Category Archives: Golf

Swing into Social Media: How Social Media is Changing the Game of Golf

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Golf BallSimply put, social media is everywhere. Like the electric motor of over 100 years ago, which eventually became smaller and eventually was hidden inside of numerous devices, today’s social media communities and applications have become less intrusive and more widely available to users everywhere.

With smart phones and even normal cell phones having increased computing power and extended capabilities, developers have created interesting applications by the tens of thousands. Depending upon the platform a Smartphone user has bought into there could be numerous free and paid applications available for them to extend the functionality they are getting from their mobile communications investment.

In addition to numerous downloadable applications focused directly at players and fans of golf, manyof the leading social media platforms are beginning to show up on golf courses and fans devices everywhere.

With all of the technology and application of social media by enterprising businesses and individuals, it might be worthwhile to explore just how the game of golf can be and is being impacted by these new mediums.

For many fans, actually watching golf being played on television can be, as attributed to ArnoldPalmer, “…like watching paint dry.”

Of course the networks do their best with interesting graphics and hole by hole animated virtual flyovers. The announcers are obviously very educated as to the game, its history and do their very best to provide interesting audio accompaniment to the visual medium. Given their best efforts however, the experience can often times be just as exciting as the drying of paint.

Technology and eager businesses have been quickly transforming the experience of being entertained. Television viewing in general has come much more under the control of the viewer. With programming available online at the same time or shortly after broadcast over the airwaves and via cable, fans of shows and sporting events can become their own virtual entertainment programmers.

Given the numerous communications tools and devices available to fans now, there are nearly infinite ways to consume and enjoy most of the available programming being released. People also crave more interactive channels in relation to their personal programming choices. Sports networks realized their fans were in need of multitasking opportunities years ago and released the scrolling bottom line score and information tickers.

With social media exploding online and on mobile devices, many sports are jumping onto the bandwagon to provide yet more opportunities for their fans to interact with each other as well as the stars of that sport.

Services like Twitter, for example, allow anyone with a mobile device and data plan to interact with thousands of followers. Depending upon the popularity of the celebrity, that number may well be in the several millions of users.

This is direct access to potentially a very larger percentage of the sports viewing market. Within the game of golf, for instance, many of the professional golfers have started embracing the concept of sending out tweets while they practice and play in tournaments.

From a fans perspective having this virtual, unobstructed and potentially two way access to their favorite golfers is unprecedented. Evenwhen viewing a tournament live in person, the fan may not have this kind of access.

Whether it’s on Twitter or one of the thousands of Facebook pages and fan groups, the use of social media in today’s game of golf is adding richness previously unattainable. The more fans who are pulled into these social communities the more the popularity of golf will grow. And as it becomes more popular, it surely will find increased prosperity.

Andy West is a freelance writer on a variety of topics including golf and new technologies. With his golf degree Andy has had the opportunity to visit many courses and wishes to share his experiences with his readers.

Top 10 Golf Apps for Your iPhone or Smartphone

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This is a guest post from Floras McLain. Not all apps may be available outside the US.

GolfShot

Investing in additional golf technology after buying an iPhone or smartphone is tough. These apps will extend your phone and give you the best advice for your game.

With today’s smartphone price tags easily running in $400 to $500 range and top of the line hardware like iPhones, Blackberrys and Android OS phones as much as $750 the last thing a savvy golfer is likely to do is invest in more hardware just to enhance their game. Sure, there are a number of devices which can help to guide you on the course with their GPS capabilities, but you’re already carrying around a smartphone. If it is so smart shouldn’t it be able to handle a number of the very same chores that a dedicated device would? Cheer up because the answer is absolutely. Both open source and proprietary developers are creating and selling some amazing applications you can download to your specific smartphones in order to use while enjoying your game of golf.

The following list comprises but 10 of the more popular apps and a bit of a description about why you might consider adding them to your virtual golf bag.

