Hi Everyone,
With British Summer Time underway and the lighter evenings, we certainly have the look of Spring if not the feel! I appreciate it has been a long winter this year in the UK and I feel very fortunate to have missed quite a bit of it. I am particularly pleased to have swerved the beast from the east by being in the Far East, Thailand in fact on an excellent trip with my friends from David Short Golf. We visited the amazing island of Phuket, home of my now favourite course, Red Mountain. This was followed by a few days in bustling Bangkok, then on to the beach resort of Hua Hin with another array of fantastic courses. Jennie, our group and I really enjoyed the dynamic of the Lady Caddies that guide your game in Thailand. They make you focus and give great directions, a skill we all are determined to do, when on our own. It's so easy to focus on "don't do that, don't go there" rather than the thought process they instill of "aim for that, yes that is the right club and aim a grip to the right of the hole and the putt will go in!
For interest on our Thai Theme, I include a recent article that I wrote on Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Thailand's leading player. Although he has some interesting moves in his golf swing, his impact (Barney's mantra "It's all about impact!") positions are terrific and his top fifty ranking in the world proves it is where the club is at the ball that counts.
The Masters is now hoving into view and of course this year we have the ever improving Tiger Woods to put into the mix for possible winners. I have to say this time last year, I didn't think we would be saying that. His return to competitive golf has been amazing and of course the interest he generates is staggering. Viewing figures on TV and patrons coming through the gates are up by 30-40% when he puts the ball on a tee. Golf needed a shot in the arm and I think Tiger is about to apply it.
The European challenge is a strong one, with Rose, Casey, Fleetwood all in top form. Sergio will be up for his defence, Rahm can do anything and Noren quite capable of causing an upset. However, for my first Major winner prediction for 2018, I am plumping for a man who is in great form and has a Masters pedigree. Bubba Watson is the man for the job, plus he likes winning in even numbered years (2012, 2014 so far). Augusta requires a great deal of local knowledge, plus a strong nerve which Bubba has in spades.
Let's hope the current monsoon subsides and we can enjoy some sun lit evening golf soon.
All the best
Barney
