Goodbye to The King 
 
Probably THE most influential golfer in modern golf sadly passed away this week. Mr Arnold Daniel Palmer, who, if British, would have been knighted for services to golf and sport for sure.

The son of  a greenkeeper, he was the first of the charismatic players and with the aid of his agent Mark McCormack, of IMG ,the two made each other the best at what they were good at. AP was part of "the big three" - Palmer, Nicklaus and Player - a phrase, McCormack coined to sell the best in the business. Palmer became the first player to earn 1 million dollars in a season, he pretty much rescued the ailing Open Championship by first playing and then telling other Americans to play and expand their horizons, and to people like me, it was because of him golf became the game for all people and not just those who were from the "right background" in the UK.

The galleries loved the way he played, his go for every shot attitude, creating the famous "Arnies Army" and the equally famous "charge up the leader board" when things were going great on the course. It did stop him from winning more titles, had he played a little more conservatively he would have easily reached double figures in majors; but that wasn`t Arnies "way", he was always a crowd pleaser, who put faces in the gallery, before any Seve, Norman or Mickleson.

He had time for everyone from his fellow competitors to the man in the street. If any player ever needed any advice, Mr Palmer would only be too happy to offer it.

He once offered his help to Rory McIlroy and this was Rory's reply:

"Arnold, many thanks for that, I have everything I need already thanks to you"

Sort of sums up what Arnold Palmer did for golf in my eyes. A true legend of our wonderful game.
Thank you Mr Palmer, it was a pleasure to watch you play and meet you all those years ago.


 

The best sporting event in the calendar...

Arguably the best sporting occasion of the year is happening this week. Even under the cloud of Arnies passing which could add to the American incentive to win just, as Seve's passing before Medinah in 2012 motivated Europe under Olazabal's Captaincy. The Ryder Cup gets going at Hazeltine Country Club in Minnesota. Davis Love's team are already hot favourites (aren`t they most times) but surely Arnies death will give them further impetus to seek the  win they covet. 

Of course it  should be close as always, I just have concerns on Europe's inexperience. There are quite a few rookies and much will fall on the older heads. 

Also, will Open Champion Stenson be fit to play at all? I doubt if he has 5 games in him, so Captain Clarke may have to go sparingly on one of his prized men. My heart says Europe, but my head says USA. They haven`t won since Azinger worked the magic at Valhalla in 2008 so to keep it an interesting contest a home win may just be the order of the day.

Top points scorer?
Europe, Kaymer
USA,  Reed

There is as much interest in who has been left out on both sides, as there is in the competition itself. Bubba Watson, World No 7,  is the most notable for team USA, but has been given a Vice Captains role,(surprised he took it and can`t quite work out why he was actually offered it in the first place, rather than a wild card spot). Russell Knox, World No 17, no room for him in Europe's team, even though he won twice on the PGA Tour. 

America though may not have the harmony they convey. DJ has clearly stated no to a Mickleson partnership, surely anyone should be able to play with all the team members?
 
The first match is nearly upon us, settle in and watch the drama unfold. Will DL III prevail this time or can Big D enjoy more European success, it will be gripping no doubt.


 

When is a couple of million not enough per year?

When you're England Manager of course. Sam Allardyce's reign as Manager lasted all of 67 days after the Daily Telegraph scam opened up the dirty secrets of managers' tricks around FA regulations on transfers. "Big dopy Sam" thought another £400,000 would be very handy in the retirement bin but has been not only exposed by the paper but has lost his "dream job" too. What was he thinking? "An error of judgement" he said. Slighty I`d say.

The FA thought they had the right man, ok he has 100% record on the pitch, but what a blot on English football forever. Well done Sam, in the record books for all the wrong reasons, you played a blinder in front of the camera. So what of the other past and present 8 managers from the Premier League? No names so far, all hear say, let's hope it stays that way or this could be the end of The Premier League?!

The FA are running out of English managers, who might be the best option?

Arsene Venger would be excellent, perhaps Steve Bruce gets his chance now? It remains to be seen.


  

It's time to reflect...

October is a good month to reflect on your season's achievements. Did you reach your goals that were set or were you sadly lacking success? Whichever way it may be, it is time to make some changes to your game. My advice is to look back at your short game, particularly putting from inside 6 feet and beyond 25 feet, was there constant three putts and too many short misses?

Also consider, out of 10, how good your recovery shots from less than 30 yards were. Were you taking more than 2 from that distance less than 40 % of the time?

These are the areas where significant changes can be made both quickly and simply.

Let me help you understand why these errors keep appearing and how to change that percentage for the good.

Get in touch the usual ways, or click here, and let's make those changes this winter together. 

Enjoy the golf, come on Europe!

Regards,

David 



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