Tee to Green, by Bob Gaston of Gaston Golf S.L. based in Puerto de la Duquesa, in Andalucia

July 2008

WORLD GOLF NEWS

The 108th US OPEN was held at the monster 7643 yard Torrey Pines Club in San Diego, California and, of course, all the worlds’ best players were in attendance searching for booty and Ryder Cup points. After the first day, two American unknowns, Hicks & Streelman led the field on -3. Lee Westwood (Eng) was close by on -1, Luke Donald (Eng) was par and Ollie Wilson an up-and-coming Englishman was on +1 tied with Tiger Woods. Monty & Justin Rose had bad days finishing on +8.

Over the next two days Hicks & Streelman dropped away as was to be expected on this extremely tough and unforgiving course, but Ollie Wilson was still there or thereabouts. Woods, suffering from a sore leg putted absolutely superbly and eagled the last two holes on day three to finish on top of the pile on -3. Lee Westwood was one shot back and Rocco Mediate (USA) a further shot adrift in third place.

So the last day saw Woods & Westwood teaming up to go out last with the prospect of a UK player winning for the first time in 38 years since Tony Jacklin in 1970. Woods, however, had never lost a tournament that he was leading after the third day. Game on.

Rocco Mediate had a great day and posted -1. Woods & Westwood were nip and tuck coming down the last. Both had to make a birdie putt to equal Mediate. Woods made it as he would, but Westie just missed. The play-off the following day still couldn’t separate the two after 18 holes, but Woods again confirmed his No.1 world status by winning the first sudden-death hole. Altogether, a fantastic event.

EUROPEAN NEWS

Earlier in the month the BMW PGA Championship was hosted by the Wentworth Club. Robert Karlsson (Swe) started the final day leading on 11 under, followed by Miguel Jimenez (Spn) & Ollie Wilson two shots back.

Jimenez hit the front after an astonishing start to the final round of four under after five including a hole in one at the 5th. Ollie Wilson was not at all fazed and joined him after a fine front nine of 31.

Jimenez missed a tiddler on the 15th to leave Wilson one up, but promptly got it back when Wilson dropped a shot on the formidable 17th . All square going up the last with Karlsson just one shot back. Jimenez & Wilson couldn’t be separated after 18 so play-off time. This was a very nervous affair with Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spn) just edging home after the second play-off hole, pocketing a mere £600,000.

Ollie Wilson promised himself a new Aston Martin when he wins his first big tournament, so it’s just window shopping for now then Ollie!

LOCAL NEWS

The Waterloo Cup was played at Doña Julia Golf Course last week. This competition is run by the organizers of the Royal St. George Society namely, Billy the Fish ably supported by Tricky The English Butcher. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances I couldn’t play myself, but I understand that the Golf Tournament, organized by John Maxwell and the subsequent knees-up at Lesley’s Jolly Sailor Bar & Restaurant went very well indeed with lots of prizes, fun holes etc. The only distressing point was that Pat Dooley, the new Landlord of the Kinsale Bar in La Duquesa slipped and broke his leg in two places. My condolences Pat and we all hope you get back to pulling the pints soon.

July is the month when we will be holding the Summer Inter-Bar Competition. Meetings are being held as we go to press, but it looks like we could be playing at Almenara this time. The format will be the same as always i.e. Teams of four men &/or ladies from the various bars, restaurants and some businesses in the local area. I will be around the area as soon as I know what’s what. Should you need further information please pop into the office by the Taxi Rank in La Duquesa and we’ll be happy to tell you more.

At last many of the local golf courses have cottoned on to the fact that numbers are down this year, probably due to the state of the UK Pound and a receding economy. Prices for July and August are very attractive, so if you fancy playing somewhere different occasionally, phone or come into the office and we can assure you of the best possible deals this Summer.