10 Golf Apps For Your Cell Phone

  1. Golfshot: Golf GPS: with a price tag under $30, the Golf GPS offers amazing stats tracking, zoomable overhead views for making informed club choices, and integrated emailing capabilities to send your great scores to all your buddies.
  2. GolfLink Game Tracker: One of the less expensive smartphone apps, the Game Tracker is currently only available for the iPhone. But with more than 18,000 courses at your disposal, this inexpensive application provides a few other unique features as well. In addition to integrated emailing capabilities, you get an array of social network connections including posting capability to your Facebook and Twitter accounts.
  3. AirVue iPhone Golf GPS: another interesting GPS application, the AirVue not only provides requisite overhead views of the hole, but allows you to switch from looking at the entire length of a hole to just were you happen to be, either the fairways, greens or hazards. With easy to view distance and measurement tools, this tool is a value at just under $40.
  4. GolfLogix: Even though this downloadable application is free, it has an amazing feature list sure to rival some of the others in the list. In addition to standard GPS capabilities, the GolfLogix provides the ability to upload each of your rounds to their proprietary online community where you can share your great stories and scores with all of your friends, be they local of on the other side of the planet. You’ll keep your score and stats like so many professional golfers do every day.
  5. Everyday Golf Coach: What could be better than having your golf instructor with you on every hole? If you could afford that option you wouldn’t even worry about a downloadable app that cost less than $10 US. But with the Everyday Golf Coach you get a pocket device filled with instruction videos you can access at any point in your game when you need just a bit more clarification in why your ball is in the water, sand trap, or too short of the green.
  6. Smart Golf Scorecard: Provides a clean, straightforward way to keep your scores on your handheld device while not intruding on your game with too much technology. Because its interface is simple and easy to use you won’t slow down your foursome while trying to figure out which button to push or how to enter information about your last shot.
  7. Golfcard: With both a free and professional paid version, the Golfcard products have a long list of features sure to catch your eye. In addition to standard expectations like a range finder and scoring, you’ll be able to track your golfing partners, have access to the official USGA handicap index and have integrated access to database storage for all your scoring and handicap information.
  8. Teedroid: Users of the Android based smartphones will definitely want to check out this application. With many of the features of apps costing upwards of $40 or more dollars this one can be instantly downloaded to your phone for simply registering at their website.
  9. Pro Golf Paradise: Specifically developed for the Blackberry, this golf app adds one unique feature: the weather. How often have you had games washed out and you along with them because you failed to pack your rain gear. This one will eliminate all those challenges.
  10. True Golf Score: Another inexpensive but well featured smartphone app, True Golf Score allows you to maintain the entire foursome’s scores on one device. No more getting everyones cards together at the end of your round. All tabulations are done automatically as well as providing for long term storage and recall as well.

BIO: Floras McLain is a freelance writer. When she is not writing or taking a golf program she loves to enjoy the outdoors.

Golf Etiquette That You Need to Know

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One of the more pleasurable aspects of golf, outside of the scenic beauty of the course, is the amount of respect that players have for one another.  The rules of the game are designed to foster fair play and camaraderie.  Understanding some of the finer points of how to conduct oneself on the course adds to the atmosphere of sportsmanship.  In the age of trash-talking and over-the-top displays of celebration, golf at its best, relies on the satisfaction of a well played shot and the support of both teammates and appreciation from the competitors.  Simple courtesies on the course help foster good competition and good performance.  Because golf demands such a high level of concentration most of the rules of etiquette are centered on not distracting the other players and effecting play.

Golf Etiquette

Nothing to do with Golf Etiquette at all. Nice though, eh.

One of the more subtle things a player can do while waiting his or her turn is to remain quiet.  That is a given.  However, beyond your silence you should also keep in mind unwelcome movement during the other player’s address of the ball.  Positioning yourself at the tee where the player can see you during the tee shot is appropriate.  By standing motionless in a location where they can see you give the active player the confidence to swing the club without having to worry about hitting you.  If you stand behind them, the fact that you are quiet can be unnerving and have the opposite effect of what you are trying to do.  As an observer, stand in front of the player where they can see you at a safe distance well off the tee.  Remain quiet and motionless.  Resting your hands on your club will keep you from moving unintentionally.  Focus on the player’s shot assisting them in spotting the location.

