a sausage sandwich in their mouth.

The bar is like me nans front room that has been converted into a dive with quirky signs about golf.

Old, musty, smelly carpets with old, musty, smelly clientele. The clubhouse is in dire need of a makeover. As is the club shop which hasn't been converted very well from being a stable.

There is a function room available for large parties and society's. Allerton does host evenings of entertainment such as race nights, so if you plan your round carefully you could end with a truly entertaining day.  There is plenty of beers on tap, probably one of the largest range of beers I've seen in a clubhouse.

Don't let the poor state of the clubhouse deter you playing what is a truly magnificent course. I've played here three times and have never left disappointed. For what you will pay for your round it is a great deal and the 9 holer is a perfect practise area to warm up.

Course: Par 67, 5,494 yards.  Location: just outside of Liverpool. Green Fees: Mon-Fri £11.  Sat-Sun: £12.60.  Twilight (after 4pm): £6.80 Mon-Fri. £7.30 Sat-Sun
Tel: 0151 428 7490. Rating: 3

 

Bowring Park

Steeped in history and "Englands Oldest Municiple Golf Course", or so the sign says greeting it's guests in the car park. It is indeed, built in 1913, originally a nine-hole course, this parkland track has been upgraded to eighteen holes. With it's tree lined fairways and excellent manicured greens, you'll be forgiven into thinking you were at a private countryside retreat than an inner-city course.

A blend of of par-3's and 4's, this relatively short course, just 6,085 yards, provides a test for all skill levels. There is a plethora of contenders for feature hole, but for me the standout hole is the par-4, 330 yard 4th. A narrow curving fairway that demands a precise drive or you will face a testing approach shot.

There is a shortage of the wet stuff at Bowring with water only coming into play on the 5th, 6th and 7th holes in the form of a ditch meandering though. But there are plenty of hazards to make your round tricky. All of the greens are well protected by sand traps and the odd fairway bunker is thrown in too.

Mack Golf, http://www.mackgolf.co.uk/, has recently taken over the day to day running of the course on behalf of the owner Knowsley council.  The company has made some significant amendments. Bowring Park customers are now able to reserve their own tee-times with the new online reservations system; a quick an easy way to book a tee off slot. A new automated trolley system has been I introduced too. A first for the region.

Prior to the Mack takeover Bowring was missing a golf shop and a practise area. I'm pleased to say that the shop is now open and the practise area will be opening soon. The shop can found situated in the main building along with the reception area. In it, you will find a selection of equipment and accessories such as gloves, shoes, balls and overalls. It is a small store so not an extensive range.

The only thing missing now is a clubhouse. There are no plans at this stage but if the course continues on this course then I'm sure Bowring will grow and a clubhouse would open.

If you are thirsty after your round there are a few pubs around. I would recommend the Stanley, Derby Lodge or the Weatherspoons opposite Huyton Village.

Green fees are very reasonable and the course is consistently very well looked after.

Course: Par 70, 6.085 yards.  Location: 9km north of Liverpool. Green Fees: Mon-Fri £11-13.  Sat-Sun: £12-14. 
Tel: 0151 44 2200.  Facilities: GC, CP. Rating: 3

Reasons why I keep playing

This is why I play golf. I didn't get off to a great start. Despite a decent first drive that split the fairway and a good seven iron playing safe, I looked up too early on my chip and spooned it right of the green. A nice recovery shot was followed by three putts. Rubbish.

The next few holes was pretty much the same. Until we arrived at the fifth. My playing partners both hit good drives straight down the middle. I attempted to follow them and my drive looked similar. Then it started drifting towards the lake. No! Noo! Get down! Bite! Biiiite!

Shit.

I now had a drop shot and a chip over the water to an awkward pin position. Out came the sand wedge and I just went for it. I didn't think about it or dwell on it. I just hit it.

I've seen the professionals hit chips that land an inch from the hole and this wasn't one of those shots. After what seemed like a life time in the air, the ball landed three feet from the flag and stopped dead. I'm not sure how I did it but it was good enough for for me. I strode up the ball and slotted it home for a par. 

The other two, well they scored five and a six. I won the hole and fell back in love with golf. I can play this game. My confidence was back. I went on to win two more holes and the longest drive.

While I didn't break that elusive 100 barrier I was close with a 101. Had I been tidier with my putts I would easily have been in the nineties. But the fifth made my day and restored my faith.

I will have to practise my putting as this is the area of my game that costs me shots.

Rangefinder App - Freecaddie

Rangefinders and GPS devices have seen a huge surge in demand as golfers seek more detailed knowledge of their target. They have pinpointed that technology can help them gain a more accurate understanding of the course and the hazards therein.

I recently decided to try out a GPS rangefinder app on my iPhone. After much research, about two minutes, I selected Freecaddie from Mobile Software Design. www.freecaddie.com/

The app presents the distance to the front, centre and back of the green. There is no image of the green, which could prove tricky for unfamiliar courses. There over 21,000 courses worldwide to download. Which couldn't be any easier to load onto your iPhone or iPod. 

This app is one of those free ones for the lite version, it is £5.99 for the pro edition. I chose the free version. Not simply because I'm tight, no, I wanted to try before I buy. But there's no way I'm paying £6 for it. 

Despite the lies, this is a fairly decent rangefinder. The free app is easy to use and surprisingly accurate at no cost. I positioned myself on top of the stone marker that indicated 139 yards to the centre of the green. Freecaddie was showing 137 yards. I figure that a discrepancy of two yards is not worth being agitated over. I have seen some of the top of the range GPS devices in action and I have read several reviews on them and the users have moaned over the lack of accuracy. I figure that for a free app that there no need to quibble over a mere two yards. 

This app gets a 4/5 rating simply because it is a free no frills GPS rangefinder. If the lite version is this good, then the £6 app must be amazing. The paid edition does show images of the course and distances to hazards. It can log your scores and these can be loaded on the Freecaddie website to be further scrutinised. 

I would recommend downloading the free app and watch the price on the pro version. If it drops below the £5.99 asking price then it is definitely worth it.