Christmas is sadly a distant memory and the New Year celebrations consigned to the refuse.

Strictly is completed with the boy beating the girls this time in the final. Along with that the usual revelation of one of the dancers "shacking" up with their partners, only this time it was two couples making that news.

X Factor was won by a Thurrock teenager, Louisa Johnson what a great voice.

Further from home, Astronaut, Tim Peake got to the space station and is due to make history and take Britain's first space walk next week. What a thrill that must be. Going to space, zooming around the world at 16,000 miles an hour and to top it all going out and about with just a teeny umbilical cord to save you.

Talking of tiny and umbilical cords, Richie and his wife Jodie are expecting their first child in July. Congratulations to them, better get some sleep in Richie as it all stops in 7 months' time!

We have been thinking of names, what with Star Wars leading the movie world so far, Luke and Leah have the edge!

In the sporting world, Jose and Chelsea parted company, Rafa got dismissed from Real Madrid and Aston Villa are firmly rooted to the bottom of the Premier League. Leicester have lost their lead to Arsenal who must believe it`s theirs for the taking this season. No doubt Wenger will still not see he needs a defender and more strikers to make sure in the transfer window. Man City are hoping Guardiola comes to them and not the Red half. Both are pretty average, ok Man Utd are awful so it remains to be seen and will probably drag on for some time yet!

Elsewhere, records were tumbling in Cape Town. Ben Stokes knock of 258 was pretty special, even though the match was drawn, anyone recognise someone celebrating Stokes 150? Everyone has a double, it could be me!

How about the darts over the festive season? Gary Anderson retained his World crown even though he couldn`t count and have we seen the last of Phil Taylor? Never seen the great man play like he did, with Jackpot, Chizzy, Snake Bite, of course Anderson on the scene ,The Power may never add to his uncatchable record of wins, he may even contemplate retirement. Whatever he does, going to watch at the Ally Pally should be on everyone's bucket list. The atmosphere is like no other event, think back 30 years to John Lowe, Jocky Wilson, Bristow in his prime, the audience wasn`t allowed to breathe, now anything goes. Could you imagine Colin Montgomerie playing in those conditions? He`d never get off the first tee!

I nearly forgot, the European Footie Champs in France. Put it in your diary, June 16th Wales v England or Gareth and Aaron V the rest!!

The Professional golf season kicks off this week. Will Spieth continue to be the man to beat, will Jason be more than a one Day wonder? Can Rory add to his Major title haul? Perhaps Tiger will show that his body can regenerate after turning 40? It`s going to be fun watching and then the Olympics kicks in somewhere between the Open and US PGA.

Nearer to home we will be doing our utmost to help you all to enjoy your golf a little more. Whether it be via lessons, new equipment or just here as a sounding board come and avail of our knowledge and expertise. It could be just one word or conversation that gives you the "answer" to the game this season.

For those who regularly read my newsletter, I try to keep it light hearted and informative, you may like some new topics added this season. Such as playing from unusual lies, rules, who knows? Let me know and I`ll do my utmost to add them if possible.

Our infamous Christmas/New Year draw took place last weekend and the winner was Scott Hillion. Pictures will follow of a happy Scot (can`t think of the last one) when he returns to our shores.

Meanwhile for those of you out playing and here at Orsett we are extremely fortunate even with the heavy rainfall, look after the course you are on. Replace those divots and repair the pitch marks, I know "everyone does them" all the time but just in case someone misses one....