The first time I saw Tiger Woods playing competitive golf was in the Walker Cup in 1995 at Royal Porthcawl. He was a nineteen year old callow pimply virgin (allegedly) who even then was hitting the ball a country mile. He lost to veteran Gary Wolstenholme in the singles and my lasting memory was of Tiger attempting to land his second shot on the 18th green, but not the first time in the competition over hit and dumped his shot over the sea wall and onto the beach. That had to be the biggest sand trap Tiger has ever encountered.
A few days ago Cory Pavin selected Tiger as one of his wild cards to complete the American team to play Europe in the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, a few miles along the M4 from Porthcawl. The other wild card picks are: Stewart Cink, Zach Johnson and Rickie Fowler. Some members of the golf media questioned the validity of Tiger’s selection; citing his dip in form this season and his relatively poor performances in previous Ryder Cups. Admittedly, he is not a great team player and has an ego the size of Stone Mountain, but he had to endure immeasurable pressure on previous teams as the number one player in the world when it was assumed he would pick up the maximum 5 points for his team.
However he will not be carrying the burden of expectation in this year’s competition and he has nothing to lose. A wounded tiger is a dangerous tiger and Cory Pavin has made an astute selection. I predict Tiger will have an outstanding Ryder Cup and will play a major part in America retaining the Ryder Cup. Stewart Cink is another sensible pick by Pavin with a wealth of experience playing in Ryder cups and on British courses He won The Open last year and this will be his 5th successive appearance in the bi-annual competition. Zach Johnson is a former Masters Champion who has recently run into a rich vein of form. Ricky Fowler is an intriguing pick. He’s only 21 but is a long hitter and had a great record in the Walker Cup, the amateur version of the Ryder Cup.
No disrespect to Italians, but I would prefer to have Tiger in my corner as opposed to the Molinari brothers any day of the week and twice on Sundays. I’m sure they are fine players and deserving of their selection on the European team, but cream rises to the top and Tiger is due!
As you sip your second cup of coffee while nibbling on a croissant or bagel on a warm sunny Sunday morning, spare a thought for Sir Terry Matthews, the self-serving millionaire owner of Celtic Manor and instrumental in bring the Ryder Cup to Wales. He has worked tirelessly for several years to produce a layout worthy of the golfing gods only to be left with an eyesore situated between the clubhouse and the 18th green.
I’m referring to a 16th Century dilapidated stone built farmhouse which is a Grade 2 listed building, and Newport City Council has refused him permission to move it to another site. In terms of planning laws it would not be appropriate to move it from its original setting and as a former town planner it appears to me that Matthews is being economical with the truth. However, as we go to press, both parties have agreed a compromise and the modern extension will be removed and the stone apron will eventually be restored. In any event, place a screen around the damn thing for the duration of the tournament and let’s move on.
Continuing the Welsh theme which warms the cockles of my heart, John Toshack recently resigned as coach/manager of the Wales soccer team. He has held the reigns for the past six years and the results have been dismal. As a TV analyst, Toshack heavily criticized the former incumbent, Mark Hughes before accepting the unenviable role of manager, and fared worse than his predecessor. On the plus side, Toshack introduced a number of young players to the Welsh squad, but paradoxically experienced the early retirement of several senior players which a limited Welsh squad could ill afford to lose. Wales hasn’t qualified for the World Cup finals since 1958 and the European Championships are always a bridge too far.
I digress, so without further ado, Team America for the Ryder Cup looks like this:
- Phil Mickelson ( 7 Ryder Cups, W10, L14, H6)
- Hunter Mahan (1RC, W2, L0, H3)
- Bubba Watson (rookie)
- Jim Furyk (6RCs, W8, L13, H3)
- Steve Stricker (1RC, W0, L2, H1)
- Dustin Johnson (rookie)
- Jeff Overton (rookie)
- Matt Kuchar (rookie)
- Tiger Woods (5RCs, W10, L13, H2)
- Stewart Cink (4RCs, W4, L7, H4)
- Zach Johnson (W1,L2, H1)
- Rickie Fowler (rookie)
“In terms of planning laws it would not be appropriate to move it from its original setting ”
Is this strictly correct, given that St Fagans Museum is choc a block with Houses, shops, and chapels moved form all over Wales?
Typically, a building is listed for several reasons, one of which is invariably its setting. I am suggesting that the buildings moved to St Fagans were not afforded listed status and could therefore be moved from their original locations. I’m pleased that one of the comments received actually included an intelligent question as opposed to the mindless garbage I have to wade through daily.
I’ve send this page to my fb friends. Keep this good work 🙂
Great Ryder Cup this year. Wish we had pulled it off, but I’m anxious for 2012.
In my analysis Tiger Woods is the golfer ever and he will soon break Jack Nicklaus record. I don’t really comprehend how people can doubt his ability just because of a little personal turmoil in his life.
What a great knowledge. Thank you very much for sharing those article. I will of course check it out.
This blog is just amazing, I believed I do know a lot, however I’m so mistaken, just like the outdated saying the more you recognize, the extra you learn the way little you know. Thanks for the info.
Surely, the article is seriously the most excellent on this noteworthy subject. I agree with your ideas and will excitedly expect your next updates. Saying thanks will never just be sufficient, for the outstanding clearness in your writing. I will right away look for your feeds to stay privy of any updates. Pleasant work and much success in your business enterprise.. Best wishes, ..