Hideki manages to waste Fowler in gripping play off….

Hideki Matsuyama won a dramatic playoff over super-hot Rickie Fowler last week. The Japanese player, he of the dead stop top of the back swing won on the fourth extra hole after Fowler hit his tee shot into the greenside water on the short par four. It`s a unique event with over half a million spectators for the week and a boisterous gallery surrounding the now famous par 3 16th. Woe betide the players who missed the green as they get soundly booed for their poor golf but widely cheered for all things good on the hole…Unless you're Bubba Watson, who upset the fans by having his comments misinterpreted and saying he disliked the course changes, so they booed when he hit the green and cheered when he missed a putt. Only in America.

Fowler though has shown he means business this season and is in a rich vein of form but crying? Rickie…no! Sure, it means a lot but you have no divine right to a win just because you have your family out there watching! Loitering around the top 10 was Phil Mickleson who has reenergised himself and plans a full assault for Augusta by playing 6 out of 7 weeks in a row. With swing changes for lefty this season he still believes he has another Major or two left in him. Among others showing form was Irishman, Shane Lowry, an opening 65 saw him in contention. A top 10 finish proves the Irishman has the talent and that last year's WGC event was by no means a fluke. He has those lovely "soft Irish" hands needed for a deft touch around the tricky American courses. He may be one to back if you like a flutter.

In "Europe" meanwhile, Danny Willet, staked his claim on both a Ryder Cup debut and a coveted Olympic place by winning the last part of the Desert swing in Dubai. Willet, runner up in the Race to Dubai last year has put his name squarely into, Captain Darren Clarkes thinking after this, his 4th win. If he can show well in the big events, the Yorkshireman should be a welcome member to the team. He birdied the last to keep in front of fast finishing Andy Sullivan and Cabrello-Bello, two other contenders for September.

Willet was cheered home all the way by member Steve Golding who has again found a purple patch of winners. Last week's double of Snedeker and Grace was followed with Willets victory only for Lowry to let him down this time. Nice going Steve. Who this week? I won't bother by asking Victor, Joe, Paddy, Stan, William or betting with Fred. I`ll just text Steve!




Leicester City, Premier league champions? It might just happen!

Even the bookies (including Steve) have finally decided that Leicester really do have what it takes to win the Premiership. A 3-1 mauling of title rivals Man City (excellent news that was) gives Ranieri's side a cushion at the top. It has been a crazy season, even Spurs haven`t capitulated yet and are running second at the moment. Two further big games in the next couple of weeks will surely prove their winning credentials are there for good. It will be good for British football, the Premiership and Leicester. How they have risen from relegation certs 12 months ago to being THE team of the season. Villa supporters take comfort in this. Being bottom could lead to great things next year.

Six Nations surprises

Three brilliant games goes to prove that anyone can win. OK the games went with script, although Italy were fantastic in Paris, they surprised everyone and probably should have won, England suffocated Scotland (can't believe Jeremy Guscott backed Scotland) and according to Irish Ted, Ireland v Wales, a draw was a fair result. It`s a brilliant tournament and this next round of matches will give a clearer story to where the Championship may be heading. 




Gents get off to a fine start...

Orsett's Mail on Sunday team got off to the perfect start with a solid 4-1 win against Langdon Hills. Team Captain, Carl Vanderhook was pleased considering it`s only February. Even the lost point was down the last, so a good team performance and they are now looking forward to the next round. Well done team. 




Take the test…

This Saturday I will be on the first tee for a couple of hours with some of our new products to compare against your own driver. I will have my GC 2 monitor at hand to give feedback on whether it may be time to change! Look forward to seeing you there. 




Do your clubs need regripping?

Why not have a golf pride grip fitted on your 7 iron for free and see how much difference it makes. We are offering this opportunity, while stock lasts until the end of February. It's a perfect time to try a grip we carry you may have considered but as yet not used, so why not try it on me?

Not to be left out Ladies, we have 25% OFF all stock clothing in store at the moment. This ranges from rain wear to T shirts. Once it`s gone it`s gone, so avoid delay. All my usual suppliers, Sunderland, ProQuip, Glenmuir and Nike are included. So take a look next time you are here at the Club. We know how you Ladies love a bargain!

   

Remember to make sure you layer up at the moment. The temperature changes so often, it`s important you feel comfortable to play your best golf. Avoid big bulky clothing, it's difficult to swing in and could cause you to cool too quickly if needed to be removed which can bring problems such as rapid lower body temperature, making muscles less flexible meaning poorer shots and even muscle damage. As you can see we carry a variety of suitable clothing from water repellent trousers to the best quality rainwear and all layers in-between.

It`s vital to dress appropriately this time of year.