Darren Clarke, Oddjob's & White Drivers

It was a pleasant surprise for me to see Darren Clarke in the winner’s enclosure after 3 years, and back in the World's Top 100 again (85th). I have always enjoyed watching Clarke play; he is an amazing ball striker with a great touch for a big man. I followed him round The Belfry a few years ago at The Quinn Masters, and again at The Welsh Open in 2008. He was a joy to watch, laughing and joking with the crowd, but ultimately playing sublime golf. It's a shame he hasn't been in contention much, but obviously with his personal life regaining some normality after 5 years, it's not a surprise he is beginning to enjoy golf and regain some form.

Clarke trailed England's Chris Wood by four strokes going into the final round of the Iberdrola Open but he carded a 69, this helped him to record a three-shot victory as Wood ultimately shot 6 over. Clarke has not tasted victory since winning the 2008 KLM Open, this victory has convinced him that he can still compete at the highest level and he is playing plenty of tournaments to get back into the top 50.

"I feel there is a lot of golf left in me. I need to get the consistency back again”

"I would like to qualify for another Ryder Cup team and another win would take me back into the top 50. It was nice to win again but I want to be doing it more frequently."

The Northern Irishman has not played in the Ryder Cup since helping Europe to victory at The K Club in 2006 and surely is a definite shoe in as a future captain. "My swing is getting better and better. If I can get myself into contention to win, then great, and I can get up the world rankings again."

Darren paid tribute to golfing great Seve Ballesteros as the Dungannon man ended his three-year wait for a tournament victory in Spain. It was a poignant victory for Clarke - his first since the Dutch Open in 2008 - coming as it did in Ballesteros' homeland in the aftermath of the Spanish superstar's death last week. "We wouldn't be here without him, simple as that - the European Tour would not be in the position it is today without Seve"

A Ryder Cup comeback for 2012 maybe? I wouldn’t bet against it. 

K J Choi holds his nerve to win The Players. Choi, the first Asian to win golf's unofficial fifth major, was understandably delighted to claim his eighth victory in the US, more than any other Asian player. "For some reason I felt so comfortable out there," said Choi. "The swing I have right now just doesn't break down under pressure situations. "I was able to be precise and aggressive and keep my rhythm together and that is what brought this performance."

I did however miss Alliss comparing him to OddJob, like he inappropriately does at every Masters.....

After reading loads of good reviews and a quick test of a friends club, I am seriously considering getting one of these bad boys. It did seem a bit dead off the face in terms of feedback, but boy, did it fly.

Van Morrison Into The Mystic

Funky....

Seve Ballesteros, Hero, Inspiration, Legend

Seve in full flow

Very upsetting news filtering through from various sources has got me thinking about Seve a lot today. I wish him all the very best.

Even before I first played golf back in the early 80's, I was aware of who he was. I was only 11 or 12 but I could tell he was special when he came on the TV screen, with his dark good looks and flashing, fearless golf power. I remember going to a Summer school at a local golf club around 1984, which was essentially, a chance for parents to get you out the house for 6 weeks & let someone else keep an eye on you for a few hours a day. It was an eye opening experience for someone so young, and to throw in a few lessons, a mini tournament, balata golf balls, plastic tee's, plus the chance to hang around a real golf club, well, it was a dream. (I revisited the course recently & a lot has changed since back then, but it has been over two decades. The car park was a gamble, 4 kids were playing football on the 18th green & the 3 holes at the turn should be renamed 'Dog Sh*t Alley) The pro who ran it turned out to be bit of a boozer with an acute gambling addiction, but that's another (familiar) story. It was Seve who I always wanted to be in the practise sessions, I tried to play all the bunker & low punchy recovery shots just like him. My friend Rob was always a Nicklaus, a Watson or a Norman. I remember asking my Mum to buy me a dark blue Slazenger sweater, dark navy trousers and white shoes so I would look the part. My school trousers and Dad's oversize Gabbici polo shirt just did not make me feel like an exciting new golf pro, more like I should be pulling pints in The Red Lion. I never did get the clothes, although I think they would have helped edge me into a first place instead of a paltry third in the final tournament of the Summer. Maybe, with that sprinkling of Spanish, Slazenger navy blue fairy dust it may have happened. Let's face it, it just wasn't going to happen in Farah knock offs and my Dad's old pigeon fanciers shirt. I got beat by my mate (Greg Norman that day) and a girl. (Who I'm sure cheated heavily and lied about being 13 years old, she was at least 5 inches taller and had 2 stone on me. Come to think of it her boyfriend had a motorbike and drank Special Brew)

I didn't look like this

When I finally got back to playing golf after 20+ years, it was Seve who I looked out for on TV and in magazines, yes he may have been way past his best, his back in bits, and missed cuts galore but he was still magical and charismatic to watch. I went to Hoylake GC in 2006 to The British Open, and it was Seve who I followed around all 18 holes. Watching him hit the ball was fantastic, his short game still as good as ever, it seemed so natural & effortless for him. His son was caddying for him that day, and it was just inspirational to see him hit shots around a tough links course, having a laugh and appearing to just enjoy being out there & playing again. 

At the Ryder Cup 2010, I was at the front of the crowd at the closing ceremony when that black and white picture of Seve & Olazabal was being paraded down from the clubhouse to the stage by the caddies. It was a fantastic moment for both teams and the crowd, to show what love and respect they had for this great ambassador of golf. (I'm getting goose bumps right now thinking about that moment)

I finally got to play The Brabazon course at The Belfry a few years ago, (and four times since) and on the 10th hole, I always try to drive the green, regardless of my score, good or bad, just like he did in that famous Ryder Cup shot from the 80's. I never make it, but I will try again everytime I go back there. When I play golf, I never lay up. It wasn't his way, it isn't mine. 

My Left Foot Tribute In Pencil To Seve Ballesteros