Bunkers can be a point of frustration for many golfers.  One of the frustrations is landing in the sand only to discover the previous player has not raked out the sand from their shot leaving you with a difficult lie.  As simple as this small task may be, by not raking the hazard after play, you are affecting the play of the game.  The courtesies shown on a golf course are all centered on this one fact.  Once you have made your bunker shot, rake the sand from the middle of the hazard to the outside edge, smoothing your footprints as you go.  Try to even out the sand as much as possible leaving the rake in a location that will not affect the next player’s shot.

Once on the green, tending the flag for the other player is proper protocol.  If the ball is not on the putting surface the flag can remain in the cup.  If the hole cannot be easily seen from the player’s vantage point on the green, another participant should tend the flag until the ball is struck.  Once on its way the flag must be removed prior to its arrival at the hole.  Take particular care to avoid damaging the lip of the cup so as not to affect the path of the ball.  Keeping these few key points in mind will add to the enjoyment of the game.

Author Bio: Vern Marker writes on behalf of a Golf School and frequently blogs about tips and techniques. When Vern is not blogging or writing, he is an avid golfer who loves to travel the world.  Follow him on Twitter@VernMarker.

Golf’s New No. 1: Congratulations to England’s Lee Westwood

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After five long years Tiger Woods has finally been deposed as the undisputed number one in world golf – by a man from Worksop, England. Step forward Lee Westwood, the world’s new best golfer.

Lee Westwood

There will be quite a few who claim his failure to win a Major tarnishes his new status and there is an argument for that. There will be a few who claim that Tiger Woods is clearly a more natural golfer and there is an argument for that.

But golf is all about consistency and there is no argument against the fact that over the last 12 months or more Lee Westwood has been golf’s Mr Consistent. Several top three finishes in the last two years at Majors also suggest he isn’t that far off claiming his first. Being installed as number one in the world may even give him the boost in confidence and belief he needs to take that final step where perhaps self doubt has caused him to fail when within touching distance in the past. We’ll see on that one.

For now, let’s just celebrate in the fact that golf now has a new number one and England has our first since Nick Faldo way back in 1994.

It may only be a brief reign, as Westwood himself admitted, saying he’s learned never to write off Tiger Woods and there are several others hot on Westwood’s heels that could snatch it away from him, a lot from the European Tour and some from the US Tour, but then again it may not. It doesn’t really matter – Westwood has been as high as world number four and as low as outside the top 250 so this number one spot is a remarkable achievement.

He’s a very nice guy as well and it’s a well deserved achievement.

Fall / Autumn Fitness for Golf

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This post was written by Vern Marker.

Golf FitnessAs they always say when you’re about to begin a new fitness regimen, you should always be checked out and cleared by a doctor. Before you get into all your swings and stretches and lifting and carrying heavy golf bags full of clubs and various other equipment, it’s best to go get checked out first by your doctor and get the all-clear that you are in good health and fit to do these things. The last thing you want to do is pull a muscle or tendon on your first day out on the course!

Pay attention to your ankles

Start doing some gentle exercises to get your ankles stretched and ready for those great days out on the course. A rolled ankle could have you out for weeks, so be sure they’re strong and ready to be out on the green.

Build up strength in your knees

You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking and bending down to put the ball on the tee, etc. You want to make sure your knees are in good shape so do some strengthening exercises to help them. You also want to be sure they’re not weak so you don’t tweak them on accident when you hit the ball with your power swing!

Think about your hips, core, shoulders and spine

All of these things should be in good shape so you can play your best. Consider doing some situps to strengthen your abdominal muscles, and make sure you square your shoulders and hips and walk straight with good posture as you walk around in your day to day life. Good posture while doing errands will mean good posture on the green, after all. And we all know how important correct posture is in golf!

Get off the couch

Go take a walk, rake the leaves or play with your pet. Just because summer temperatures and sunshine are fading doesn’t mean you can just nestle up on the couch and watch football for the rest of the fall. Start doing that and you can kiss your great golf scores goodbye! Stay active and stay fit for your golf game.

