AGW Newsletters (2017 – 2018)

 

January 2017 – AGW Newsletter.

New Year greetings to all AGW members and wishing everyone a successful and rewarding 2017.

It has been relatively quiet over the Christmas festive season but I am making up for that with a lengthy first newsletter of 2017 and containing much news that will be of interest to AGW members.

JOHN JACOBS TRIBUTES

Thank you to all those members who contributed tributes to John Jacobs and an AGW Vice-President.

Those tributes appear on the AGWs website so click on the following link:

https://www.agwgolf.org/john-jacobs-agw-member-tributes/

AGW CHRISTMAS HAMPER – THANK YOU’S

A number of members have asked to read the ‘Thank You’ notes received from those in receipt of an AGW Christmas hamper.

Here is the website link:  https://www.agwgolf.org/agw-christmas-hampers-thank-you-remarks/

And it very appropriate at this time to recognise the wonderful efforts of Peter Higgs who each year arranges dispatch of the hampers.

2017 PICK YOUR PRO

Members and AGW friends will now have received an entry form for this year’s Pick Your Pro.

Mark Garrod had kindly agreed to again oversee the competition AND reminds everyone deadline for entries is February 1^st – the day prior to the Dubai Desert Classic. A copy of entry form is attached to this email AND please remember all monies to be sent to Mark and not the AGW.

2017 AGW MEMBERS HANDBOOK

For those curious when they will receive a 2017 AGW Members handbook (not diary) advice is the PDF was handed over to the printers earlier this week.

I would expect the handbooks to be available without too much further delay.

2017 AGW ANNUAL SUBS        

The AGW Treasurer wishes to remind all members that under the conditions of membership your annual subscription is due from January 1^st each new year.

Of course, those who arranged a direct debit will have no concern but there are many others who need to organise payment to Bob.

Could those members who have not already done so please give this matter your attention.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS WITH THE EUROPEAN TOUR

Various members of the committee met with the European Tour both late last year at the DP World Tour Championship and more recently at this week’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.

A number of issues were raised, many of them on-going, and all with helping improve the working conditions, access and parking of vehicles for those members attending tournaments.

In April, the Committee will again meet with the media team at Augusta National while it is proposed to sit-down with European Tour media officials again during the BMW Championship.

NEW TREASURER

The committee is also working hard continuing to seek a replacement to Bob Davies, who at this year’s Open Championship, will step down after 10 years of golden service to the Association.

PLEASE if any member is interested in taking over the reins of Treasurer contact myself or Chairman, Iain Carter.

NEWSPAPER & ADVERTISERS GOLF SOCIETY (NAGS

I received the following email from Jeremy Ward, MD at Marketing and Management International extending an invitation to AGW members wishing to join the Newspaper and Advertisers Golf Society (NAGS)

I am on the committee of the Newspaper and Advertisers’ Golf Society (NAGS). Renton Laidlaw has been a member for many years and it occurred to me that there may be other members of the AGW who may be interested in joining NAGS.

Our society is one of the oldest in the UK and we celebrated our Centenary in 2007. We are primarily based in the South and have three main meetings each year at venues such as The Berkshire, West Hill and Hankley Common and, in addition, we play a number of matches against other well-known societies with our ‘home’ club being Swinley Forest.

I appreciate how very difficult it is for your members to take time off during the golf season however if there is any interest I would be delighted to provide more information regarding NAGS.

If any member is interested in taking up Jeremy’s offer please contact the Society’s Secretary, Sue Wethey at:  email hidden; JavaScript is required

2017 AGW GOLF DAYS – ETIQUS GOLFER OF THE YEAR

Members are advised that Golf Captain, Peter Dixon and myself are already working on a 2017 schedule of AGW golf outings.

Gary Butler, CEO of ETIQUS, has kindly agreed to again afford his generous support to the AGW.

Details of the opening rounds of competition will be announced shortly.

So, those members in possession of AGW trophies here is your reminder to get the trophy appropriate polished and engraved.  And if you should not be able to attend the event as defending champion ensure arrangements are made well beforehand to return the trophy.

NEW MEMBERS 

I very am proud to say that in a first for nearly 80 years the AGW welcomes a record number of 21 Full members into our ranks who were approved over the course of 2016.

It is the biggest intake of Full members in a single year since the inception of the AGW in 1938 and has much to do with the changes approved at last year’s AGW AGM allowing the committee to immediately approve full membership if the applicant is clearly known to be working full-time in golf reporting.

AUSTRALIAN GOLF MEDIA ORGANISATION

The Australian Golf Writers Association has a change of name via a vote among members at their recent AGW and to be known now as the ‘Australian Golf Media Organisation’.

George Begg, the long-time Secretary, indicates the name change will come into effect on 1^st March, 2017.

NOTEWORTHY CHANGES TO 2016/17 PGA TOUR MEDIA REGULATIONS

The PGA Tour has asked those AGW members with PGA Tour accreditation to be aware of the following changes with regards to video regulations:-

1.  Streamed ie ‘live’ or recorded video posts of standups in designated areas (media centre of flash area only) can be posted to personal or credential media outlet’s social accounts.
2. Streamed ie ‘live’ ore recorded 1-on-1 interviews with players, media PGAS Tour staff in designated media areas (media centre or flash area only) can be posted to personal or credentialed media outlet’s social accounts.
3. Interviews of players coordinated by PGA Tour staff in media centres or flash areas can be recorded and posted on a delayed basis

Of note:-

1. No on course or practice range streamed or recorded video at any time during practice rounds or competition rounds
2. Video like per day is 10 minutes across all tours with PGA Tour conducted media centre/flash interviews limited to 3 minutes per day.
3. Items 1, 2 and 3 (above) used and posted in approved platforms by credentialed media outlet will not be required to taken down unless PGA Tour requests.

If in doubt re these PGA Tour please guidelines contact:  Joel Schuchmann at email – email hidden; JavaScript is required

LARRY DORMAN HONOURED

Many AGW members will know Larry Dorman, former golf correspondent with the New York Times, and also a past President of the Golf Writers Association of America, who has been honoured with the 2017 PGA of America’s Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism.

Larry began his career as a feature writer before moving into sports at the Palm Beach Post. He also worked at the Miami Herald, New York Times and The National Sports Daily as well as spending a decade at Callaway as VP of Public Relations.

The AGW extends our congratulations to Larry.

SAD NOTE

It was very sad to learn of the recent passing of Martin Dempster’s father and I know all members of the AGW extend their most sincere condolences to Martin and his family.

It is understood Billy Dempster was wonderfully honoured with a minute’s silenced last weekend at Eyemouth FCs home game and being a former ex-Eyemonth Club manager and Border Am referee.

Bernie McGuire, Secretary.

March 2017 – AGW Newsletter

Thursday,  March 16th, 2017

MASTERS CAR PASSES

I was advised during Monday’s visit to Augusta National the club is currently in the process of mailing Masters car park passes to those approved for accreditation.

Please refer to my email earlier this week on the new media centre of all media centres.

AGW – PRESIDENTS PUTTER – Sunday April 23rd

AGW Golf Captain Peter Dixon will soon be seeking names to contest the Presidents Putter to be held on Sunday April 23rd at Hillside. GC.

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA DAY – Monday June 5th, 2017

To help with your travel plans the PGA of America advise a media day will be held at Quail Hollow GC in suburban Charlotte on Monday June 5th.

The day falls on the Monday following the Memorial and the week of the FedEx St. Jude Classic in Memphis with the US Open a week later.

Invitations will be dispatched later next month.

PGA OF AMERICA MEDIA CREDENTIAL DEADLINES

KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship

Credentialing opens Friday, April 7 & closes Monday, May 8

KPMG Women’s PGA Championship

Opens Wednesday, April 26 & closes Monday, June 12

PGA Championship, Quail Hollow

Opens Thursday, May 18 & closes Monday, July 24

Details of official hotels, car parking and so on for each championship will be made known in coming weeks.

NEW EMAIL ADDRESSES 

Tony Adamson – email hidden; JavaScript is required

Mark Lamport-Stokes – email hidden; JavaScript is required

NEW PHONE NUMBER 

Bernie McGuire (US) Mobile No;   +1 (561) 313 8596

TREVOR GRANT 

Trevor Grant, an Australian-born sports writer, passed away on March 5th from mesothelioma and aged 65.

I am sure there is many senior AGW members who will have met Trevor during his visits to The Open and the US-based majors.

And I have a provided a link below to one of many tributes and this one appearing recently in the Sydney Morning Herald.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/sports-journalist-trevor-grant-dies-aged-65-20170306-gurtps.html

Good golfing.

Bernie McGuire, Secretary.

April 2017 – AGW Newsletter

NEW AGW TREASURER – Peter Higgs.

The AGW Chairman, Iain Carter is proud to announce Peter Higgs has agreed to take on the role of Treasurer of the AGW.

Peter will officially commence duties at this year’s Open Championship and taking over from Bob Davies who is stepping down after 20 year’s sterling service.

Of course, Peter’s task of settling into the role will be much easier if those members who have not paid their annual subs could do so prior to The Open.

REVIEW OF 2017 MASTERS

As is customary, members of the AGW and GWAA committee met with Masters officials last week to discuss issues relating to the Masters.

The first talking point was the new Masters media palace that was the awe of all those present last week.

Craig Heatley, Chairman of the Masters Media Committee, had singled out members of the AGW Executive and similar committee members of the GWAA before tee off for our input into what is a remarkable facility.

However, there was a few teething problems and the Masters “flash” area remains a bugbear and with Augusta determined now that the new media centre is operational to give the flash area full attention ahead of the 2018 Masters.

Notes from the meeting with the Masters Media Committee are attached.

NEW GWAA PRESIDENT – Gary Van Sickle

The GWAA has a new President in Gary Van Sickle and replacing Jeff Babineau.  The AGW enjoyed a very strong relationship working under Jeff’s Presidency so our thanks to him and also congratulations to Gary on his appointment.

Gary is well known to many AGW members and we look forward to also working closely with him.

Ron Green Jnr was appointed first Vice-President.

DAN JENKINS HONOURED

American golf writing legend Dan Jenkins was honoured by Augusta National on the eve of the Masters.

Dan, who has also been a member of the AGW since 1974, was attending his 67^th Masters.

MAJORS CREDENTIALS REMINDER

US Open – Erin Hills, Wisconsin – June 15 to 18.

Credentialing opened: March 22, 2017

Credentialing closes: May 19, 2017

Use the following link to apply: usga.org/media.html.

Media Centre location: Compound (tents and trailers) on practice range. Media Parking location: On property (walking distance to media centre).  Media Hotel: Brookfield Sheraton ($199 per night with 13 percent tax).  Flash Area location: Likely near Lodge (scoring located in Lodge) . Practice Range location: Range is adjacent to media centre compound.  Shuttle bus drop: Short walk to media centre entrance.  Car Park – If driving your own car parking is in Lot E.

Interviews – First interviews Noon on Monday June, 12^th.

NB: I have asked the USGA to consider timing of interviews given a 6-hour time difference in the UK/Ireland – Bernie)

NOTES

There are numerous dining, shopping and transportation options near the Sheraton Brookfield. There is complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport between 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

US Open Media Outing – Erin Hills, May 17^th, 2017

All enquiries re the US Open – Stephanie DiPilla email hidden; JavaScript is required  or Phone +1 908 326 1881)

The Open Championship – July 20 to 23

Credentialing Opens – Monday 10^th April, 2017

Credentialing Closes – Monday 8^th May, 2017

Media Facilitation Day – Royal Birkdale, 24^th April, 2017.

More details in coming months.

Media attending The Open will notice a few changes including new swivel chairs, and this thanks to the work of your committee, a revised access to players on the range while your committee is working with the R & A on stream-lining the electronic scoreboard.

And media during The Open will be parked right next door on the Hillside driving range.

All enquiries re The Open – Mary Flanagan email hidden; JavaScript is required

PGA Championship – August 10 to 13

Media Day – Quail Hollow June 5^th. Contact: Patrick Kravitz email hidden; JavaScript is required

PS .. Not sure if there is golf that day but checking.   Details of credentialing in coming weeks.

AGW NEW MEMBER

A very warm welcome to Ireland’s Peter Finian, Editor of Irish Golfer Magazine who has been approved as a FULL member of the AGW.

Peter has been involved with reporting on golf for well over a decade and is highly respected in Ireland golfing circles and last week attended his first Masters.

Peter’s contact details are as follows …

136 Oldbridge Station, Osberstown, Naas, Co. Kildare, Ireland

Phone – 353 1 53699,  Mobile – 353 87 981155

Email address – email hidden; JavaScript is required     Twitter @irishgolfermag

2017 AGW GOLF

The opening major of the AGWs 2017 ETIQUS Golfer of the Year season takes place at Kingsbarns Links on Tuesday April 17^th.

The second and third majors follow less than a week later with Hillside on Sunday 23^rd April to host the Presidents Putter.

The R & A Media Facilitation Day, as mentioned above, will be held on Monday 24^th April at Royal Birkdale and with those AGW members present also competing for the R & A Salver.

And the Michael Williams Hogget at Royal Portrush has been brought forward from the original Friday morning tee time to late (4.30pmish) on Wednesday afternoon of the Irish Open – July 5^th.   The European Tour has been asked not to schedule any late afternoon press interviews that day.

AGW LUNCHEON – Wentworth

Sadly, there will be no AGW Luncheon hosted by the Wentworth Club during this year’s BMW PGA Championship.

BMW PGA MEDIA DAY – Wentworth, Thursday, May 4^th

There is a media day at Wentworth on Thursday May 4^th to coincide with new changes to the West Course.

A number of media have already been invited but if you are genuinely covering the BMW PGA Championship, and you would like to be present, please contact James Shapland from Edelman as there MAY be a few spots still available.

James contact details are – email hidden; JavaScript is required

Phone: 020 3047 2339;  Mobile: 07817 949 244

May 2017 – AGW Newsletter

Memorial Service … John Jacobs

 Members are advised there will be a Memorial Service for former AGW Vice President, John Jacobs to take place at Winchester Cathedral, 9 The Close, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 9LS on Monday 22^nd May at 2.3om.

If any member can be in attendance could you kindly advise me.

AGW Open Award Renamed “Arnold Palmer Open Award”.

The AGW is pleased to announce with have received permission to rename the AGW Open award “The Arnold Palmer Open Award” as a lasting gesture to mark the immense contribution Arnold Palmer made to golf.

The award, and presented each year at the AGW’s annual dinner, recognises the player who the Committee consider most helpful to the media during their career.

John Pinner … Message of thanks To AGW from John’s Brother.

I received the following message from Terry Atford, the brother of our late member, John Pinner.

