Hi Everyone,
Last week's British Masters at The Grove really lived up to expectations with a super tournament. It was a case of "How Swede it is" (sorry couldn't resist it!) as Alex Noren continued his recent dominant run. This was his third win in the past eight tournaments and in that time has hoovered up nearly £2million Euros. I have spoken to many of you who went to the event and bar a few showers the four days were blessed with good weather. His 18 under par total for the week was magnificent and it was also nice to see Lee Westwood show some of his old form with 3rd place on 15 under.
In America the big talking point wasn't who won the Safeway Open, it was who didn't play! Tiger Woods was due to make his tournament come back and then sadly at the 11th hour decided he did not feel ready saying "my health is good, but my game feels vulnerable and not where it needs to be". I thought welcome to the normal golfers world, that's how we feel most of the time! He will potentially play in his end of season event, with a limited field. It would be sad if at only 40 years old his amazing career is to finish in this unsatisfactory way. To put it in perspective, Jack Nicklaus won 3 more Majors in his 40s and you have the ever ebullient Miguel Jiminez who won more tournaments in his career between the ages of 40 and 50. Perhaps Tigers injuries have not totally healed and of course if his game isn't where he feels he can compete, then he will have no interest in playing just to make up the numbers and be in effect a ceremonial golfer.
Speaking of golfers in the news, the sensation that is Andrew Johnston, better known as "Beef" had another good week at The Grove. In fact, for this incredibly fun man, I don't suppose he ever doesn't have a good week whatever his golf is like. I wanted to include this wonderful interview with young Billy, who asks direct questions that only the young can, have a look here.
And finally, it is that time of year when the evenings are drawing in and we are watching more than we are playing golf. If you are a Sky Sports viewer you will be able to watch this years Trilby Tour which has just started, culminating in the finals early December. As you know it is a great watch seeing people play golf like we do, and all topped off with the brilliant "rogue's gallery".
Enjoy your golf where you can and let's hope the recent good weather continues.
All the best
Barney