Eat an Apple

AppleYou know the saying, an apple a day keeps the doctor away! Well, autumn is a great time to start chowing down on those festive fall fruits. Rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients and vitamins, apples (and other great fall fruits and vegetables like carrots, potatoes, squash, etc.) will help keep you healthy and ready to tee off at the next possible opportunity. Eat healthy now, play well later!

Follow these tips and strive to live an overall healthy, balanced life and you will be sure to be fit and ready to play a great golf game this fall season.

How do you stay in shape during the fall months?

Vern Marker has been playing golf for more than 10 years and is now a freelance writer for a golf career college. When he is not playing golf or writing, Vern loves to travel the world. Follow him on Twitter @VernMarker.

Tiger Finds Form At The Ryder Cup – Unnoticed

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Tiger WoodsAmid the drama, tension and excitement of the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor on Monday, the remarkable performance of one American went virtually unnoticed.

This is perhaps understandable as Europe regained the Ryder Cup by just a single point, in the last singles match on the penultimate hole. As finishes to the Ryder Cup go, this was as dramatic as it gets.

No-one would have predicted that the unprecedented fourth day would produce such a finish. At the start of the day Europe led 9 ½ to 6 ½ with only five points required for victory. Early on it looked like they would walk it – right until the USA team produced a stunning fight back to ensure that Europe had to fight very hard for every one of the five points.

In amongst that fight back, however, was a performance that the rest of the golfing world, not just those competing in the Ryder Cup, would do well to take notice of.

Out of form, out of character and almost out on his ear, Tiger Woods justified his inclusion in the USA team by Corey Pavin with a round of golf that may well signal he is getting close to his best once more.

It was certainly his best Ryder Cup performance and if he takes this form into tournament play then his long list of wins will no doubt get longer.

Playing the Italian Francesco Molinari, Woods found himself two down after the first three holes as Molinari started at a blistering pace, scoring birdies on the first and second and par-ing the third.

Woods’ dismal (ok, that may be a harsh assessment, but it’s not been good!) Ryder Cup form looked like it would continue until he pulled one back on the fourth, only to lose it again on the fifth.

His confidence was given a boost with a birdie on the sixth to pull him back to just one down but as both players made par on the next two holes it looked like Molinari had things under control.

Unfortunately for Molinari, the old Tiger Woods decided to make a return for the first time since his well publicised off-course troubles began.

Woods rounded off the front nine with a birdie four on the par five ninth before blitzing the opening four holes of the back nine with three birdies and an eagle on the 12th.

Going to the 14th with a four shot advantage, Woods had firmly closed the door on a defeat barring a miracle five holes from Molinari. It wasn’t to be – nobody seriously thought it would be – and two pars from Woods could only be matched by the Italian, giving the Americans another point in their remarkable comeback.

Consider this though; in 10 holes Woods managed six birdies and an eagle. He was eight under after 15 holes with three to play. Theoretically, he could have finished his round a stunning 11 under. He notched five holes in a row under par.

By anyone’s standards that is a phenomenal round, but especially for Tiger Woods given his recent form. Only Dustin Johnson’s 6&4 humiliation of Martin Kaymer came close on the day.

So is Tiger back to his best? Has his somewhat surprising inclusion in the US Ryder Cup rekindled is love of the game, even in defeat? Should the rest of golf be filled with fear at the name ‘Woods’ on the scoreboard?

Only time will tell, but this was an ominous sign that Tiger is starting to put his troubles behind him and focus once again on his golf game.

Incidentally, I want to congratulate Colin Montgomerie, his vice captains and all the European Ryder Cup team on their victory. Closer than it perhaps should have been, but all credit to the Americans for that. Well done on bringing it home, boys – especially you, @Graeme_McDowell!

Monty’s Ryder Cup rookies

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Ryder CupColin Montgomery has picked his team for the Ryder Cup and there are a lot of first timers involved, all winning their places through playing good golf. There are no favourites chosen, in that respect Monty has been ruthless, leaving out the likes of Paul Casey and Justin Rose. This I’m a fan of, but the lack of experience in the team is a worry, it must be.