“John’ s wife was quite overwhelmed by the messages and cards from Johns old friends in the AGW. John Hopkins had a chat with her at the funeral I think she remembered him.  Once again thanks for everything”.

Former AGW Chairman, John Hopkins kindly represented the AGW at the funeral and reports …

“It was a pleasure to represent the AGW. Very interesting church, which was undergoing repairs because the floor of the nave had dry rot. When it was dug up it revealed coffins containing human bones from 300 or perhaps more years ago.

The service was conducted in the church hall nearby with a basketball net on one wall and a man hammering away on a small organ in a corner.

The reception was at Pontypool golf club, where I had never been, and I met some interesting people. I did have a chat with Maureen, his widow, and Terry was very helpful.

All in all, the AGW did John Pinner proud, I think, and I hope.

There are worse things to be known as the AGW’s funeral representative.”

AGW Committee meeting with European Tour during BMW PGA Week

The AGW Committee will once again meet with the European Tour during BMW PGA Week. If any member has any issue they would like the committee to raise at this meeting please email me and I will ensure it is included for discussion.

No AGW Luncheon at Wentworth

As reported in my earlier newsletter, and while some members have sought accreditation with the luncheon in mind, sadly there is no Wentworth sponsored AGW luncheon during the BMW PGA.  It looks now to have effectively ended a very strong and enjoyable relationship with the club dating back many a decade.

AGW Annual Dinner … Tuesday, July 18^th at Royal Birkdale.

I also have received a number of emails re the AGWs annual dinner and just to advise all details regarding the dinner, along with and application for tickets, will be emailed to members with coming weeks.

Of note, the price per ticket to the AGW Annual Dinner will remain at £50 a head.

And you will need to be financial, or to have advised our Treasurer of an intention to pay your annual subs, to be eligible to apply for tickets to the dinner.

I should point out at this early stage we are restricted to 250 guests at this year’s dinner due to the size of marquee that, and unlike a year go, will be located close to the first tee at Royal Birkdale.

ETIQUS now partner of England Golf

Congratulations to Gary Butler, Founder and Managing Director of ETIQUS, and the AGWs title sponsor of the AGW Golfer of the Year, who proudly advises ETIQUS is not a partner of England Golf.

“A small step on the ladder I know but gaining some acceptance in the golf establishment can only help to establish ETIQUS as the only affordable timepiece created exclusively for golfers”, said Gary.

Gary will again be our guest at the AGWs annual dinner.

MEDIA ACCREDITION REMINDER

US Open

2017 U.S. Open credentialing is open online at http://www.usga.org/media.html 

There is a Preview Day at Erin Hills on May 17.   NB .. Applications for accreditation close May 19.

Open Championship

Accreditation to the Open Championship closed on May 8th

PGA Championship

The PGA of America will begin on May 18^th accepting credentials for the PGA Championship starting August 1o at Quail Hollow in Charlotte, NC.

Go to the website …  www.pgamediacenter.com 

And a reminder there is a media day at the host venue, Quail Hollow on Monday June 5^th.

Dan Jenkins

Congratulations to AGW member Dan Jenkins, and with my GWAA counterpart Melanie Hauser, advising the Moody College of Communications Texas Program in Sports and Media is creating the Dan Jenkins Medal for excellence in Sports Writing.

There will be two winners annually for the award honouring Dan – one a lifetime achievement award; the other an award for the most outstanding story of the year.

And with the announcement of this award Dan was asked his top five best interviewees ever – Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Darrell Royal, Ben Hogan and Bear Bryant.

And Late Breaking REAL AGW News ….

Reports have just surfaced (excuse the pun) from the recent London Marathon that current AGW Chairman, Iain Carter was passed in the later stages of the annual charity run through the streets on the England capital by a dinosaur and also fellow “wearing” a boat

Still seeking to confirm if our Chairman dropped anchor and asked for a ride in the boat!!!

AGW Newsletter .. June, 2017

 NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE AGW

Pleased by advised the annual general meeting of the Association of Golf Writers will take place on Wednesday 19^th July in the Interview Room within the Media Centre at Royal Birkdale.

A time still has to be confirmed with the R & A and once known I will advise all members.

If any member has any “General Business” issue or matter to raise, and is not attending The Open, then please convey this to me prior to the meeting.

I have to also advise only Life and Full financial members may attend the AGM.

LIZ KAHN

Lewine Mair has kindly advised our colleague, Liz Kahn is to undergo back surgery, and while a card and flowers has been sent to Liz on behalf of all the members, if any member would like to reach out to Liz individually you can do so.

The contact address for Liz is Wellington Hospital, St. John’s Wood, London NW8 9LE.

AGW ANNUAL DINNER

The AGW annual dinner is fast approaching with interest among members and guests again very strong, and with seating already nearing our 250 limit.

However, there is one large request please.

Our Treasurer, Bob Davies is retiring this year at The Open and it would indeed enrich the occasion for Bob if did not have to spend the days and hours leading up the dinner chasing payments from those who owe him money for dinner seats.

PLEASE, if you can arrange for a direct debit transfer into the AGW account or forward your cheque before the dinner that would be most welcome.

Details of the AGWs account is as follows .. SORT CODE: 30 97 62   ACCOUNT NUMBER: 02796359

If you are sending a cheque then why not post it today ..

Cheques for £50 per seat to be made payable ..

“Association of Golf Writers” & sent to Bob Davies (Treasurer AGW), 23 Poplar Crescent, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury SY3 0QB, England.

MICHAEL WILLIAMS HOGGET .. Royal Portrush, Wednesday, 5^th July

The Michael Williams Hogget, and the fourth event of the 20

17 AGWs ETIQUS Golfer of the Year, will take place on Wednesday 5^th July and from 4pm at the famed Royal Portrush, and venue for the 2019 Open.

I can advise those wishing to tee up the Rory McIlroy pre Irish Open conference will be held in the morning so allowing you plenty of time to get from Portstewart to Royal Portrush located just over 3 miles away.  And there will be the opportunity also for any late comers to tee up after 5pm however it will be in the company of a RPGC member as there is a members outing post 5pm.

If you could please confirm your attendance with me ASAP and also whether or not you will require hire clubs.

Brian Keogh is defending champion and with the Irish among the AGW looking to make it three Emerald Isle winners in succession on Irish soil.

BOOK LAUNCH .. Stableford  – A Life in Golf, Medicine and War

Members are advised of an invitation to attend the book launch at 7pm on Saturday July 8^th at the Wallasey GC of Stableford – A Life in Golf, Medicine and War.

If any member is interested in attending the launch please contact Graeme Ryan at email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

The launch of the book written by Robert Edwards will also herald a campaign to have Dr Frank Stableford inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Of note, the forward to the book was written by James Corrigan.

All details relating to the launch can be found on the attached documents.

HENRY COTTON BOYHOOD HOME .. Unveiling of a “blue plaque”.

Ben Evans, Press Officer with the Golf Foundation advises AGW members can avail themselves of a press invitation to attend a ‘blue plaque’ unveiling at one of the boyhood homes of Henry Cotton, by English Heritage.

The unveiling is in London on July 11^th and with a luncheon included.  Contact Ben at  email hidden; JavaScript is required

MEETING WITH THE EUROPEAN TOUR .. Wentworth.

The Committee enjoyed another constructive meeting with European Tour media staff and taking place during BMW PGA Championship week.

Some points of note for members included serious teething concerns for the new Tour website and with the Tour asking for constructive feedback.  If any AGW members has any thoughts or suggestions regarding the new Tour website please forward to me and I will collate them before redirecting to the Tour.

Those who attended Golf Sixes expressed a number of concerns including interview arrangements, lack of heating, dining and sadly theft of camera equipment.

The Tour indicated they would look into all matters.

As well, following a number of issues arising during the week regarding Wentworth clubhouse dining, the Tour is considering adopting a dining facility within the media centre at the BMW PGA Championship.

A number of other issues were raised at the meeting and if anyone would like a detailed listing of all issues discussed please email me.

The executive of the AGW also met during BMW PGA Championship week discussing similar issues as those highlighted above.  The issue of AGW handicaps was raised so there will adjustments to handicaps ahead of next month’s Michael Williams Hogget.

However, much of this meeting addressed arrangements with regards the AGW annual dinner.

Again, should a member wish any information from the committee meeting contact me.

LASTLY  ….  A MEDIA CREDENTIAL REMINDER

Deadline to apply for credentials for the U.S. Women’s Open is June 26.  Go to http://www.usga.org/media.html

Also the PGA of America is credentialing for several tournaments at www.pgamediacenter.com  and with members reminded the deadline to submit requests for the PGA Championship is July 24.

Good golfing,

Bernie McGuire,  Secretary.

JULY 2017 – AGW NEWSLETTER

Dear Members,

Greetings and please find hereunder a few items of interest arising from the annual general meeting along with a number of other matters I wish to draw to your attention.

LIFE MEMBERSHIP … Pat Ruddy.

Pat Ruddy was taken by complete surprise when he was afforded Life Membership last week during the AGWs annual general meeting at Royal Birkdale.

Dermot Gilleece spoke firstly on behalf of members indicating the honour could not be more timely for Pat in that it came shortly after Ballyliffin, and designed by Pat, was chosen to host the next Irish Open.

However, it was Pat and his five decade journalist work that he was being honoured and with Dermot saying he first met Pat in 1972 while covering the West of Ireland at Rosses Point.

Pat responded saying he was very humbled and delighting those in attendance by indicating he felt like “the Irish farmer who had been honoured in his field”.

Pat joins Dermot and Jock MacVicar who were bestowed Life Membership a year ago at Royal Troon.

BOB DAVIES  … Retires As Treasurer. (1997 – 2017)

This year’s AGM marked the retirement of Bob Davies as the Association’s long standing Treasurer.

The AGW is clearly indebted to Bob and we cannot express enough how grateful we are to Bob in devoting twenty years as Treasurer.

Bob revealed he had been enticed first onto the AGW committee by Michael McDonnell and Michael Williams while in Atlanta Airport and at the time not dreaming for one minute he would go to be Treasurer for twenty years.

In fact, Bob then took on the role of Treasurer in 1997 and proudly retired at Royal Birkdale as the AGWs second longest serving Treasurer.

Chairman, Iain Carter thanked Bob for his “great diligence” and also expressed the overwhelming gratitude of the AGW.

And Bob wished Peter Higgs every success in taking over the reins of the AGWs funds.

NEW MEMBERS RECEIVE AGW MEDALLIONS.

The AGWs AGM was a good occasion to present four of our newer members with their AGW medallions.

In the photo, and from left to right, is Brian Wacher, Alex Miceli, Peter Finian and Mark Townsend, who earlier this year stormed his way to victory in the Ron Moseley at Kingsbarns Links.

We hope you each enjoy a long relationship as members of the AGW.

AGW VERSUS GOLF FOUNDATION … September 11^th

AGW Golf Captain, Peter Dixon advises the AGW will be playing The Golf Foundation in the annual match on September 11 at a venue still to be confirmed. (We are hoping that The Buckinghamshire may be kind enough to host us).

We would normally have a team of around eight to ten, so if anybody would like to be included please advise Peter by next Monday July 31 please. It will be based on first come, first served.

His email is email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

MARTHA WALLACE RETIRES 

Martha Wallace, the smiling face behind the main desk at The Masters each April for more than two decades, has retired.

Martha spent nearly a decade working for Bell South, starting in the Quonset Hut, then worked 21 Masters tournaments in the Press Buildings for Augusta National GC.

If any member cares to drop her an email her address is email hidden; JavaScript is required

COCKTAIL FUNCTION  .. PGA Championship

AGW Members attending the PGA Championship are invited to the OMEGA Media Reception Tuesday, August 8 from 7-10 p.m.

The function will be held in the official media hotel, the Fairfield Inn & Suites (201 South McDowell St., Charlotte, N.C. 28204).

Please RSVP to Dana Gordon at email hidden; JavaScript is required%20">email hidden; JavaScript is required or Chris Madigan at email hidden; JavaScript is required%20">email hidden; JavaScript is required if you would like to join for casual cocktails and light bites. OMEGA is the official timekeeper of the PGA.

CONGRATULATIONS … Brendan Moloney and George Begg

The President, Chairman and members of the AGW extend our congratulations firstly to Brendan Moloney and also to George Begg who have announced they will retire later this year respectively as President and also Secretary of the Australian Golfing Media Association (formerly known as the Australian Golf Writers Association).

The AGW has enjoyed a very long mutual relationship with our corresponding Association in Australia and with a number within our ranks members of both organisations.

Brendan has been on the executive for the past 31 years and President since 2008.

George is legendary among the golf writer association bodies across the globe having taken on the duties of Secretary in 1995 when the Association did not even have a constitution or a logo nor a formal annual dinner as the body now enjoy.

However, George indicates he will remain on as Treasurer of the AGMA.

CONGRATULATIONS … Jaime Diaz

The AGW also extends congratulations to our US based member, Jaime Diaz who received the Lincoln Werden Golf Journalism award from the Metropolitan Golf Writers Association’s.

The award honours the writer, broadcaster, photographer, artist or other individual for outstanding contributions in the field of golf journalism.

Jaime is the third Golf Digest writer in as many years to receive the award and the seventh from the publication since 1993. Preceding him were Nick Seitz (1993), Dan Jenkins (1994), Bob Verdi (1998), Jerry Tarde (2012), Ron Sirak (2015) and Tim Rosaforte (2016).

Bernie McGuire, Secretary.

JULY 2017 – AGW NEWSLETTER

Greetings all AGW members.

Please find hereunder a good number of news items.

However, I would still like to hear from our retired members as there must be stories and celebrations of sorts you could share with the membership in general.

RENTON LAIDLAW 

Our very esteemed Chairman and Secretary Renton Laidlaw is not in the best of health.

Patricia Davies received this email from Renton’s sister, Jennifer.

Hello Patricia
Just to let you know that Renton is still in hospital and is likely to be for another 2 weeks.
He has broken the thigh bone but they are not going to operate. It would be too much for him. He is not yet mobile and he also now has an infection so they have had to stop his cancer treatment which worries me.
Last night he had a blood transfusion so perhaps that will make him less tired.
Hoping for better news soon
All best wishes
Jennifer

I am sure Renton would still love to hear from his many friends at the AGW and you can do so by writing to his home address:-

Links Cottage, 24 Forgan Drive, Drumoig, Leuchars, Fife KY16 0BF  Scotland, UK

LIFE MEMBERSHIP … Pat Ruddy.

I received this lovely email from Pat Ruddy following the AGWs awarding of Life Membership to Pat.

My apologies for the delay in writing to thank you and all AGW folk for bestowing honorary life membership upon me.   I was stunned by this kindness and I have been sort of slumped in an armchair looking at the trophy on the mantlepiece and pointing it out to everyone who comes by!  I resisted the urge to stand at the door with a wedge in hand and drive innocent passers-by in for a look.

