Many people have been shocked by the recent successes of the likes of Scott Drummond, who came from nowhere to claim the PGA, and Simon Khan, equally unheralded and now newly-crowned Wales Open champion. I am not one to have had his eyebrows raised by their exploits.
Today’s golfers are much better prepared than those of my day. They are trained mentally, physically and professionally and consequently nobody should be shocked when more and more break through. Whether they stay there depends on their own dedication, resolve and desire - three of the qualities that separate the great from the good.
At Celtic Manor last weekend, Paul Casey double bogeyed the 15th and that opened the door for Khan to wipe his feet on the welcome mat and step straight through to the winner’s enclosure. I am sure Casey will make it to the Ryder Cup, but the fact that he knew victory in Wales would seal his spot may have affected his game a little to deny him another victory.
Talking of the match against America, another consistent week and top 10 finish for David Howell increased his chances of making Bernhard Langer’s team while it was also pleasing to see James Kingston prosper now that our own Stuart Cage has started offering him coaching advice.
Congratulations too to Simon Dyson, who has just about sealed his card for next season on the main tour, but was on Challenge Tour duty last week and finished second.
Our cricketers continue to impress over and over again. Michael Vaughan, inbetween journeys back to Sheffield to oversee the birth of his first child, led England to a series win over New Zealand aided and abetted by centuries from Marcus Trescothick and Geraint Jones and a 90-odd and wickets for Freddie Flintoff.
Darren Clarke made his debut at the Test on Friday, but I think he left convinced that the one-day game was more his cup of tea. Afterwards we headed for Wigan and the Rugby League match against St.Helens when we were both impressed by the speed and physicality of the exchanges.
Now it’s off to America for the build up to the US Open. It should be an interesting week.
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