There are no less than six debutants in the team, all but one qualifying automatically after good seasons on the tour, the other, Edoardo Molinari joining his brother Francesco (another debutant) via wildcard after winning the Johnnie Walker Championship. The rest include Martin Kaymer of Germany, Ross Fisher of England, Peter Hanson from Sweden and the outstandingly talented Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland.

All have had great seasons and deserve their place ahead of more established and experienced stars – Monty has picked on form, not reputation. With one exception; Lee Westwood.

Westwood, who has six Ryder Cups under his belt, is currently recovering from a calf injury and may not make it but Monty obviously feels his experience is needed in a team of rookies. I agree. Despite the fact he won’t play any serious golf between now and October, he’ll be a fantastic boost to the team. Should he not, Justin Rose, with two PGA tour titles to his name this season, will step in.

The other two wildcards were given to the equally experienced Major winner Padraig Harrington and England’s Luke Donald. Strong picks again, though Harrington appears to be the only one NOT picked on form, but for his Major titles. Plus, he hasn’t won a Ryder Cup match since 2004, so the pressure will be on him.

Despite the relative inexperience of half the team, this looks a side with a good balance and underlines the strength of European golf at the moment. The fact that the likes of Paul Casey and Sergio Garcia (playing at least), for example, aren’t included shouldn’t be a cause for concern, but a statement of strength to the Americans.

It’s a risk, yes, but a calculated one on Monty’s part and the presence of Miguel Angel Jiminez alongside Westwood and Harrington should calm any debut nerves. Graeme McDowell, too, has one Ryder Cup on his CV and will be an important part of the team.

Monty’s real strength and advantage over his counterpart Corey Pavin, however, is the team he has assembled to work behind the scenes and in the dressing room.

Working as his vice captains and monitoring the play as it unfolds across Celtic Manor will be Thomas Bjorn, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley.

Bjorn brings passion, McGinley tactical know-how and Clarke…well, Clarke is just huge in personality and influence. Like the playing team, the backroom staff is well balanced and will serve Monty well.

When announcing his final line-up, Monty also added Sergio Garcia to his vice captains, purely on the fact Garcia ASKED to be included somehow. This, according to Monty, “shows what the Ryder Cup means to him and he is going to be a great asset to us” – can’t argue with that, frankly.

I really can’t remember a stronger dressing room in recent Ryder Cup history, certainly not when Nick Faldo lost two years ago. Perhaps when Ian Woosnam led Europe to victory at the K Club in 2006 with a record equalling points total.

The inclusion of Clarke I particularly like as I’ve always been a big, big fan of his. The only shame is that it means Jose Maria Olazabal has to stay home, with long standing injury problems given as the reason. Seems a weak excuse to me, but as I said, Monty is being ruthless, such is his desire to beat America.

Back to the playing staff, though, and who I’ll be watching closely. Definitely the Molinari brothers playing together (the first time brothers have done so since 1963) but it’s McIlroy that really excites me. Just 21 this kid seems to have it all and I can’t wait to find out how he’ll fair in the pressure cooker that is the Ryder Cup. I really hope he puts on a show.

Nothing will please me more than to see Monty lift the Cup on October 3rd in Wales. Despite the fact he can be a right moody bugger you can’t question his passion for the game or the Ryder Cup and what he has available in talent and support is unsurpassed. The Americans, I don’t think, have the answer to this team.