My whole life has been shaped by the great golf writers and the great golf photographers.  My dreams have sprung from their stories.  They travelled me around the world, sat me down with the great players and great characters and embued me with the ambition to do like them and make a living out of enjoying doing wonderful things and seeing wonderful places. Imagine being paid for that!

Many of my dreams have come true and I am ever aware of and grateful to the source of my madness.

I never met Darwin but I know him well.  I did meet Henry Longhurst, Leonard Crawley (for whom I subbed some), Warren Wind, Pat Ward Thomas, Peter Ryde … all of whom exuded elegance and scholarship in the eyes   WOW!

Pat Ruddy

AGW GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP & ETIQUES Golfer of the Year.

Just a note to remind members the AGW Golf Championship has still to be contested along with recognising our 2017 AGW – ETIQUS Golfer of the Year.

The committee is looking at one or two venues and for the event to be staged later next month that would include an evening meal and overnight accommodation.

However, details in coming weeks.

Here is the leader board as it stands after four event on the 2017 schedule.

ETIQUS AGW GOLFER OF THE YEAR

Leaders after Ron Moseley Trophy, Presidents Putter, R & A Salver & Michael Williams Hogget.

(Four best scores to count from the five events)

Alistair Tait               118      (32 + 28 + 31 + 27)

Colin Callander        93        (34 + 30+ 29)

Dave Facey                91        (33 + 26 + 35)

Peter Dixon               89       (35 + 24 + 30)

Greg Allen                 86       (30 + 31 + 27)

RYDER CUP – One Year-To-Go Celebration, France.

Chairman, Iain Carter will be representing the AGW at the up-coming ‘One Year To Go’ Ryder Cup celebration in Versailles.

The visit will include a briefing of all details relating to the media attending and covering the 2018 Ryder Cup including transport, media centre, dining, course access and so on.

If anyone wishes Iain to raise anything of interest on his visit to France please email him – email hidden; JavaScript is required

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS– Peter Thomson

Birthday greetings (August 24^th) to AGW vice-president and five-time Open Champion, Peter Thomson.

Peter, who is not in the best of health, turned 88^th and everyone at the AGW extending their greetings and good wishes.

I think I am correct in saying Peter is now the oldest-living Open Champion.

AGW ANNUAL DINNER – Thank You Note From Sandy Jones

I would like to share with members this wonderful ‘Thank You’ note from Sandy Jones following his attendance at the AGW annual dinner

First of all I am sorry for the delay in writing to you.  It just seems that the weeks since The Open have flashed past but if you ask me what I’ve been doing I probably wouldn’t be able to tell you.

The purpose in writing is simply to say a most sincere thank you to yourself and all your AGW colleagues who were kind enough in the first place to allow me to join with you at your annual lunch and secondly, made me so very welcome on the night.

What an excellent evening it turned out to be.  Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson were absolutely superb and Ian Carter certainly brings the best out in everyone with his excellent interviews.

Having said that, perhaps the highlight of the evening that will live in my memory forever was Gary Player’s words in recognition of Arnold Palmer, a truly memorable moment and a privilege to listen to such a fine tribute.

I also very much enjoyed the recognition of Peter Dawson for his outstanding services to the game and it was a bonus to be seated beside Peter throughout the night and share his many good stories and company.

Bernie, for me it was such a privilege to be in attendance on the evening and as I’ve said before, as someone who’s been fortunate enough to attend many AGW dinners, it is always a wonderful launch pad for The Open Championship week and this week was no exception.

May I ask that on behalf of myself you thank all your colleagues for their kindness and I wish yourself and all the team all good luck for the rest of the year and hopefully may see you all again at Carnoustie in 2018 if not before.

All best wishes and kind regards.

Sandy

MEETING WITH PGE OF AMERICA – Quail Hollow

Members of the AGW & GWAA executive sat down on Saturday of the PGA Championship with members of the PGA of America to discuss a number or issues relevant to the PGA Championship.

Point raised included:

• The PGA of America was first congratulated on the transport arrangements to and from the official hotel in Charlotte and ‘right to the front door’ at Quail Hollow.
• However, the PGA did mention that could all change next year at Bellrieve in St. Louis as there will not be parking on site for the players.
• It was brought to notice a metal barricade had been erected on day two of the PGA in the flash area and thus restricting, to a degree, access to players.
• Phil Casey (& taking the lead as Julius Mason pointed out from ‘OIC Chairs’ -Lewine Mair) highlighted the situation with regards to seating and in a move similar to The Open Julius indicated they would look to providing adjustable chairs.
• The electronic scoreboard is still a ‘work in progress’ but thanks to the input from those working the scoreboard ahead of the PGA the arrangement in place over the four days seemed to work well.
• It was brought to the PGA remarks that the pre-tournament interview schedule was ‘poor’ and the PGA promised to consult with the GWAA and AGW going forward.
• Other items mentioned included food available in the media dining area, access to water on course and the state of the air-conditioning in being unable to strike a ‘balance’.

AGW COMMITTEE MEETING – Sunday August 13^th

Members of the AGW Committee met for a short meeting on Sunday of the PGA Championship.

Items on the agenda included:

• The committee firstly discussed the overwhelming success of the AGWs annual dinner and the superb feedback from our guests. See note above from Sandy Jones.
• The committee addressed complaints from members particularly regarding circumstances surrounding the Solhiem Cup announcement at Kingsbarns. Firstly, thank you to those members who emailed their complaints.  AGW Chairman Iain Carter indicated initially he would be speaking with the LET during the course of the Solhiem Cup in Des Moines ahead of further follow-up with the LET.
• It was approved the AGW arrange for the purchase of special protective trophy cases to hold the AGWs three principal trophies that we present each year at the AGW annual dinner.
• The committee considered applications for AGW membership from four applicants. See separate note in this newsletter.
• The committee meeting concluded by agreeing to meet again during the course of the DP World Tour Championship.

NEW AGW MEMBERS

The AGW warmly welcomes four new ‘Supplementary’ members into the Association.

They include:- Brian McLauchlin (BBC Scotland), Richard Gillis (Golf World, Golf International), Ananda Datla (Golfing India) and Karl Hansell (BIGGA).

AGW -v- The Golf Foundation – September 11^th

The members of the Association I am sure join me in wishing our colleagues success on September 11^th in the annual AGW -v- The Golf Foundation showdown.

This year the eight-a-side competition is being held at the Buckinghamshire Club.

MEETING WITH R & A MEDIA TEAM – Dunhill Links

Just a heads up to advise there will be an AGW Committee meeting with the R & A media team during the course of October’s Alfred Dunhill Links.

No date has been finalised however if any member wishes to raise any issue in relation to The Open at Royal Birkdale or any other R & A arranged tournament would you drop me an email, please.

PAT WARD THOMAS TROPHY – November 10^th to 12^th, Brancaster.

AGW Golf Captain, Peter Dixon has been in contact with our former President and Chairman, Michael McDonnell extolling the virtues of AGW members joining other members in a weekend of golf in Norfolk in November.

Michael writes:

“Greetings from remotest Norfolk (our nearest motorway is in Holland). The fact is we would like to get more AGW members involved in the Pat Ward Thomas Trophy, an annual foursomes event played at Royal West Norfolk, Brancaster, in memory of Pat, the former Guardian golf writer and captain of Royal West Norfolk.

It began more than 20 years ago and the trophy was donated by his widow Jean.

It has developed into an enjoyable weekend for AGW members and their partners and even non-golfers can sample the delights of Holt, Sheringham and/or Burnham Market (also known as Chelsea-by-the-sea). On Sunday, there is a friendly nine-hole match against the club attached to the Links hotel (entirely optional). And, of course, members can also stay in other hotels (but miss the fun).

The Programme:

Friday 10^th November: Afternoon arrival at the Cliftonville Hotel, Cromer and dinner.

Saturday 11^th: 10.00am Pat Ward Thomas Trophy at Brancaster. Tag along Trophy at The Links, West Runton, followed by dinner and trophies at the hotel.

Sunday 12^th: 10.00am Nine-hole mixed foursomes versus the West Runton club, followed by presentation and departure.

Total price for two nights (dinner, bed and breakfast) is £176 per person and the hotel requires a deposit (one night) when booking. Cliftonville Hotel: 01263 512543

Please contact Michael – email hidden; JavaScript is required

IRISH AGW MEMBERS HELP CELEBRATE …. Lahinch GCs 125^th Anniversary

Members of the Irish Golf Writers Association, and many of them also members of the AGW, travelled to Lahinch help celebrate the club’s 125^th anniversary.

However, there is a report also the Irish Golf Writers ‘Got their butts kicked’ in a celebration match against the club members.

If so, stick to your day job, lads!

THE SCOTSMAN Recognise AGW Members in 200-Year Sports Feature

It was good to see in a special Scotsman supplement of 200-years of covering sports feature articles by two AGW members appearing in the supplement.

Those articles were by our late and dear friend, Norman Mair along with former golf correspondent for the newspaper, Mike Aitken,

Of course, the regular sports section highlighted the great work of Martin Dempster.

See those articles by Norman and Mike attached.

ELLE GIBSON – Interview Opportunity.

Alex Mille at BrandNation has emailed inviting AGW members the opportunity to interview young Elle Gibson.

Here is the thrust of his email:

I wanted to introduce you to 14 year-old golfing sensation Elle Gibson from Barnet.

Just two weeks ago she finished runner-up at the American Golf UK Long drive Championships, in the senior women’s competition, missing out on victory by just 12 yards.

Her best drive was a massive 326 yards long, further the highest average score recorded on the men’s PGA tour!!

She also has handicap of just 8 and was American Golf UK junior champ at just 13.   Off the back of the recent story about Northern Irish 16 year-old teenager Joe Rooney’s recent two hole-in-one story, I thought it might be of interest to talk to Elle as we consider who the next generation of golf stars are.

I’d love to organise an interview for the coming weeks and to potentially get you out on the golf course with her if that might be of interest.

Consider this a chance to say ‘I spoke to Elle Gibson…before she was famous.’

Look forward to hearing if it’s one for you!

Thanks, Alex

Contact details for Alex – email hidden; JavaScript is required     Phone – +44 (0) 207 9407183

And now back to ‘annoying’ my favourite golfers.

Bernie McGuire, Secretary.

SEPTEMBER 2017 – AGW NEWSLETTER

There are a couple of matters I wanted to share with members and particularly given the closeness of the first item.

Also, if you could respond asap to the request for Twitter account details would be appreciated.

PHIL SHELDON TROPHY 

Apologies for the short notice however Paul Trow has extended an invitation to any member of the AGW who would like participate in next Monday’s (Sept 11^th) Sports Journalists Association’s annual golf day at Muswell Hill Golf Club in north London on Monday, and bring a guest along should they wish.

Here is the note from Paul:-

We will be playing for the Phil Sheldon Trophy, in memory of a stalwart of the AGW, the SJA and the erstwhile Professional Sports Photographers’ Association. Phil was also a keen member of the Press Golfing Society and Muswell Hill.

The format is 18 holes of individual Stableford (full handicap) followed by a two-course lunch which will be attended by Gill Sheldon. The 1st tee has been booked from9.30am and two buggies have also been reserved.

The cost for the day – to include golf, lunch, a variety of prizes and bacon rolls plus coffee upon arrival – will be £55 a head (£25 for Muswell Hill members).Entry requests should be sent to Paul Trow on either 07973-862747 or email hidden; JavaScript is required, preferably by September 4th. Prize donations will also be gratefully accepted.

Those who don’t intend to play golf but would still like to come along are welcome to join us for lunch for £20 (we will sit down around 2.30pm).

NEW CONTACT DETAILS

Ed Hodge (Scottish Golf)

New Address – 74 Avalon Gardens, Linlithgow, West Lothian, Scotland UK  EH49 7PL

And also new home number + 44 (0) 1506 340 195;  Mobile the same – +44 (0) 7850 772 166

TWITTER ACCOUNTS

As previously mentioned, the new 2018 AGW Members handbook with feature for a first occasion members Twitter details.

If you wish to participate please advise me by return email your Twitter account and it will be included with your personal details in the handbook.

Also, you may include your work Twitter account, if you like.

HURRICANE IRMA

Texans are ‘mopping-up’ after the devastation Hurricane Harvey caused to the Lone Star State.

The AGW officially extended our good wishes to the Golf Club of Houston that plays host every year to the Houston Open, and along with Steve Timms the Tournament Director, as the event is regularly attended by a good few AGW members and they are always very warmly greeted and looked after.   Steve replied saying he was grateful.

Sadly, photos off the first tee looked out over what more like an inland lake.

And in mentioning this the AGW trusts Houston-based Melanie Hauser and my counterpart on the GWAA, was not too badly affected.

However, now Florida is bracing itself for Hurricane Irma and I know what the anxiety is like monitoring TV reports and also having spent this morning trying to get the car filled-up and find shops selling bottled water etc as the Category 5 storm nears closer.

As such, I know all AGW members will wish our Florida-based colleagues including Martin Hardy, Doug Ferguson, Mark Lamport-Stokes, Tim Rosaforte, Rex Hoggard, Jeff Babineau, Bob Harig, George Peper, Tom Place and Dave Seanor well that they will also not be affected while their homes remain safe.

And, of course, two our vice-presidents in Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin also reside in Florida.

FEEDBAK ON THE 146^TH OPEN

A follow-up to an earlier request but members of the AGW Committee will meet with the R & A media team during next month’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship regarding media/photographer issues at the recent Open at Royal Birkdale.

The Committee did meet with the R & A media team during The Open but there was a number issues such as social media policy, electronic scoreboard, access to the practice range that need a little more time to discuss.

Would anyone, and photographers included, who attended The Open and have any point they wish to be raised at this meeting in St. Andrews email me, please.

AGW – ETIQUS GOLFER OF THE YEAR

And lastly, just a reminder we are still looking to ‘lock-in’ a venue for the 2017 AGW – ETIQUS Golfer of the Year.

Golf Captain, Peter Dixon will get those to you as soon as known.

THANK YOU NOTE FROM GARY BUTLER

And in mentioning ETIQUS I wish to share with members a lovely email from Gary Butler who again attended the dinner as one of our guests.

Just a brief note to say a really big thank you for inviting me once again to your annual dinner.

It’s a real thrill for me – to sit as little more than a fly on the wall within that room surrounded by the good and the great in golf is quite something.

I really enjoyed the evening and the informal format to the ‘presentations’ led by Ian Carter works really well, giving that valuable insight and humour so often missed at these sort of occasions. 

