THE ROYAL LIVERPOOL GOLF CLUB (Hoylake) was laid out in 1869 on the racecourse of the Liverpool Hunt Club; it was both horse racing venue and golf course for the first few years. Close to the town of Hoylake, hence the name, the links course sits on a peninsula separated from Liverpool by the Mersey Estuary and from N. Wales by the river Dee.
In 1885 the first Amateur Championship was held at Hoylake, and the Walker Cup began life there in 1921 as an amateur contest between Gt. Britain and Ireland and the USA.
In 1930 the then amateur Bobby Jones won his third Open at Hoylake, the second leg of his grand slam, and returned to new york for a ticker tape parade.
In the 2006 Open the notorious Hoylake winds were conspicuously absent. In a week of heatwave weather on a terrifyingly fast course Tiger Woods kept his driver in his bag and navigated his way to a two shot victory with supreme skill. Will he be back in July?
MATTHEW FITZPATRICK (19) has decided to turn professional. The first amateur golfer since Bobby Jones in 1930 to simultaneously hold the low amateur honours at both the U.S. Open and Open Championship, and the only amateur to make the cut at Pinehurst, Fitzpatrick finished a one under 69 that left him 11 over for the tournament. Not a bad start to his career.
TO GO ROUND PINEHURST on the final day of the U.S. Open never less than four strokes ahead was a great achievement for Martin Kaymer.
To tie for second place, playing on level terms with the best golfers in the world, was an even greater achievement for Eric Compton. After two heart transplants most of us would be happy to stagger to the sofa to watch the tournament on the box, let alone play in it. Eric visits hospitals and encourages the disabled in his spare time, “Never write yourself off,” he advises.
As an example of practising what you preach, it could hardly be bettered.
THE WEEKEND OF 4th JULY sees the return of The Celebrity Cup at the Celtic Manor Resort, South Wales. Teams of six from England Scotland Ireland and Wales will once again compete for the coveted trophy.
Bradley Walsh is the latest member of the England team, and Brendan O’Carroll of Mrs Brown’s Boys joins The Irish team, who apparently played hard and partied hard last year. Comedian Rob Brydon returns to captain Wales, and Gavin Hastings the reigning champions, Scotland. In 2013 thousands of fans enjoyed a weekend of golf themed entertainment, watched the celebrities in action, and visited the “Interactive Retail Village.” (Shops.)
THE ROYAL AND ANCIENT golf club of St. Andrews, founded 1754, has been a men only club since before Napoleon was born.
That could all change in September when the members are asked to vote on whether to accept the ladies. R & A chief Peter Dawson is urging them to vote in favour, saying society is changing and golf must keep up. The indications are that the vote will be carried. Open Venues Troon and Royal St. Georges still bar women members, will they be the next bastions to fall?
WE’VE HAD SOME pretty windy conditions this year; on the course we’re tempted to hit the ball harder into and across the wind.
The pros always say it’s better to hit it a touch easier, like a second serve, to keep an element of control and not too much spin on the ball. So don’t forget the old adage: “Swing with ease into the breeze!”
Having tried out several new drivers in and out of the wind I’m convinced the only way to increase my distance is to hit the ball and run backwards.
Until next time, happy golfing.
Contact Mick for your regripping and repairs.TEL: 638 859 475.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/44110/
Car and Motor Insurance | Spanish Home Insurance | International Money Transfers | Send Money to Spain | Spain Property | Online International Payments | Property in Spain
Costa Blanca Property for Sale | Cabo Roig Property for Sale | International Payments |