Full European Ryder Cup Team

Captain: Colin Montgomerie
Vice Captains: Darren Clarke, Sergio Garcia, Thomas Bjorn, Paul McGinley

  • Lee Westwood (Eng) Age 37; Previous Ryder Cups 6
  • Martin Kaymer (Ger) 25; Debut
  • Rory McIlroy (NI) 21; Debut
  • Graeme McDowell (NI) 31; RC 1
  • Ian Poulter (Eng) 34; RC 2
  • Ross Fisher (Eng) 29; Debut
  • Francesco Molinari (Ita) 27; Debut
  • M A Jimenez (Spa) 46; RC 3
  • Peter Hanson (Swe) 32; Debut
  • Padraig Harrington (Ire) 38; RC 5
  • Luke Donald (Eng) 32; RC 2
  • Edoardo Molinari (Ita) 29; Debut

2010 Ryder Cup, October 1-3, The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales

The 2010 Ryder Cup will be shown live on Sky Sports and in 3D for the first time on Sky 3D, the first residential 3D channel in Europe, launching on October 1st.

Useful Links

Woods to lose world number one spot to Westwood (possibly)

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Lee WestwoodTiger Woods has reined supreme over the golfing world for five years, holding the number one spot since 2005, but his position is now under threat from the supremely consistent Lee Westwood and Phil Mickelson.

The WGC-Bridgestone Invitational tees off today, Woods defending the title he has won seven times in Ohio. Should he fail to do so, he could lose his number one position to either Mickelson or Westwood.

Here’s how. If Westwood wins and Woods is outside the top two, he will become world number one. If he finishes second, Woods fails to finish better than tenth and Mickelson DOESN’T win the tournament, he will become world number one. If Mickelson wins the tournament, he will become world number one. If Mickelson finishes in the top four and Woods fails to finish in the top 37 (yes, THIRTY SEVEN), he will become world number one.

It’s a bit complicated, but basically the odds on favourite to be the best golfer in the world come Sunday is Lee Westwood – despite never winning a major.

There’s a few stumbling blocks. First of all, while Westwood is in fantastic form, Woods LOVES this course. If he is to regain some of the form he has lost since his fall from grace, it could well be here at Firestone. Then consider this – Westwood will tee off next to Woods for the first two rounds. That’s pressure, playing alongside the man you are trying to depose!

It’ll be compulsive viewing, and you’ll want to keep an eye on Mickelson too, of course. For me, I really hope Westwood does it, his game deserves it and it might just give him that boost to win that first elusive major.

Louis Oosthuizen runs away with The Open

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Louis OosthuizenI did consider doing a daily round up of all the action from the Open at St Andrews, but Louis Oosthuizen changed all that with his runaway victory. I wanted to wait and see whether his game would hold up under the pressure or if he’d crumble as the likes of Paul Casey and Lee Westwood attempted to chase him down.

In the end, of course, his game not only held up but shone. Not at any point did he look like he would lose his cool or his control and his mastery of the links course in tough, windy and wet conditions was a pleasure to watch.

This was golf at its best. There were other brilliant rounds over the four days, not least from Casey, Westwood and the young Rory McIlroy who, despite a torrid second day, recovered superbly to finish tied third on 8 under after a 68 on the final day.

If it hadn’t been for that 8 over 80 on the second day, we could have had a much tighter finish. Casey will feel disappointed with his 75 on the last day as again, he could have challenged Oosthuizen with a better day.

One proud man, the South African winner aside, will be Lee Westwood. He remains the nearly man at majors, but his last round of 70 gave him second place on his own – and did beat Oosthuizen’s calmly taken 71.

For a while it looked like The Open record win of 8 shots clear was under threat. Woods – whose poor putting kept him out of contention here – was the last man to win by that margin, and Westwood ensured he retains that record by pulling back Oosthuizen to a 7 shot victory.

Will Louis gone on to be a great golfer in the same mould as compatriot Ernie Els? On this evidence, he has the game and temperament so why not? He needs to push on from here now, get consistency and challenge for more major honours.

Justin Rose, who I was following closely, sadly failed to perform. He missed the cut on Day Two but I remain hopeful that the 29 year old will one day capture a major. However, if anything, I want Westwood to do it first. He’s so close to it it must be weighing on his mind and his golf does deserve it.

The next golf I’m looking forward to now is the Ryder Cup. Should be brilliant. The USA remain strong but there has clearly been a resurgence in European golf over the last couple of years – a quick look at the final leaderboard here at the Open shows that. The five behind Oosthuizen were all Europeans. Bodes well, I hope!