I had the pleasure of sitting next to Pat Ruddy. As I have played many links courses in Ireland including some of his own designs we had much to talk about. The secret of a fine golf course that keeps golfers returning is as much to do with a good apple tart and a pint of Guinness as the presentation and layout of the course!

I trust the exploits of ‘Jor-van-de Spieth’ over 13 holes and ‘Superman Spieth’ over the last five gave your members much to write about and reflect upon. Once again, the Open delivers the excitement of a world class sporting event – it’s just a pity that some of the major press titles (and the BBC) considered victory by the England Women’s Cricket team worthy of the top billing!

Hopefully I’ll see you both at your final AGW Event later in the year.

Best wishes

Gary

GARY BUTLER

Founder and Managing Director;  M: 07764 761348;  E: email hidden; JavaScript is required 

Bernie McGuire,Secretary.

OCTOBER 2017 – AGW NEWSLETTER

AGW – GOLF WRITERS CHAMPIONSHIP – ROYAL LIVERPOOL – 11am Wednesday  8^th November. 

AGW Golf Captain, Peter Dixon reports ….

It is with great delight that I can report that Derek Lawrenson has secured us five to six tee times at Hoylake on Wednesday November 8th for the AGW Championship, the last of the year’s meetings.

Play will begin at 11am and will be preceded by bacon rolls, coffee etc. After play, the club has kindly offered their facilities for us to indulge in soup and sandwiches – and to bend the knee (don’t tell Trump!) to our champion.

The event will also see the crowing of the 2017 AGW – ETIQUS Golfer of the Year.

Please let me know by Monday Oct 9^th  if you would like to play.

As ever, it will be on a first come, first served basis. I look forward to seeing you there. Best wishes,  Peter

Peter’s email address is – email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

FOOTNOTE – Here is the opportunity for all members, working media and retired, to play one of great golf courses on The Open rota so no excuses.

And here are the leading members on the AGW – ETIQUS Golfer of the Year standings & remember it will be your four best counting scores, if you play all five matches, that count towards to end of season reward.

2017 ETIQUS AGW GOLFER OF THE YEAR

Leaders after Ron Moseley Trophy, Presidents Putter, R & A Salver & Michael Williams Hogget.

(Four best scores to count from the five events)

Alistair Tait               118      (32 + 28 + 31 + 27)

Colin Callander        93        (34 + 30+ 29)

Dave Facey                91        (33 + 26 + 35)

Peter Dixon               89       (35 + 24 + 30)

Greg Allen                 86       (30 + 31 + 27)

HENRY LONGHURST INDUCTED INTO GOLFING HALL OF FAME – JOHN HOPKINS GUEST SPEAKER AT CEREMONY.

The AGW is indeed extremely proud Henry Longhurst, and one of the founding members of the Association, was formally inducted on September 26^th into the Golf Hall of Fame at a ceremony in New York.

Longhurst was a weekly columnist for the London Sunday Times for some 40 years.  He was also considered to be the first golf TV personality providing coverage for the BBC from the 1950s to his passing on July 21^st, 1978.

Congratulations to former AGW Chairman, John Hopkins who helped Longhurst to be inducted and who also spoke on behalf of Longhurst at the induction ceremony that included close to 40 living Hall of Famers in attendance in a room full of golfing personalities and guests.

John did the AGW very proud in speaking eloquently of Longhurst’s stature in the game and his place in golf reporting.

John ended by ‘indulging’ the audience present in leading a chorus of ‘three cheers’ before handing the gleaming crystal trophy to Henry Longhurst’s grand-daughter, Jenny Hudson.

Here is the link to the transcript of John’s speech at the ceremony – http://www.asapsports.com/show_interview.php?id=134112

For those looking to view the video of John speaking at the ceremony the link is – http://www.golfchannel.com/media?guid=xCK3bfJyLwrnuBeZUQsxgapXHtLTFERB

And the Golf Channel put together a great collection of Henry Longhurst photos.  The link to the photographs is – http://www.golfchannel.com/media/best-henry-longhurst-through-years

If I am correct, Longhurst is the fourth AGW member to be honoured with induction after Bernard Darwin (Inducted 2005), and also one of the Association’s founding members from 1938, Herbert Warren-Wind (Joined AGW 1973 & Inducted 2008) and Dan Jenkins (Joined AGW 1974 & inducted 2012).

RENTON LAIDLAW WELL WISHES

Renton Laidlaw has been thrilled to receive phone calls and well-wishes cards from far and wide in returning home from hospital.

I know SKY TV arranged for a ‘get well’ card to be signed by all the UK team that have come to grow fond of Renton and sent that off to him.

Many AGW members attending the recent Tour Championship in Atlanta were happy to pen similar comments on card that Renton now has in his possession.

Justin Rose, and the AGW’s 2016 Golfer of the Year, also gladly penned a remark on the front cover of the card so thank you so much to Justin.   (See photo)

TREASURER’S EMAIL ADDRESS

Our new Treasurer, Peter Higgs now has a dedicated email address for all AGW financial and other matters relating to his role.

The email address is:  email hidden; JavaScript is required

Of course, Peter’s own email address is:  email hidden; JavaScript is required

TWITTER ACCOUNT DETAILS – LAST CHANCE

Response to a request among AGW members to include your Twitter address in next year’s AGW Members handbook has been strong.

So, a last chance for those who have forgotten to provide details.   Email me now –  email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

REPORT ON AGW -v- THE GOLF FOUNDATION

The Golf Foundation secured a long-awaited victory against the Association of Golf Writers (AGW) on Monday (11th September) in this popular annual match between the journalists and the national charity that helps more young people to enjoy the benefits of golf.

Summer had turned to Autumn at The Buckinghamshire Golf Club in the blink of an Iain Carter downswing, but the players found the John Jacobs course in excellent condition with super-slick and true greens, while threatened showers stayed largely away.

After three successive defeats in the fixture, Foundation captain Brendon Pyle led out a strong team but his own first pairing was soon three down after four holes to AGW skipper Peter Dixon and Iain Carter.

Dixon’s consistency off the tee and Carter’s brilliant putting would keep Pyle and Ben Evans at bay and ensure a 3&2 opening score line for the writers.

• AGW Golf Captain, Peter Dixon handing over the trophy to the Golf Foundation’s Brendan Pyle.

This would prove the only winning headline of the day for the AGW as in the next match Foundation trustee Nick Bragg produced some sparkling shot-making alongside the charity’s chairman Stephen Lewis, including Bragg closing out their match against the hard-fighting Bill Elliott and Andy Farrell with a stunning fairway wood second on the 17th to four feet, setting up a birdie and a 3&1 win.

Neil McLeman and the European Tour’s Kate Wright for the AGW kept coming back at Phil Craghill and Gareth Jenkins in the day’s highlight match. Facing dormy-two, the AGW birdied the 17th before Kate Wright chipped her ball stone dead on the par-5 18th for another birdie. Meanwhile, Jenkins’s second shot was a masterstroke, a high 5-iron draw over the famous large beech tree that blocks the 18th green, landing softly just six feet from the flag; the +2 handicapper needing both putts under pressure to secure the point for the GF.

In the final match, there was never more than one hole in it, with the Foundation pair of Daisy Brierley and Martin Crowder only 1-up at the turn (despite being 1-under gross as a pair) against in-form duo Colin Callander and Adrian Milledge. An excellent birdie on the last by Callander halved a great match, the point securing the impressive Chesterfield Trophy for the Foundation.

The Chesterfield Trophy was first contested in 1987 and the match serves as an opportunity for the Golf Foundation to thank the AGW and its members for the press coverage given to national grass roots junior golf.

Following the contest both team captains praised The Buckinghamshire and thanked its staff for the warm welcome.

Peter Dixon and Brendon Pyle stressed the importance of the annual fixture in helping the Foundation spread this charity’s message among leading journalists as it encourages young people, from all backgrounds and abilities, to enjoy the sport and to ‘Start, Learn and Stay’ in golf.

Meanwhile, plenty of good ideas on the future of the game from both sides helped to make the day an inspiring one for all present.

Match result: Golf Foundation 2.5 – AGW 1.5

Brendon Pyle/Ben Evans lost to Peter Dixon/Iain Carter – 3&2

Stephen Lewis/Nick Bragg beat Bill Elliott/Andy Farrell – 3&1

Phil Craghill/Gareth Jenkins beat Kate Wright/Neil McLeman – 1-up

Daisy Brierley/Martin Crowder versus Colin Callander/Adrian Milledge – match halved

REPORT ON 2017 PHIL SHELDON TROPHY

The annual SJA golf day at Muswell Hill on Monday, September 11 was dominated by a phenomenal performance from runaway winner David Jacobs.

Even the fear that he might have lost his phone during his gilded journey round the north London course failed to prevent snapper Jacobs from racking up a Stableford total of 45 points and winning the Phil Sheldon Trophy for a second time.

Jacobs, playing off a handicap of 23 which is sure to come under scrutiny before he next tees up in earnest, finished 15 points clear of runner-up Paul Trow, who helped run the event at his home club in the absence of regular organiser Nick Cherrie.

It was a day of double celebration for Jacobs, who later found the missing phone in his golf bag, when he also collected the team prize in harness with playing partners Gerry Cox and Nick Callow.

A total of 13 golfers (seven SJA members and six guests) played in the event, but, alas, a further six participants were forced to drop out during the preceding 24 hours for a variety of insurmountable reasons. Fortunately, the powers-that-be at Muswell Hill were fully understanding of the circumstances despite preparing for a larger turn-out.

• Ian Wood with Gill Sheldon and David Jacobs (r).

Ian Woods of Sky News, who will take over as Captain of the Press Golfing Society in November, won the guests’ trophy with a creditable 32 points, and also claimed the longest-drive honours. Meanwhile, the four nearest-the-pin prizes went to Trow, Callow, Charlie Randall and Paolo Minoli.

Third place in the members’ individual competition went to Callow with 29 points while Khalid Javed of the BBC (31 points) and retired Internet entrepreneur Richard Gwynn (27 points) were second and third in the guests’ section.

Thanks to a Duckworth-Lewis style formula kindly proposed by photographer Hugh Routledge, Trow and Gwynn finished runners-up in the team competition despite playing as a two-ball. The final prize was a Garmin towel presented to the Daily Mirror sports desk’s Kevin Price to wipe away his tears at finding himself propping up the scoreboard on his home course.

The golfers were joined at lunch after their round by SJA secretary Nick Townsend, who felt his golf wasn’t yet sharp enough to take part despite once receiving a bunker lesson from the late Seve Ballesteros.

Guest of honour, and presenter of the trophies, was Gill Sheldon, widow of Phil, a highly respected golf photographer who was a Muswell Hill member and a stalwart of the Professional Sports Photographers’ Association (PSPA) when it merged with the SJA some 20 years ago.

Finally, Trow paid tribute to the generosity of SJA member Graham Morrison who once again supported the event by providing a couple of valuable alcoholic prizes despite being away in France on the day.

A date for next year’s meeting, which everyone present agreed should take place again at Muswell Hill, will be announced shortly.

• Thanks to Paul Trow for this report & with Paul keen to see AGW members join the annual golf day.

Bernie McGuire, Secretary

NOVEMBER 2017 – AGW NEWSLETTER

 2018 RYDER CUP – AGW REPORT FROM LE GOLF NATIONAL VISIT AND YEAR TO GO CELEBRATION.

 AGW Chairman, Iain Carter reports ….

Those reporters planning to be inside the ropes during the Ryder Cup should prepare for some very hard walking.  On many holes the terrain will be demanding, with steep climbs on to dunes and uneven surfaces where one leg longer than the other would be of great benefit.  However, like Royal Birkdale, the elevated areas will provide excellent views of the action.

The media centre will be located near the clubhouse, range, first and tenth tees as well as the ninth and eighteenth greens.

They are planning a mixed area between the eighteenth green and clubhouse where media will be allowed to be when players are making their way to the team rooms.  This should be fenced off from the public.

There will be a dedicated media route to the range.  Media viewing areas and inside the ropes positions for those with bibs will be located on the both sides of the first tee as well as an elevated standing position in the first tee grandstand.

Most holes will allow inside the ropes viewing on both sides.  We are trying to secure this for the seventh where the proposed route down the left is elevated but very uneven.

They are proposing inside the ropes access down the right of the par-3 eleventh for non-bib holders.  The idea is to provide a flavour of what it is like on the course for those who have not been granted inside the ropes access.  We have suggested that a similar facility is made available down the right of the tenth hole as well and Steve Todd thinks this may be possible.  This would provide the opportunity to witness key action on holes situated relatively close to the media centre.

Around the green on hole thirteen is problematic at the moment, but we are told bushes down the left are to be cleared out and a media platform will be erected there.  They don’t want media viewing from behind the green on this hole.

The greens on 15 and 18 adjoin each other, effectively sharing an island surrounded by water.  Media will not be allowed over the connecting bridges which will cause difficulties for immediate interviews when matches finish on these holes.  On 15, inside the ropes media will have a dedicated area short left of the green. A lot of thought is being put into a suitable location to conduct interviews when matches finish on 18.

On sixteen they do not want media round the back of the green where there is a steep bank of rough considered vital to the integrity of the how the hole should be played.  They don’t want it trampled down because this might lead to balls bouncing back onto the green rather than settling in a difficult position.

There will be a dedicated media platform affording views of the 18th and 15th greens as well as big screens for non-bibbed media.

The opening ceremony will take place in the tented village and trophy presentation happens on the eighteenth green.

Ryder Cup Official Hotels

Having viewed all four media hotels, the Ibis Styles is closest to the course. It has good, basic amenities.  They will offer early breakfast and late dinner with 24-hour tea and coffee.  There is a decent supermarket very close by as well as boulangerie, pharmacy and health centre.  There are also several restaurants and bars within walking distance.  The rooms are very simple, there is wifi but no fitness facilities. They say that the Golf Channel is among their list of TV stations.

The Ibis St Quentin is a little further away, but again good.  It is next door to a velodrome with a pub and restaurant very close by.  It is a 10-min taxi ride to Versailles and about 25 mins from the course.  There is a decent looking bar and outdoor space. The nearest supermarket is 10 mins away.

The adjoining Budget version is very basic with a limited breakfast, other food and drink from machines and no phone in the room.

The Mercure is the most comfortable of the hotels but the furthest from the course – possibly up to 40 mins away in traffic. We did the journey mid-afternoon in 20-25 mins. The rooms are very comfortable and a class or two above the other options. It has a pool, gym, excellent looking bar and restaurant facilities and is just 15 mins from Orly airport. It is close to a big shopping centre with plenty of restaurants in the vicinity.

