Tiger Woods certainly created the necessary interest last week with phase 2 of his career. The Superstar returned to the course for the first time in 15 months and probably gave himself a B minus for his weeks work. Ok, a short selected field on a pretty generous course for Tour players. Woods still managed more birdies than all other players in field. At times Woods body was in great shape, no sign of the 2 operations, a renewed optimism with that strong mental strength, he was sublime at times with a new driver in place, old bestie putter, even his magical scrambling was intact mostly, just the occasional Achilles heel, "chilly dip" reared its ugly head. Bermuda grass can make you look foolish at times to pitch off and showed up some of the previous frailties in his game.
Tiger admitted to being nervous. His first tee shot was perfect, even if his swing was a little tentative.
Personally, it's great to have Tiger back on the show. He is still the top box office attraction and if he can get the driver in play he just could be right in the thick of it.
I'd love to see him challenge at Augusta next year but that maybe be wishful thinking. Their maybe just too many who may have the better of him, as they have got used to winning and him not being around. It will be great to see it unfold. He has moved up over 200 places in a week on world list, mind you that wasn't too difficult. The world of golf needs Tiger again just as much as he needs those elusive last Majors.
Hideki Matsuyama won the event, it`s 5 wins in his last 6 starts.
This is the last week for personalised balls for Christmas. As of Friday you will be too late. The last few numbers on the Christmas draw remain. It's just £2. 00 a square or 6 for £10. 00. There are always great prizes and this year's first prize is among the best I could choose. So avoid disappointment and come along and pick a few squares.
We will be open right up to 3pm on Christmas Eve and will reopen on December 27th at 7. 30 as usual.
Great to hear someone making a success of one of my recent tips. Joe Knight, one of Essex's only Leeds United fans (although we now have at least 4 at the Club as they are winning) read about teeing the ball higher for better tee shots. Joe bought into the tip and having played with him last weekend, his driving was excellent (sorry everyone you won't hear the last of that). He missed just 2 fairways and came 2nd in his sweep. Nice one Joe.
On another note can I please ask you to take a look at the picture closely? My pet hate on the course is people who don't rake a bunker or hardly at all like this one.
It doesn't take anytime to rake the sand over and leave it how you wish to find it. When the sand is plentiful try not to put the teeth of the rake in too deep. Once the foot marks and divot are filled just lightly rake through the top of the sand to leave it level.
It is not meant to look like you could ride a surf board in on the sand waves either.
Try and leave the sand even. Put your club down and use both hands if necessary.
Finally push the last few rakes toward the middle of the bunker to avoid dragging all the sand away from the central point.