PREVIEW: The Open, St Andrews

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St AndrewsThe 150th Anniversary Open Championship gets underway on Thursday at the home of golf, St. Andrews, and reigning champion Stewart Cink will be looking to retain his title in the face of stiff opposition.

Cink won last year at Turnberry, beating crowd favourite Tom Watson in a four-hole play off. Watson would have won his sixth Open and, at 59, been the oldest champion, but he missed out by six shots to Cink.

Every big name in golf you can think of will be vying for the Claret Jug on one of the toughest links courses in the world. Woods, Harrington, Mickelson, Els, Montgomerie, Lyle…I could go on and on. There are 156 professional and amateur golfers in total, all looking to topple Cink and each other over four days of what promises to be fabulous golf.

The Old Course at St Andrews has hosted golf matches for 600 years and is home to the longest running tournament for the 28th time this year.

Par is 72 over the 7305 yards that make up the 18 holes. There are only two par 3s and two par 5s, one of each on the front and back nines. The longest hole is the par 5 14th, stretching 618 yards but with a strong wind from the east, it’s doable in three. The shortest is the par 3 11th at 174 yards. The green is steep so you have to get your distance right or risk rolling off the green at the front or dropping into a gully at the back.

The Open Championship will start at 6.30am tomorrow with Paul Lawrie, Thomas Levet and Steve Marino teeing off on the first hole, Burn, as it is known.

All eyes will be on Tiger Woods no doubt as he attempts to win his third successive Open at St Andrews, but with his off-course personal troubles and a putting game that his own caddie has described as “sub-standard” he’ll have his work cut out. Tiger tees off at 9.09am alongside in-form Justin Rose and Camilo Villegas.

Other notable tee off times for us Brits and Irish include:

  • 7.36am: Sir Nick Faldo
  • 8.42am: Ian Poulter, Ernie Els, Stewart Cink
  • 9.20am: Padraig Harrington
  • 9.53am: Darren Clarke
  • 12.25pm: Sandy Lyle
  • 12.47pm: Luke Donald
  • 13.31pm: Paul Casey
  • 13.42pm: Lee Westwood
  • 14.20pm: Colin Montgomerie, Phil Mickelson, Retief Goosen

I’ll be keeping a close eye on Justin Rose. He has recently won two tournaments on the PGA Tour and is bang in form. How he’ll handle the links is a big question, as is how he’ll feel playing alongside Woods for the first two days. I really hope he does himself justice.

Who do you want to win and perhaps more to the point who do you THINK will win? Let me know in the comments.

Justin Rose finally fulfilling his potential?

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Justin RoseRemember when amateur golfer Justin Rose tied for fourth at the Open Championship in 1998 at the tender age of 17? Ah, what promise he showed, what potential, what hopes we had for the next great English golfer (if you ignore the fact he was born in South Africa that is).

Rose turned professional a week after his remarkable Open achievement and promptly missed 21 cuts in a row, dropping out of the pubic eye as he struggled to get to grips with the professional side of golf. He won his first tournament in 2002, the Dunhill Championship in, ironically, South Africa and established himself on the European tour.

It looked as though he was going to have a comfortable, fairly successful but not brilliant career. Another Englishman failing to fulfil his early potential.

Skip forward to present day. Rose is now 29 and, having switched to the PGA Tour from the European Tour, has recently won his first tournament in the US, the Memorial Tournament. He carded a final round 66 to win by three strokes.

His form is continuing to improve and at the end of the second day at the Travelers Championship Rose leads by four shots after two highly impressive rounds of 64 and a brilliant 62 yesterday, recording five birdies on the back nine at River Highlands Club in Conneticut.

One tournament, or even two, does not make a career but it does look like Rose’s growing maturity is allowing his golfing gifts to come to the fore (pardon the pun). Should he qualify for the Open Championship at St Andrews we’ll see if he has grown into the golfer we all thought he could become.

Fingers crossed, because I like Rose and would like to see him win at least one Major in his career. That fourth place way back in 1998 was enough for me to want that.