The European Tour are very keen for the media to use the dedicated media hotels.  Shuttle buses will take us to within 75 yards of the media centre.  For those planning to stay privately it is worth noting that there would be parking charges if you drove to a media hotel and there may be charges to use the shuttle buses.  There may be some limited on-site media parking at the Ryder Cup.

It is clear they have made a big effort to come up with well located, affordable media hotels following the difficulties last time at Gleneagles.

RENTON LAIDLAW VISIT

Derek Lawrenson reports ….

On a glorious Friday morning at the Alfred Dunhill Links, there were probably more people in the living room of a nearby house in Drumoig than watching the action at St Andrews.

With the chance to visit our former secretary, captain, president and all-round good egg Renton Laidlaw, I accompanied our chairman Iain Carter and practically the entire Scottish golf writing community as we paid him a visit.

It’s good to report that, following his recent health problems, he was in fine spirits and it wasn’t long before he was regaling us in customary Renton style with tales laced with good humour.  His sister Jennifer (see photo), who looks after him so well, laid on a magnificent spread.

Renton was keen to pass on his thanks to all those members who have got in touch. He was also clearly grateful to the organisers of several tournaments where he was a regular attender who had sent cards expressing their good wishes.

Renton’s house is adjacent to the 18^th hole at Drumoig and, after 90 minutes or so of agreeable conversation, we left him to his lovely view and Jennifer’s most able care.

‘Thanks so much for coming,’ he said to each of us in turn but the pleasure, of course, was all ours”.

Thank you to Martin Dempster for the photographs.

Any member looking to contact Renton please do so at Links Cottage, 24 Forgan Drive, Drumoig, Leuchars  KY16 0BF Fife, Scotland, UK.  Phone: +44 1382 541 684

AGW MEETING WITH R & A CONCERNING OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP ISSUES

Members of the AGW Committee headed by Chairman Iain Carter met recently with the R & A media team over issues relating to the Open Championship.

Iain reports:

“It was an excellent meeting with the R and A.  They seem very keen to take on board our suggestions and while we may not get everything we want, they are prepared to listen and act wherever possible. 

There were a couple of areas where we can follow up on what was discussed.  They are very keen to get feedback on any wifi issues at Birkdale – none of us could remember encountering any major problems but we thought it wise to consult with the membership so that we can pass on any issues.

Regarding social media, they have taken on board our observations and have passed them on to their broadcast department.  They would be keen for any of our members (particularly magazines) to pass on actual examples of what they have been able to do at other majors on social media and would like to do at the Open but can’t under the current rules.

Again, I think we should send this request to the membership so that we can feed it back to the R and A”.

Please open the attachment for full details of the meeting and ‘action points’ going forward. 

Direct your emails to the Secretary.

NEW MASTERS MEDIA CONTACT

Members may not be aware that very long-serving Martha Wallace is no longer working at Augusta National.

Martha’s duties have been handed to Melissa Lyles who many of you will know.

Melissa’s email address is:-  email hidden; JavaScript is required

Of course, Steve Ethun remains the Director of Communications at Augusta National.

2018 Masters accreditation opens on December 1^st, 2017 and closes February 1^st, 2018.

Any questions regarding accreditation should be directed to Melissa.

Also if any member would like to contact Martha they can do so at:-  24 Hinman Drive, Martinez, GA 30907 USA.

Masters Guest tickets:-

Members of the media seeking a guest ticket for a spouse should email their request to Melissa and this will be reviewed by the Media Committee.

As well, those members of the media who have attended the Masters for 20-years become eligible to bring a guest for the entire week of the Masters but this is only a one-time offer.

Requests also to be forward to Melissa but don’t delay as they are like the proverbial hen’s teeth.

2018 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP ACCOMMODATION

The R & A advises they are taking accommodation bookings for next year’s 2018 Open Championship at Carnoustie.

Please download the booking form sent with this email.

Mary Flanagan at the R & A advises competed forms should be returned to her at email address email hidden; JavaScript is required by Friday 9 March 2018.

The hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Carnoustie and there will be coach transfers to and from the course (two morning departure times from the hotel and two evening departure times from the course).

All questions re hotel bookings to Mary.

MACVICAR GETS EMOTIONAL

Jock MacVicar getting emotional & welling-up.  Never!

I was reading some of the coverage of Tommy Fleetwood’s 63 at Carnoustie during the recent Dunhill Links event in Scotland.

The first to shoot a 64 at Carnoustie was Scot Alan Tait and thanks to Martin Dempster, Tait made reference to Jock’s emotions in retelling his story in an article in The Scotsman.

Tait said:  “I have lovely memories of Jock MacVicar, the golf correspondent with the Scottish Daily Express and still going strong at 80, getting quite emotional when he interviewed me at the back of the 18th green ten minutes after I had finished my round.

“I remember him saying, ‘this is brilliant, all these greats before you and one of our own, a big daft lad from Ayrshire, is the first man to shoot 64 over Carnoustie, I’m loving this’…. It was a memorable moment seeing Jock almost welling up.”

Who said Scots didn’t ‘well up’?

BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU PARK IN DUN LAOGHAIRE

Karl McGinty has asked to extend his very best wishes to all AGW members.

Karl is the former long-time golf correspondent for the Irish Independent and retired a few years back.  Karl has not been idle and suffice to say he advises anyone travelling to Ireland to be very careful where you park your vehicle in Dun Laoghaire.  I will let readers put two-and-two together.

Also, Karl reveals he has commenced work on a hopeful prize-winning thriller so we wish him well in this regard.

2017 AGW GOLFER/TEAM OF THE YEAR

With the 2017 golfing year coming to an end it will not be long before AGW members will be asked to vote on our 2017 AGW Golfer/Team of the Year.

We already have strong candidates in Masters Champion, Sergio Garcia and Evian Masters winner Anna Nordqvist while Tommy Fleetwood, a dual winner already this year, remains on target for the European Tour Race to Dubai title.  England’s Harry Ellis also captured the Amateur title.

I will again send out an email to all financial members later in November/early December so in the meantime get those thinking caps on.

2017 AGW CHAMPIONSHIP – Royal Liverpool, 8^th November.

Wishing all those well teeing-up in the 2017 AGW Championship on 8^th November, 2017 at Royal Liverpool.

It will be the 56th staging of the Championship since the inaugural 1961 event at Walton Heath and a very first at Hoylake.

AGW Golf Captain, Peter Dixon reports a strong field will be looking to secure the Fred Pignon trophy.

And our ETIQUS sponsor, Gary Butler again is looking forward to joining the gathering and handing over the Golfer of the Year award.

FINAL REMINDER – 2018 AGW MEMBERS HANDBOOK

And a final reminder to those who have changed address or other contact details in the past 12 months, and who have not already done so, to advise me before the 2018 AGW Members handbook goes to print.

Also, a last chance to have you Twitter account included in the new members handbook.

Bernie McGuire, Secretary.

DECEMBER 2017 – AGW NEWSLETTER

Greetings AGW Members,

Please find below the AGW’s December bulletin and in emailing the last bulletin of the year may I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a successful and rewarding 2018 – and a year the AGW will celebrate our 80^th anniversary.

AGW 2017 GOLF WRITERS TROPHY WINNER

Firstly, thank you to all those members who voted for our 2017 AGW Golf Writers Trophy.

Here is the result of voting with just four of the nominations being awarded a No. 1 vote by members:

Sergio Garcia – 68%

Tommy Fleetwood – 18%

Jon Rahm – 9%

Justin Rose – 5%

It is the second occasion Sergio Garcia has won the Golf Writers Trophy after receiving the award firstly in 1999.

To read the AGW press release announcing Sergio’s award click on:-

https://www.agwgolf.org/sergio-garcia-wins-coveted-agw-golf-writers-trophy-for-2017/

And here are some links to the news including the European Tour:-

http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/news/newsid=339176.html

http://www.skysports.com/golf/news/12176/11166762/sergio-garcia-wins-golf-writers-trophy-after-masters-victory

http://www.golfbytourmiss.com/2017/12/sergio-garcia-wins-coveted-2017-agw-golfer-writers-trophy/

http://top-sportsmagazine.com/2017/12/11/sergio-garcia-wins-agw-golf-writers-trophy/

http://www.golf-monthly.co.uk/news/sergio-garcia-named-agw-golf-writers-trophy-147555

Sergio will be officially presented with the award at next year’s AGW annual dinner during 2008 Open Championship week at Carnoustie.

Also thank you for your nominations for the AGWs Open Award and AGW Services to Golf award.  The committee will now consider all nominations ahead of announcing our award winners at Carnoustie.

Breaking news ….

Sergio responded late Monday (US time) to our award with the following tweet.

Thank you @AGWgolfwriters for choosing me as their 2017 AGW Golf Writers Trophy winner. Great honor to receive this award for the 2nd time in my career https://t.co/TD8jf59iEn

— Sergio Garcia (@TheSergioGarcia) December 12, 2017

Assoc Golf Writers @AGWgolfwriters

CONGRATULATIONS @TheSergioGarcia @TheAngelaAkins overwhelmingly voted by @AGWgolfwriters members as winner ‘Golf Writers Trophy’ for 2017

Look forward very much to award presentation during 2018 @TheOpen @carnoustiegolf

See story – https://t.co/orsoOJIC79 pic.twitter.com/a3PRy0Yd22

— Assoc Golf Writers (@AGWgolfwriters) December 11, 2017

BOB RODRIGO (Rodney) – Passes away June 2015.

It is sad always to report the passing of one of our colleagues but in Bob Rodrigo’s case it is very disappointing only to learn recently of his passing more than two years ago.

And this was after emails to Bob’s address kept bouncing back unclaimed.  The AGW, however, was not alone as his passing seemingly was missed at first by the Mirror newspaper where he had worked.

Bob joined the AGW in 1963 so he was a member for some 52-years.

A Google search revealed the following below while he was the author of a close to a dozen books including the The Birdie Book:  A Miscellany of Golf.

Here is the tribute appearing on the Association of Mirror Pensioners website:-

Occasionally the old chums’ Mirror telegraph lets us down, and it’s sad to say that we heard only recently that author and Daily Mirror journalist BOB RODNEY (real name Robert Rodrigo) died on June 29 (2015), aged 87.

Bob was born in 1928 and enjoyed a long career, from 1946, as a reporter and sub-editor dealing with news and sport. In later years he was the manager of the Daily Mirror Punters Club. He was also a golf writer, PR, press officer, and author of 12 books. He devised the Daily Mirror Racing Diary which he continued to produce until 2011.

He was very proud of his longevity in journalism, and in tribute we are pleased to reproduce his story from Mirror Pensioner August, 2011. Under the headline “Am I the longest-serving man from the Mirror?” he asked:

DOES any current Mirror Pensioner have a longer association with the paper than I have?  From the time I was 12, I used to “assist” my father, also named Robert Rodrigo and also a user of the family pen-name of Bob Rodney. He was Newmarket correspondent (which meant, mostly, writing about racing) for a number of newspapers and agencies, including the Daily Mirror.

My job generally was to write different versions of stories he had unearthed, especially at the various bloodstock sales which took place regularly at Tattersalls Newmarket sales ring.

Three days after the Second World War broke out father joined the Army, and when it became clear that the “war wasn’t going to be over by Christmas”, I began to transmit some of the information which was still coming in from his sources.

Probably the best story I sent to the Mirror then was about the woman Army driver who managed to make contact with the string of horses trained by Frank Butters, and the injured Hyder Ali, which was the Aga Khan’s chief hope of winning the wartime Derby of that year.

In April 1946, when I was about to be called up for National Service, I wrote to the Mirror asking whether I might send them news items that weren’t contravening any laws. Luckily for me news editor Robert Connell replied he would “always be glad to consider them”.

Call it 73 years of working for the Mirror – as of this year – I have again provided the copy for the Daily Mirror Racing Diary.  – Robert Rodrigo (aka Bob Rodney)

Tony Stenson writes –

I worked with Bob Rodney (real name Robert Rodrigo) at the Daily Mirror and at the time knew him well.

He was the Mirror’s golf writer before Ron Wills, and was also well known in the racing circles, where his father was a Newmarket correspondent.

Bob was author of many books and not just on golf or horse racing as he wrote books about how your life is dictated by the stars and bio-rhythms.

Some of more popular books included: The Birdie Book:  A Miscellany of Golf (1967) , the Berlin Airlift (1960), Search and Rescue (1958) and The Racing Game: A History of Flat Racing (Released 1^st Jan, 1958).Bob writing his own tribute under the headline “Am I the longest-serving man from the Mirror?”

Gordon Richardson writes …

Bob Rodney seconded my nomination for AGW membership (Ron Heager proposed me) and we worked side by side for several years.  I remember he and I toured the catacombs in Rome together one wet World Cup day.

Very sad to hear belatedly of his passing…he was a larger than life character, not at all typical of Daily Mirror correspondents.  Ron Wills succeeded him as the Mirror golf correspondent.  Bob was very knowledgeable about horseracing, who normally addressed me as ‘my dear boy’.

‘SALUDOS’ FROM MIKE BRITTEN

Mike Britten sends his greetings from Spain.  Mike has been a member of the AGW since 1974 and also is a Life member of the AGW.

He emailed me recently along with sending a great picture of himself with his daughter, Jenny.

And belated congratulations to Mike who celebrated his 80^th birthday last March.

I am still living in Spain in the house on the hill I bought in 1995. You remember that I retired after the 1997 Ryder Cup when Seve led Europe to triumph and Costa Rocca sent Tiger Woods home with a flea in his ear. Those were the days!

I don’t play golf anymore, I lost interest after the death of Seve and my clubs are now locked away in a cupboard gathering dust. Anyway, the game has lost its appeal. It requires a minimum of 5 hours to play a round, 6 in the summer when the temperature gets into the 90’s. On top of that it costs too much – around £100 including a buggy and I would rather spend the money on something else – like a good meal with wine.

I bought and sold 2 Finca’s (fruit farms) in the last 10 years, I have given up writing and now concentrate solely on lotus eating. My daughter Jenny and son-in-law Bill followed me out here in 2003 and live next door. My eldest grandson is in his 3rd year at Canterbury University studying Sports Psychology and the younger one is in his final year of A levels.

Jenny is a teacher at the local International School and Bill works for a Finance Company in Gibraltar.

I am now an octogenarian – I celebrated my 80th birthday in March this year having survived the usual old age problems of triple bypass, prostrate cancer and diabetes type 2. I keep in touch with a few of my contemporises (cards at Christmas) but as you say the whole golf writing scene has changed. There used to be tournaments and golf writers all over Spain but now they are as rare as snowflakes in Marbella!

But what’s to complain about, the climate is perfect the high-speed trains run on time and the motorways are empty. I feel very fortunate.

Attached is a photograph of me and my daughter at a local restaurant on my 80th.

