Greetings from the Belfry, a venue which brings back so many memories.
My uncle Bernard was vice-captain here for one of the great Ryder Cup matches in 1985.
Who can forget Sam Torrance’s iconic pose, his two arms aloft in the air or Ian Woosnam spraying champagne everywhere after Europe ended the Americans’ 28-year dominance?
I worked with Sam’s dad Bob for many years and whenever I went to see him the picture of Sam at the Belfry always took pride of place on his wall.
Bernard was captain in his own right as he led Europe against Tom Watson’s US team here in 1993 and it is a place which brings back so many memories.
I’ve got memories of watching those great moments but I have my own personal ones too. I’ve played here so often that it almost feels like home from home.
It’s always nice to come back to a place where you have played well too and after finishing tied for second in the British Masters in 2006 I’m looking forward to the next four days.
The game has changed since I first played here but the course is one which has stood the test of time. It still plays long, it’s tough and it looks fantastic.
A special week for Bland
My pal Richard Bland has quite the week ahead of him as he makes the defence of the title he won a year ago.
We first played here together for Great Britain and Ireland Youths back in 1993 so to see him win his first tour event here at the 478th time of asking was fabulous.
It’s going to be an even more special week for him on a personal level whatever happens. If the fact he is defending champion is not enough this week also happens to be his 500th appearance on the tour.
I mean this with all sincerity, it couldn’t happen to a nicer bloke.
This week is our first stop in Britain this year which is a nice feeling for me too. It always feel as if we’re into the business part of the season once we play on home soil.
I cannot stress enough how nice it is to jump in the car and drive to an event with my clubs in the boot either.
Here’s hoping the positive feeling is reflected in a good week.
Mr Consistency Rahm is on the move
It speaks volumes of how competitive our game has become that Scottie Scheffler, despite winning three times already this season, finds his world number one ranking under pressure from Jon Rahm.
Rahm was the man Scheffler replaced at the top of the rankings after winning the Masters at Augusta but he has responded strongly by winning the Mexico Open on Sunday for his first win of the season.
He’s a guy who many fancy for one of the majors this year and he undoubtedly has the game to do it.
I saw a remarkable statistic about Rahm which really reinforced just how consistently good he has been.
He has finished in the top 10 in 48% of his events played on the PGA Tour. So far this season he has been in the top 10 in five of his 11 tournaments played.
It’s top-tier consistency from a top player.
Why is Tiger Woods doing his homework a bad thing?
Social media can be a strange place at times and we started May with a real headscratcher surrounding Tiger Woods.
A post went live on May 1 criticising the PGA Tour’s tweet showing Tiger at Southern Hills on a reconnaissance mission ahead of the PGA Championship.
The problem is there are claims Patrick Reed’s wife Justine is behind the account. Nobody knows for sure but the account has always been supportive of Reed, that’s for sure.
I wonder what it’s like to have the Director of Golf at Southern Hills give you ALL the course notes you need for the upcoming @PGAChampionship Do all players get this treatment @PGA? For @TigerWoods this is just embarrassing that @PGA posted this photo & it’s very telling. pic.twitter.com/TAf3siYsHO
— GolfFACTS (@useGolfFACTS) May 1, 2022
Tiger was shown to be deep in conversation with Southern Hills director of golf Cary Cozby, with the implication being he was receiving course notes from the Cozby ahead of the event.
I’m not quite sure just how much difference Cozby will make to Tiger’s bid to win the tournament – I’m just pleased Tiger is planning on taking part.
If anyone feels strongly about him being given an unfair advantage I’m sure Cozby would be more than happy to afford them the same courtesy if they like.
Players making a trip weeks if not months ahead of a major is nothing new. Nick Faldo for instance was legendary for doing it.
A major is a gruelling test physically and mentally while the media demands are huge. Some players prefer to do their homework early so they are fresh the week of the tournament.
It all seems so petty and needless to me.