David Dixon |
The highlight of my week has undoubtedly
been watching my beloved Bolton Wanderers remain in the Premiership. What a win over Middlesbrough to condemn the Hammers to Division One and ensure the Reebok Stadium again plays host to many of the world's best footballers next season. It has also been very rewarding to watch the progress of David Dixon this season. He is learning quite quickly and now his results are beginning to match his talent although he will |
The £1,000 he had to cough up in Italy was followed by another £500 at The Belfry… sums reflecting the time he takes to line up his putts. At least his winnings can more than cover the penalties and the €65,000 currently banked leaves him handily placed to move on and claim his card for next season before too long.
David Park is another who can feel pleased with the way his season has started and he has continued the form shown since the middle of last year when he started working with sports psychologist Alan Fine. It won't be long before he is challenging for titles again.
Lee Westwood's recovery continues and his 27th place finish at The Belfry in the final Benson & Hedges International represented another big step forward because it was over a course he has not done too well on previously.
It was obvious watching him in practice just how much his technique has improved and it is only a matter of time before he is back in contention on a regular basis.
Darren Clarke did not have a particularly happy Belfry after a string of good results in America, but it will be sooner rather than later before he is lifting up some silverware again.
Paul McGinley is finding some consistency again and Andrew Coltart is another happier with the way he is hitting the ball. So all in all, it looks like we are in for another good summer.
It would be great if one of our boys could lift the Daily Telegraph Damovo British Masters title at the Marriott Forest of Arden because this tournament represents ISM's debut on the European Tour as promoters.
The field is beginning to take shape with half the Ryder Cup team committed along with captain Sam Torrance and his right-hand man Ian Woosnam.
It's been interesting on the other side of the tournament dealing with different management companies for availability of players and there will be other talks with Mark Steinberg later in the year to see if we can persuade his No.1 client to come to our tournament next season. Steinberg's name may be new to you. His player's won't. Ever heard of Tiger Woods?
Our cricketers have been in fine form with Marcus Trescothick, Freddie Flintoff and England one-day captain Michael Vaughan all registering three-figure totals while Jimmy Anderson celebrated his central contract with England with a hat trick against Essex. I'm not sure England skipper Nasser Hussain was as delighted - he was one of the victims.
All eyes next Monday evening will be on Shank On Fourteen, the horse I own along with Darren and Lee. It's looking for a hat trick of wins and there will be plenty of players and caddies hopefully shouting it home. A win there and it might be Royal Ascot next - that's what dreams are made of.
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