Best wishes

Mike

• You can email Mike – email hidden; JavaScript is required

BONJOUR FROM GORDON RICHARDSON

I received also a wonderful email and photo from Gordon Richardson that Gordon is happy to share with all members, and it comes with his and Louisette’s best wishes.

And I know all members will wish Gordon also a belated ‘Happy 80^th Birthday’.

Bonjour Bernie.. Great to hear from you. First things first. my address, phone, e-mail are exactly as printed in the handbook. I stayed in the Charente for a while after Anne died on our 43rd wedding anniversary – September 1,2005 – then moved down to the Dordogne in 2010 after meeting my new partner, Louisette, on the Paris-Bordeaux TGV.

I’ve been French resident for more than 20 years. My daughter Joanna, a ceramicist and sculptor like her mum, lives with her partner near Lille and I have a brother living in the Charente and although I have a son, Justin, and four petites fillies, including seven-year old twins, based in London I very much live my life on this side of the Channel.   Hence the disconnection with the world of golf journalism I inhabited for over 40 years.

I turned 80 in September and Louisette turned 81 in October. Thanks to your impressively energetic output I am always up to scratch with AGW affairs, if not with all the names and backgrounds of new members. Mitchell (Platts) and I, of course, have history going back to our days with the Hayters Sports Agency. We toured the Continent tournament circuit together in his Fiat Mirafiori ….I was presented with a silver plaque for covering a record number of Italian Opens! Your secretarial predecessor, Renton Laidlaw and I pioneered the Safari Circuit of Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana…we shared exotic memories when I spoke on the phone with him yesterday as he battles courageously to regain his fighting form after such grave illnesses.

I first met Renton at the 1966 Wentworth Foursomes, along with AGW giants like Henry Longhurst, Leonard Crawley, Pat Ward-Thomas and Mark Wilson, now 90 years old – what a servant of our Association he has been.

Old friends I used to write about like Ewan Murray, Richard Boxall, Andy Coltart and Jamie Spence keep me abreast of current tournament affairs via Sky Sports now I have put golfing globe-trotting behind me. 

Although dipping sterling values post Brexit are making holes in my pension payments I am content in my retirement amidst the vins rouges of sunny South West France but it is always a pleasure to reconnect with the working life I enjoyed so much

Best wishes, Gordon.

• You can email Gordon at email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

AGW – 25^TH HOME INTERNATIONALS

Scottish-born AGW members, including victory hero Tony ‘Tartan’ McStenson, continue to bask in the glory of their 25^th AGW Home International success in Turkey.

For those who missed the match report click on:-

https://www.agwgolf.org/home-internationals-2017-golden-memories-from-the-silver-anniversary/

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP – DIGITAL MEDIA POLICY

Thank you to our many ‘digital media’ interested members who submitted reports in relation to the R & As ‘Digital Media’ policy at the Open Championship.

The R & A has been fully made aware of our concerns and, we believe, incorporating the points the AGW raised in a new digital media policy going forward.

And the R & A has ensured the AGW we will be made aware of a new revised policy and be afforded further input, if necessary, ahead of next year’s Open at Carnoustie.

AGW COMMITTEE MEETING WITH THE EUROPEAN TOUR

Unfortunately, time did not allow the European Tour media officials to meet with the AGW committee during the week of the DP World Tour Championship.

A meeting is now being planned for next month during the week of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship so if any member does have issue they wished raised with the Tour then please email me.

THIN EDGE OF THE WEDGE  – New Donald Steel Book.

If you are looking for a wonderful book to read over the Christmas festive season or a gift for a golf-loving member of your family then consider – The Thin Edge of the Wedge.

 

The book is latest by former AGW President and also Treasurer Donald Steel containing a near 200-page superbly presented memoir of Donald’s more than 50-ears as a dual golf writer and golf architect.

The forward was written by Donald’s long-time dear friend and also AGW Vice-President, Sir Michael Bonallack and with the book containing many marvellous photographs of Donald along with photos of other AGW ‘legends’ in Bernard Darwin, Henry Longhurst and Pat Ward-Thomas.

The final few pages of the book feature a ‘Scrapbook and Appendices’ with copies of Sunday Telegraph and Country Life newspaper articles written by Donald and that make for superb reading.

Details in how to obtain a copy of the book appears hereunder.

And in helping promote the publication, the AGW extends Donald also a belated ‘Happy 80^th Birthday’ .. that is three in the one bulletin.

AUSTRALIAN GOLF MEDIA ASSOCATION – NEW EXECUTIVE

The Australian Golf Media Association (former Australian Golf Writers Association) has appointed a new President and Secretary and with details hereunder:

President – Martin Blake (Contact – Mobile + 61 418 148 662.  E-mail – email hidden; JavaScript is required )

Secretary – Brendan James (Contact – + 61 418 629 592.  E-mail email hidden; JavaScript is required )

Treasurer – George Begg (Contact – + 61 3 409 381 192 e-mail email hidden; JavaScript is required )

Martin (Golf Australia) takes over from Brendan Moloney, who had been on the executive for 31-years and nine years as President, while George Begg, who had been Secretary/Treasurer for more than two decades since 1995, has handed over the Secretary’s role to Golf Australian Magazine Editor, Brendan James.

Brendan Moloney and George expressed their delight to receive congratulatory emails from AGW Chairman, Iain Carter and GWAA President, Gary Van Sickle.

Though sadly Brendan’s wife passed away just days after his official AGMA annual dinner presentation.

2018 MASTERS ACCREDITATION

The media accreditation process for the 2018 Masters opened on December 1^st and closes February 1^st, 2018

All accreditation enquires to email hidden; JavaScript is required

2018 EUROPEAN TOUR ACCREDITATION

AGW members are reminded, and if you have not already done so, you can apply for AGW endorsed European Tour accreditation.

All enquiries to:  email hidden; JavaScript is required

The AGW does advise the Tour of all new full members but if you have missed out please email Kate Wright.

2018 PGA TOUR ACCREDITATION

AGW members who wish to seek full PGA Tour accreditation for the new 2017/18 wraparound season should email Tracey Veal.

Tracey’s email address is:  email hidden; JavaScript is required

RYDER CUP ACCREDITATION

The European Tour advises the accreditation process for the 2018 Ryder Cup should get underway around April/early May next year.

CONGRATULATIONS – Michael McEwan.

Congratulations to Bunkered Digital Editor, Michael McEwan and his wife, Juliet on the birth of their first child – a daughter named Sadie.

OUR CONDOLENCES – Isabel Trillo

The AGW extends our sincerest condolences in learning the bofriend to Isabel Trillo has passed away.

Our thoughts are with Isabel at this time.

THE LONG AND THE TALL OF AGW REPORTING

AGW member Tony Jimenez clearly found himself ‘stretched’ in getting a Turkish Airlines Open scoop from Chris Wood. 

JOHN HUGGAN – Not saying a word!

The following appeared on a Twitter page during the recent Australian Open that John had travelled to Sydney to cover.

JEFF BABINEAU – Email change

Would members please note a change in email address for Jeff Babineau.    email hidden; JavaScript is required

THANK YOU’S 

Lastly, and in no particular order, a special thank you to your fellow AGW members for their invaluable support throughout the past year.

Peter Dixon again for his great work as AGW Golf Captain.

Robin Barwick for his efforts in arranging the production and printing of the AGW Member handbooks and diaries.

Mike Harris at Golf Monthly for his wonderful work again in producing the AGW Annual Dinner menu.

Bob Davies, David Hamilton and Andy Farrell for their tireless work in ensuring another successful AGW annual dinner.

Mark Garrod for his work every week in running the AGWs Pick Your Pro competition.

Peter Higgs in arranging the distribution of the AGW Christmas hampers.

David Facey & Martin Dempster in helping arrange what clearly was a very successful 25^th anniversary AGW Home Internationals in Turkey.

Tony Rushmer for his input in helping organise sponsorship of Pick Your Pro and the AGWs Golf Writers Championship.

And a last thank you to the AGW executive and all members for their support and encouragement throughout 2017.

Merry Christmas to all members and look forward to seeing you in the AGWs 80^th year.

Bernie McGuire,  Secretary

FEBRUARY 2018 – AGW NEWSLETTER

Celebrating 80 years  1938 – 2018

AGW GOLF OUTINGS – APRIL 23^rd  – Important Notice.

As advised in January’s newsletter the AGW was set to tee-up at Panmure on Monday April, 23^rd to contest the Presidents Putter.

Since this arrangement, AGW Golf Captain Peter Dixon and myself learned a Senior Open Championship media day is to be held on the Old Course at St. Andrews that same day.

Panmure was informed and with a request if we could possibly move the outing to late on Wednesday July 18 and the eve of The Open that would also accommodate many of our US-based members attending The Open but then Panmure advised it is booked solid that day.

Gordon Simpson is co-ordinating the Senior Open media day at St. Andrews and the AGW will move the staging of the 2018 Presidents Putter to this day.

Arrangements remain unchanged for the R & A Salver to be played on Tuesday, 24^th April in conjunction with the R & As media outing at Carnoustie that day.

Both Gordon and Mary Flanagan (R & A) will shortly be emailing invitations.

I hope this news has not caused too much inconvenience to those who have already booked hotels in the Panmure/Carnoustie region.

EAMONN POWER – Passes away

Sadly, and so soon after the passing of Mickey Britten, and the AGW lost another of our Spanish-based members in Eamonn Power.

Ireland-born Eamonn, who was 77 when he died late last month, became a member of the AGW in 2005 and resided in Malaga.

Members will remember Eamonn just as he is dressed in the accompanying photograph also looking resplendent in coat and Open Championship tie.  He attended The Open on 11 occasions from 1997 up to an including 2012 representing Andalucia Golf who kindly forwarded me the photograph.

Fellow AGW members Dermot Gilleece, Norman Dabell and Isabel Trillo have kindly paid formal tribute to Eamonn.

Maria Acacia López-Bachiller, who knew Jeff Kelly, Mickey Britten and Eamonn so well, has expressed her condolences.

Eamonn Power, who died recently in Spain, was originally a Dublin accountant who turned to golf journalism when he moved to the Costa del Sol about 25 years ago. He had been a member of Clontarf GC where he often filled the role of a rules official.

His move to Spain coincided with an involvement with the British company, Barrett Homes, for whom he organised customer pro-ams on the Costa. In the course of this work, he became friendly with Jeff Kelly, the editor of Andalucia Golf. Gradually, he began contributing golf-course critiques to the magazine and when Jeff died, he took over as editor.

He was a keen golfer, though not a particularly good one and was noted for his cack-handed grip, as in the left hand below the right. He became an enthusiastic member of the AGW and made frequent trips to the Open Championship. He had been married in Dublin but the marriage broke down and, to my knowledge, his wife, Aine, pre-deceased him. He leaves a daughter.

 Eamonn was 77 when he died and was buried on the Costa .. Dermot Gilleece

Eamonn was a good friend to all, ready with a handy little tit-bit about the goings on with the Tour’s Spanish players. This was especially useful in the days when there were frequent events on the Costa del Sol. He had his finger on the pulse with Jeff Kelly and kept us in touch, for instance, with the local angles during the saga over Miguel Martin being dropped from the Ryder Cup team.

Eammon loved being part of the AGW scene and was always delighted to be included in the bigger picture with events like the Open and especially when Seve’s heroes did for the US in the Ryder Cup on his home patch in 1997.

He had a lovely droll sense of humour and this was demonstrated admirably after he and I played one of the new, rather baffling, Costa del Sol courses which cost us about a dozen balls between us. He’d been asked to do a review on the layout and suggest any improvements. I understand he told the owners the view was magnificent but perhaps they should think about turning the course the other way round  … Norman Dabell

Eamonn was a lovely person.  Jeff Kelly and Eamon were the first to congratulate me when I became a member (1996) of the AGW. Eamonn explained to me what a great thing it was to become a member of the Association. I am so sad and condolences to his family … Isabel Trillo

Very sorry to learn the very sad news about Eamonn.  He was a true gentleman .. Maria Acacia.

AGW FEES NOW DUE

Members are reminded that the 2018 subscriptions are now due. Anyone requiring information on how to pay should contact treasurer Peter Higgs on email hidden; JavaScript is required

CELEBRATING THE AGWs 80^th ANNIVERSARY

As promised in January’s AGW newsletter here is another wonderful AGW photograph from the past.

Taken in 1962 at Penina GC, Portugual it features AGW members (left to right) Peter Ryde (joined AGW 1954), Donald Steel (1962) and Leonard Crawley (1945)

MASTERS ACCOMMODATION

Simon Lewis advises he has very good accommodation available for the up-coming Masters at Augusta.

It is a two-bedroomed house just off Washington Road close to I20 in a small gated community, Charleston Drive. The house has parking for two cars and the landlord is asking for $3000 for a 7-day rental, although you could arrive the Sunday before and stay eight nights.

And Simon advises there may be other houses on the street that may be available. Anyone interested can contact the owner Loren Hartley direct at email hidden; JavaScript is required

US OPEN MEDIA DETAILS – Media Outing, Accommodation, Media Centre

Media outing – Set for Monday 21^st May at Shinnecock Hills.

Media accommodation – The official hotel is Jake’s 58 Hotel & Casino in Islandia, New York and about a 30/40-minute bus ride and with wifi to be installed on all shuttle buses.  Accreditation will open in March and with all details of hotel arrangements and parking.

Media Centre – I had a good chat with USGA Press Officer, Pete Kowalski during the recent Pebble Beach Pro-Am and there will be new seating arrangements for the UK/Irish/European media and this following numerous complaints regarding the undue noise being generated by local TV in the area ‘we’ were seated at Erin Hills.

In short, the UK/Irish/European media will be moved to in front of the main TV screen and scoring.

Pete was fully aware of the many complaints his Erin Hill team received while AGW Committee member, Phil Casey has to be thanked for his input in this matter.

Also, Pete advised the media centre will be located down the first fairway, so it is going to be around a 5/10-minute walk back-and-from the ‘flash’ area.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP – Media Accommodation Deadline.

A reminder media accommodation for this year’s Open Championship at Carnoustie closes Friday, 9^th March.

Attached is the form you will to complete and it should be returned direct to Mary Flanagan at the R & A.at email address:  email hidden; JavaScript is required

The hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Carnoustie and there will coach transfers to and from the course (two morning departure times from the hotel and two evening departure times from the course).

WENTWORTH LUNCHEON AND GOLF – Celebration of AGWs 80^th.

Stephen Gibson, CEO at the Wentworth Club has kindly extended an invitation to help the AGW celebrate its 80^th anniversary with the offer of a luncheon and also golf on the famed West Course.

No date has been set but I will advise members once all details are known.

GOLF  – Week of The Open.

Scott Peddie with Performance 54 PR advises members of the AGW have been extended an invitation to play golf at Fairmont St. Andrews during the week of The Open at Carnoustie.

The golf will be complimentary to any AGW member. You can contact Scott at email – email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

PETER GODSIFF CELEBRATES 80^TH BIRTHDAY

AGW member Peter Godsiff celebrated his 80^th birthday on 11^th February and with many members paying tribute and extending their congratulations to Peter.

Rob Perkins provides a full repot of Peter’s birthday and you can read how Peter celebrated and the AGW tributes to him by clicking on the following link:-

https://www.agwgolf.org/peter-godsiff-celebrates-80th-birthday-agw-members-pay-tribute/

Here is a photo of Peter (right) celebrating with his Farrington GC buddies.

BOB WILKINSON – Passes Away

Many of the more senior AGW members would have known Bob Wilkinson, a very good friend of the AGW, and who passed away on January 22^nd.

AGW member, Mitchell Platts has penned a wonderful tribute to Bob and you can read the tribute by clicking on this link:-

https://www.agwgolf.org/bob-wilkinson-passes-away-tribute-by-mitchell-platts/

MALCOLM MASON – Passes Away.

There will be many AGW members also again sad to learn of the passing of renowned European Tour caddy, Malcolm Mason.

Of course, Malcolm was not a member of the AGW but there will be so many members who, like myself, befriended Malcolm and also benefitted so much from his tournament input.

Norman Dabell has penned a tribute to Malcolm and you read this by clicking on the link:-

https://www.agwgolf.org/popular-caddy-malcolm-mason-passes-away/

 Bernie McGuire,  Secretary.

JANUARY 2018 – AGW NEWSLETTER

Celebrating 80 years  1938 – 2018

CONGRATULATIONS – AGW CELEBRATES 80 YEARS

New Year congratulations as this year marks the 80^th anniversary of the Association of Golf Writers.

Founded at the 1938 Walker Cup when 30 newsmen and women decided there was a need for an organisation to protect the interests of golf writers, the Association heads into 2018 boasting members from five continents and 15 different countries thus reflecting the enormous international contribution to the Association’s continuing stature.

MESSAGE FROM AGW CHAIRMAN, IAIN CARTER

This is a special year for the Association as we celebrate our 80th birthday and it is worth reflecting that we remain as relevant as ever in enhancing the working environment of golf reporters.  Last year we were able to sit back in the most comfortable and ergonomically safe chairs we have ever been offered at an Open Championship.  This was down to the hard work of the AGW, and Lewine Mair in particular, in lobbying for better conditions in the Open media centre.  Changes such as these are the result of ongoing dialogues with the likes of the R and A and European Tour as we seek better facilities for our members. The Association’s archives show that this has been our mission throughout our existence, as we have sought the likes of better access to players, media centre food, car parking and accommodation options.  This work will continue into our ninth decade and is probably as vital as it has ever been.  No one needs reminding of the tight nature of the budgets of our employers and the pressures on tours and governing bodies to cut costs.  It is the Association’s job to ensure that we have the best chance of surviving cuts aimed in the direction of golf reporters.

Our Christmas hampers – brilliantly organised by our new treasurer Peter Higgs – generate many messages of heartfelt gratitude that fully justify what is a unique gesture among sports media organisations. Our dinner is regarded as arguably the leading annual social occasion in golf, attended as it is by leading players and officials from all over the world. Our golf days provide opportunities to play some of the finest courses and Peter Dixon does a fantastic job as our captain. And Pick Your Pro, so efficiently and diligently run by Mark Garrod, provides extra interest and fun for our members as golf seasons develop.

Last and most definitely not least, our secretary Bernie McGuire continues to ensure the Association is run with great energy and drive. We are by no means perfect and we don’t always achieve all our objectives, but we are an organisation that, undoubtedly, continues to command great respect among those who run the game across the globe. I believe we have much of which to be proud as we celebrate such an auspicious birthday.

Wishing you a very happy New Year,

Iain Carter,
AGW Chairman, January 2018

AGW MEMBERS 1958 OPEN AT ROYAL LYTHAM

In this 80^th year of the AGW I will be posting each month photographs of our many of the Association’s former and also founding members.

First is the glorious photograph taken of AGW members at the 1958 Open Championship at Royal Lytham and St. Annes and my thanks to Dale Concannon for the image.

We have been able to identify a few of those gathered outside the ‘state-of-the-art’ media centre but I would welcome advice from members if they can identify others in the photograph.

Front row (seated) – Geoffrey Cousins – Third AGW President, First AGW Secretary, inaugural AGW Treasurer and 1938 founding member (4^th from left); Frank Moran – Second President and founding member (5^th from left) Fred Pignon – Second AGW Chairman and founding member (far right); George Greenwood – First AGW Chairman and founding member (2^nd from right); Betty Debenham – Founding member (3^rd from right).

Back row – Percy Huggins – Fourth AGW President (2^nd from left); Leslie Edwards – Founding member (Crouching 3^rd from right)

MIKE BRITTEN – Further Tributes

AGW members will be aware of the passing a week ago of long-standing member, friend and colleague, Mickey Britten.

I received further tributes to Mickey (photo taken around 2007) that appear hereunder.

Mark Garrod ….

Goodness knows how many tournaments Micky and I both travelled to over the years, but he was as much part of the scene as any of the players whose careers we followed and definitely more colourful that the vast majority of them. We played many a round together too, perhaps most notably in what for many years was an annual clash between PA and Extel. Wentworth was the regular venue and on one particular occasion Micky was playing singles against our then sports editor Nelson Fairley and came to the last hole on the East all square. Now, as many will know from AGW outings, the 18^th is a par four with a road across the fairway and then the green to the left of a row of bunkers. After two shots Nelson was about 80 yards from the flag, but for some strange reason took a wood out of his bag and fired his third shot into the wide open space right of the bunkers, often used for car parking whenever an event was being staged. Micky, competitive character that he was, watched it all unfold with a smile on his face, knowing that it made his task of winning the hole and therefore the match far easier. And, while it might have been in the spirit of the sport to point Nelson in the right direction before he played the shot, it gave us all a laugh when they reached the bar. On another occasion at Woburn he was up against John Oakley and on one hole Micky left his trolley by his drive and went to help in a search for John’s ball. Once it was found, he returned to his bag, only to discover his ball was no longer to be seen. Accusations flew across the fairway of said ball being pinched and it ended with John – principal target of the accusations – walking off the course in fury at being accused of such a crime. It took quite some time before they started talking to each other again.

I see Lewine has referred to another incident in Majorca involving Micky and Norman (Dabell, of course) and I don’t mind filling in the blanks. Norman was in the process of doing a BBC radio report when “noises off” distracted him. Given his not-always –harmonious working relationship with Micky, Norman let out the cry: “Shut up, you stumpy little bastard”. For all I know, it’s still kept amongst the out-takes at what is now BBC Five Live.  Next morning Micky turns up with a shirt bearing the initials “SB” – I think it stood for “Seve Ballesteros”, but the alternative stuck.

On another trip, to Thailand for the Johnnie Walker Classic, Norman was chatting to colleagues about his eventful previous life in the Navy and it cropped up that he was a “radio operator, second class”. Quick as a flash, Micky chipped in: “Nothing’s changed then”.

Micky and Gordon Richardson formed a formidable freelance duo as the European Tour spread its wings and, as others have noted, were both mighty fine operators. Paul Trow is most certainly right when he talks about Micky’s bark being worse than his bite, but that bark took no prisoners. Nick Faldo’s famous “an ouef is an ouef” during one French Open was in response to one particular grilling. Yet there were laughs most days too and his retirement to Spain certainly brought out the best in him. He turned up at one event at Valderrama loaded with avocados for us to try, as if they were something we might never have seen before.

The picture of him and daughter Jenni from his 80^th birthday last year prompted me to send a Xmas card to wish him well. To then read of his death was a real shock, but we will always have the memories.

Tony Jimenez …

Mike was my first NUJ FOC when I started out as a young pup of a sports journo at Extel many moons ago.

When my colleagues and I used to get ready to consult him about union issues we would always share a collective giggle,  guesstimating how long it would take for Mike to come back with the inevitable stony-faced response, ‘well, I’m not happy about that’.

A great character. Gone but not forgotten.  RIP Mike

John Hopkins …

I first met Mickey at a swimming event in Blackpool some time between 1972 and 1976. I was writing about sport for The Sunday Times and in 1976 would go to the Montreal Olympics to do just that. He was working for EXTEL, which I later learned stood for Exchange Telegraph. 

I don’t remember much about the swimming though I suspect David Wilkie, who would win a gold medal in the 200 metres breastroke in Montreal, and Brian Brinkley,  a perennial British freestyle champion who swam well but never made it onto a really important international podium, were there.  I can’t forget a train journey back with Mickey, a little man who could wind his neck out, jut his jaw and make himself seem much taller. With these gestures he seemed to be saying: “oi mate. Want to make something of it?” Many were the fools who wanted to. You took on Mickey Britten only if you were absolutely sure of your ground. If he took you on then it was a penny to a pound you’d be bruised at the end of such an encounter – if you had not lost it completely. What’s the cliche? It’s not the size of the dog in the fight….I have rarely met anyone who personifies that so well though Ian Woosnam, Corey Pavin (and maybe Ken Schofield) come close. 

My defining memory of him is long after we had met on that train journey. It was some time in the late 90s and I was at the qualifying school in southern Spain covering it for The Times and he was there,though I can’t for the life of me think who he was working for. It was a long day and something mildly interesting happened mid-afternoon. It didn’t affect my piece and if the truth be told it probably didn’t affect Mickey’s either. But like the incomparable Mark Garrod a few years later, his agency training made him relentless in his pursuit of an official explanation from someone in authority  as to what precisely had happened. He was extraordinarily thorough, as Mark was. 

I remember looking up from my computer late on and seeing him coming in to the media centre, notebook in hand, a few swear words on his lips, white shoes on his feet, shorts on his legs and a garish shirt on his shoulders, having found out exactly what had happened. He didn’t ignore it; leave it to others to find out; he had to get to the bottom of it himself. That was his nature. If he didn’t know something or didn’t understand something he would not rest until someone had explained what had happened and why – to Mickey’s satisfaction and he sometimes took a long time to be satisfied. Indeed, sometimes he was never satisfied. An outstanding quality for a journalist. Not many journalists have it.

When the 1997 Ryder Cup was at Valderrama I rented his house for myself and my colleagues on The Times – Rob Hughes, Mike Calvin and Marc Aspland, the wonderful photographer. Also with us was Lynne (Eats, Shoots and Leaves) Truss. “She’s come to do your washing, has she?” Mickey said to me when I told him the complement of The Times’s team. 

You may remember how the night before the first day’s play a fierce storm hit the Costa del Sol or Costa del Golf as it knew itself. Itcaused the electricity to go off in the house. When I reported this to Mickey he said: “plugged her curlers in wrongly, I expect.”

I read the news of his 80th birthday and thought to myself: “I must drop him a note and congratulate him.” Can’t now. It’s too late. Damn. 

CHIKY ISABEL TRILLO AMORES

I’m so sad for Mike.  He was one of the first international journalist I met in the Media Center of World Cup in Las Brisas, Spain in 1989.

He was very special person, no easy in the first contact, but when you touch his heart you can find a friend, good friend, for all your life.

First time we played golf together was at Mijas Golf Club with his ‘rookie’ girlfriend and my ‘rookie’ boyfriend we enjoy a lot, much fun.

When Mike work, was serious; When Mike played golf, it was fun and you always learned something.

Thanks Mike for your friendship. 

Mickey’s daughter, Jenni sent me two superb photographs – one of Mickey above and one taken (see hereunder) of the AGW team chosen for the 1986 Kubota Challenge.

PADDY MEARING – 90^TH BIRTHDAY

The AGW extended its best wishes and congratulations to Paddy Mearing who turned 90^th late last year.

Paddy joined the AGW in 1970 and the same year as Ron Skelton, John Oakley and former President Ron Moseley.

Thank you to Paddy’s nephew for the photograph and wishing Paddy a very healthy 2018.

AGW ANNUAL FEES

Annual fees are now due from all Full members of the AGW and under the age of 65.

 If you have not already made ‘direct debit’ arrangements then please do so.

The AGWs bank account details

BANK: LLOYDS TSB; SORT CODE: 309762; ACCOUNT NUMBER: 02796359; ACCOUNT NAME:   Association of Golf Writers

And a note to our members living outside of the UK as you can pay your £50 annual subscription into the AGWs new PayPal account.

The PayPal account email address is – email hidden; JavaScript is required

Any queries, please contact new AGW Treasurer, Peter Higgs at the same email address.

2018 PICK YOUR PRO

Mark Garrod has advised he is happy again to co-ordinate the running this year the very popular Pick Your Pro.

Mark advises this year’s competition will get underway starting at next week’s Dubai Desert Classic.

PYP selection forms and details of the competition have been sent in a separate email.

AND for a first occasion those entering the competition will be asked to select the AGW member winning the AGWs 2018 ETIQUS – Golfer of the Year.

Any questions re the running of the competition please contact Mark at email: email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

2018 AGW MEMBERS HANDBOOK

Robin Barwick advises the 80^th anniversary edition of the AGW Members handbook is in the final draft stages and should be heading to the printers shortly.

AGW CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

The feedback from those members who received one of the ‘famed’ AGW Christmas hamper has been wonderful and it is nice to know they were again well received so thank you to all those who went to the trouble to send their thanks.

The AGW is indebted to new Treasurer Peter Higgs for his efforts in arranging the despatch of the hampers.

Not to single out any particular member but I do wish share with members examples of thank you notes received and with our two colleagues more than happy for their comments to be shared with the members …………..

Peter Haslam ….Will you please pass on my good wishes for a successful and happy new year to the officers and members of AGW. Also, please thank them for the quite wonderful Christmas hamper of goodies which I received just before Christmas. It is so heartening and comforting to know that my former colleagues remember me from time to time. I really am very grateful and I will use one of the contents of the hamper to toast the health of the association tonight.  For myself, at the age of 84 i am reasonably well but still having treatment for prostate cancer. Alas, my wife, Valerie is very ill.  Best wishes, from Peter Haslam.

And John Whitbread, who looks ahead to a far brighter and healthier New Year, posted a thank you note that really goes to the heart in sending out the hampers. Wishing John a brighter 2018.

I have always been a very proud member of the Association of Golf Writers. I am now a very humble and grateful one.
The year of 2017 has been a very tough one for me, battling against the Black Dog as Winston Churchill so aptly described this miserable condition.
So getting this wonderfully generous Christmas hamper arrive out of the blue has been an unexpected and heart-warming treat.
I have been fortunate over the years to work alongside and become friends with so many tremendous colleagues in the AGW, who have always been so generous with their time and help. This gift is another example of what makes the AGW so special and I cannot thank you all enough. With best wishes for Christmas and 2018.

Members can reach out to both Peter at the following address  email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required while John can be reached at email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

MESSAGE FROM JEREMY CHAPMAN

Congratulations on a fabulously interesting Christmas newsletter, Bernie – it was great to hear from my old muckers Gordon Richardson and Mike Britten. Those were the days! I covered 35 Opens, mostly for the late, lamented Sporting Life and latterly Racing Post and both were a great help to me, especially with regard to transport.

I’ve just turned 76 and never expected to get there after a horrendous year in which I never had a single day of good health. I was unable to get the clubs out of the garage even once and tomorrow I am having yet another operation, this time for bladder cancer. Luckily, I have the greatest carer in the world, my wonderful wife Christa.

I have also just “celebrated” the first anniversary of being ‘Nil By Mouth’ and feeding through a stomach peg because my swallow apparatus no longer works. Sadly, it is a permanent problem so there is no point in going to the AGW dinner or Golfer of the Year lunch.

The last time I played golf was when I won the AGW Championship at Wentworth at the end of 2016 at the age of 74. What a wonderful way to go out and I’ll always remember playing partner Brian Creighton’s little speech about me.

I’m still writing every Tuesday in the Racing & Football Outlook and on the big days for Racing Post. It is the work that has kept me going and I am very grateful for it.

I miss you all and wish everyone a warm Christmas and a successful 2018.

Jeremy

I am sure Jeremy would love to hear from members.  His email address is:  email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

MESSAGE FROM KEITH MACKIE

What a wonderful surprise. Please thank everyone at the AGW for the unexpected and lovely Christmas hamper. Chris and I are lucky that all our family live no further away than Perth and Edinburgh and they will all gather here in St Andrews at Christmas. With 13 of us in the house you can be sure the hamper will be thoroughly enjoyed by all.

I’m due to join the hardy band of AGW octogenarians in a few months but have had a running bout with cancer for the past 11 years. Hopefully a new treatment will stop it spreading further. I get the latest scan results on December 22 so the bottle of Bucks Fizz may well be the hamper’s first casualty.

Wishing everyone at the AGW a great Christmas and a fantastic 80th year.

And Keith would also be delighted to hear from his many AGW friends at email address: email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

Also, the AGW extends a ‘speedy recovery’ to John Bowles who looks after our trophies requests and so on.  John had a recent fall fracturing a couple of ribs.

NEW POSTINGS FOR AGW MEMBERS

US-based AGW members Jaime Diaz and Tim Rosaforte have begun the New Year on a positive note and we wish them well.

Full story please click on the following link: 

http://www.golfchannel.com/article/press-releases/award-winning-journalists-jaime-diaz-tim-rosaforte-exclusively-joining-golf-channel-2018

I am still awaiting new email addresses for both Jaime and Tim.

MATERS ACCREDITATION – Deadline 1^st February.

A reminder the deadline for 2018 Masters accreditation is 1^st February.

Applications for accreditation should be addressed to Melissa Lyles at email:-

email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP – Media Accommodation.

The R & A advise media accommodation is available for this year’s Open Championship at Carnoustie.

Attached is the form you will to complete and it should be returned direct to Mary Flanagan at the R & A.at email address:  email hidden; JavaScript is required 

Forms need to be sent to Mary by Friday 9 March 2018.  The hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Carnoustie and we will arrange coach transfers to and from the course (two morning departure times from the hotel and two evening departure times from the course).

2018 AGW ‘ROAD TO HOYLAKE’ GOLF OUTINGS

It is may only be the first week in January but the AGW is able to confirm two golfing AGW ‘Road to Hoylake’ golf outings in our 80^th year.

Presidents Putter – Panmure GC, Monday 23^rd April, 2018.

Panmure has been confirmed to host the AGWs President Putter event around 11am on Monday 23^rd April.

The club has offered the AGW five tee times and complimentary soup and sandwiches beforehand.

Panmure has played host to the AGW twice before in 1986 and 1975 and with the Club Captain, Secretary and Head Pro looking forward to welcoming back the AGW.

AGW Golf Captain, Peter Dixon will be in contract closer to the date re all details.

R & A Salver – Carnoustie, Tuesday 24^th April, 2018

The R & A Salver will again be held concurrent with the R & As Media Facilitation day on Tuesday, 24^th April at Carnoustie and host venue for this year’s Open Championship.

Hopefully, this early heads-up of the Presidents Putter and R & A Salver will assist those wishing to travel to Scotland for the two AGW events.

Approaches will be made in the interim to establish if there might be a ‘media’ hotel in the region for the night of Monday 23^rd April.

And Peter Dixon will liaise with Mary Flanagan at the R & A, who will be forwarding invitations to members to attend the day.

You can contact Peter on email – email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

COLIN FARQUHARSON – CELEBRATES 80^th BIRTHDAY

Staying in Scotland and it was clearly a very joyous occasion further north in Aberdeen when Colin Farquharson was surrounded by family and friends on the occasion of his 80^th (December 28^th).

Joining Colin, who has been an AGW member since 1974, was his wife, Ethel and daughter, Elaine Farquharson-Black. Elaine is 2018 Captain of the GB & I Curtis Cup side looking to successfully defend the trophy in June at Quaker Ridge in the States after Elaine led the side to victory two years ago in Ireland. 

Colin says he will be on hand in New York State to again cover the event.

And Colin has asked me to thank all those AGW members who kindly posted birthday cards and sent congratulatory emails.

GOLFING BOOKS, MEDIA GUIDES & PROGRAMMES

New AGW Dinner Secretary, Trevor Peake is moving house and advises he has a big collection of golfing books along with media guides, programmes and so on.

If anyone is interested in helping Trevor ‘move’ his great collection then you can reach him on UK phone – 01925 229274 or email:-  email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

Trevor, however, advises you will have to collect the books in person.

2017 – The AGW YEAR IN REVIEW

A quick look back on the news that made AGW’s headlines during the past year.

AGW Golfer of the Year – Henrik Stenson

Outstanding Services to Golf Award – Peter Dawson

Arnold Palmer Open Award – Justin Rose

ETIQUS AGW Golfer of the Year – Colin Callander

Ron Moseley Memorial Trophy – Mark Townsend (Kingsbarns Links)

Presidents Putter – Dick Turner (Hillside)

R & A Salver – Rob Perkins (Royal Birkdale)

Michael Williams Hogget –David Facey (Royal Portrush)

Golf Writers ‘Road To Hoylake’ Championship –  Rob Perkins (Royal Liverpool)

Winner 25^th Anniversary AGW Home Internationals – Scotland

New Members – Peter Finian

Supplementary Members – Ananda Datla, Richard Gills, Karl Hansell, Brian McLauchlin,

Life Membership Honours – Pat Ruddy.

Twenty-Year Achievement – Bob Davies steps down proudly as the AGWs second longest-serving Treasurer (1997-2017)

Golf Hall of Fame – AGW Founding member Henry Longhurst voted into Golf’s Hall of Fame.

Will Be Missed – John Pinner, Bob (Rodney) Rodrigo, John Jacobs (Vice-President).

In conclusion, wishing all AGW members good health and golfing in this 80^th anniversary year.

Bernie McGuire,

Secretary.

FEBRUARY 2018 – AGW NEWSLETTER

Celebrating 80 years  1938 – 2018

AGW GOLF OUTINGS – APRIL 23^rd  – Important Notice.

As advised in January’s newsletter the AGW was set to tee-up at Panmure on Monday April, 23^rd to contest the Presidents Putter.

Since this arrangement, AGW Golf Captain Peter Dixon and myself learned a Senior Open Championship media day is to be held on the Old Course at St. Andrews that same day.

Panmure was informed and with a request if we could possibly move the outing to late on Wednesday July 18 and the eve of The Open that would also accommodate many of our US-based members attending The Open but then Panmure advised it is booked solid that day.

Gordon Simpson is co-ordinating the Senior Open media day at St. Andrews and the AGW will move the staging of the 2018 Presidents Putter to this day.

Arrangements remain unchanged for the R & A Salver to be played on Tuesday, 24^th April in conjunction with the R & As media outing at Carnoustie that day.

Both Gordon and Mary Flanagan (R & A) will shortly be emailing invitations.

I hope this news has not caused too much inconvenience to those who have already booked hotels in the Panmure/Carnoustie region.

EAMONN POWER – Passes away

Sadly, and so soon after the passing of Mickey Britten, and the AGW lost another of our Spanish-based members in Eamonn Power.

Ireland-born Eamonn, who was 77 when he died late last month, became a member of the AGW in 2005 and resided in Malaga.

Members will remember Eamonn just as he is dressed in the accompanying photograph also looking resplendent in coat and Open Championship tie.  He attended The Open on 11 occasions from 1997 up to an including 2012 representing Andalucia Golf who kindly forwarded me the photograph.

Fellow AGW members Dermot Gilleece, Norman Dabell and Isabel Trillo have kindly paid formal tribute to Eamonn.

Maria Acacia López-Bachiller, who knew Jeff Kelly, Mickey Britten and Eamonn so well, has expressed her condolences.

Eamonn Power, who died recently in Spain, was originally a Dublin accountant who turned to golf journalism when he moved to the Costa del Sol about 25 years ago. He had been a member of Clontarf GC where he often filled the role of a rules official.

His move to Spain coincided with an involvement with the British company, Barrett Homes, for whom he organised customer pro-ams on the Costa. In the course of this work, he became friendly with Jeff Kelly, the editor of Andalucia Golf. Gradually, he began contributing golf-course critiques to the magazine and when Jeff died, he took over as editor.

He was a keen golfer, though not a particularly good one and was noted for his cack-handed grip, as in the left hand below the right. He became an enthusiastic member of the AGW and made frequent trips to the Open Championship. He had been married in Dublin but the marriage broke down and, to my knowledge, his wife, Aine, pre-deceased him. He leaves a daughter.

 Eamonn was 77 when he died and was buried on the Costa .. Dermot Gilleece

Eamonn was a good friend to all, ready with a handy little tit-bit about the goings on with the Tour’s Spanish players. This was especially useful in the days when there were frequent events on the Costa del Sol. He had his finger on the pulse with Jeff Kelly and kept us in touch, for instance, with the local angles during the saga over Miguel Martin being dropped from the Ryder Cup team.

Eammon loved being part of the AGW scene and was always delighted to be included in the bigger picture with events like the Open and especially when Seve’s heroes did for the US in the Ryder Cup on his home patch in 1997.

He had a lovely droll sense of humour and this was demonstrated admirably after he and I played one of the new, rather baffling, Costa del Sol courses which cost us about a dozen balls between us. He’d been asked to do a review on the layout and suggest any improvements. I understand he told the owners the view was magnificent but perhaps they should think about turning the course the other way round  … Norman Dabell

Eamonn was a lovely person.  Jeff Kelly and Eamon were the first to congratulate me when I became a member (1996) of the AGW. Eamonn explained to me what a great thing it was to become a member of the Association. I am so sad and condolences to his family … Isabel Trillo

Very sorry to learn the very sad news about Eamonn.  He was a true gentleman .. Maria Acacia.

AGW FEES NOW DUE

Members are reminded that the 2018 subscriptions are now due. Anyone requiring information on how to pay should contact treasurer Peter Higgs on email hidden; JavaScript is required

CELEBRATING THE AGWs 80^th ANNIVERSARY

As promised in January’s AGW newsletter here is another wonderful AGW photograph from the past.

Taken in 1962 at Penina GC, Portugual it features AGW members (left to right) Peter Ryde (joined AGW 1954), Donald Steel (1962) and Leonard Crawley (1945)

MASTERS ACCOMMODATION

Simon Lewis advises he has very good accommodation available for the up-coming Masters at Augusta.

It is a two-bedroomed house just off Washington Road close to I20 in a small gated community, Charleston Drive. The house has parking for two cars and the landlord is asking for $3000 for a 7-day rental, although you could arrive the Sunday before and stay eight nights.

And Simon advises there may be other houses on the street that may be available. Anyone interested can contact the owner Loren Hartley direct at email hidden; JavaScript is required

US OPEN MEDIA DETAILS – Media Outing, Accommodation, Media Centre

Media outing – Set for Monday 21^st May at Shinnecock Hills.

Media accommodation – The official hotel is Jake’s 58 Hotel & Casino in Islandia, New York and about a 30/40-minute bus ride and with wifi to be installed on all shuttle buses.  Accreditation will open in March and with all details of hotel arrangements and parking.

Media Centre – I had a good chat with USGA Press Officer, Pete Kowalski during the recent Pebble Beach Pro-Am and there will be new seating arrangements for the UK/Irish/European media and this following numerous complaints regarding the undue noise being generated by local TV in the area ‘we’ were seated at Erin Hills.

In short, the UK/Irish/European media will be moved to in front of the main TV screen and scoring.

Pete was fully aware of the many complaints his Erin Hill team received while AGW Committee member, Phil Casey has to be thanked for his input in this matter.

Also, Pete advised the media centre will be located down the first fairway, so it is going to be around a 5/10-minute walk back-and-from the ‘flash’ area.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP – Media Accommodation Deadline.

A reminder media accommodation for this year’s Open Championship at Carnoustie closes Friday, 9^th March.

Attached is the form you will to complete and it should be returned direct to Mary Flanagan at the R & A.at email address:  email hidden; JavaScript is required

The hotel is approximately 30 minutes’ drive from Carnoustie and there will coach transfers to and from the course (two morning departure times from the hotel and two evening departure times from the course).

WENTWORTH LUNCHEON AND GOLF – Celebration of AGWs 80^th.

Stephen Gibson, CEO at the Wentworth Club has kindly extended an invitation to help the AGW celebrate its 80^th anniversary with the offer of a luncheon and also golf on the famed West Course.

No date has been set but I will advise members once all details are known.

GOLF  – Week of The Open.

Scott Peddie with Performance 54 PR advises members of the AGW have been extended an invitation to play golf at Fairmont St. Andrews during the week of The Open at Carnoustie.

The golf will be complimentary to any AGW member. You can contact Scott at email – email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

PETER GODSIFF CELEBRATES 80^TH BIRTHDAY

AGW member Peter Godsiff celebrated his 80^th birthday on 11^th February and with many members paying tribute and extending their congratulations to Peter.

Rob Perkins provides a full repot of Peter’s birthday and you can read how Peter celebrated and the AGW tributes to him by clicking on the following link:-

Peter Godsiff Celebrates 80th Birthday … AGW Members Pay Tribute.

Here is a photo of Peter (right) celebrating with his Farrington GC buddies.

BOB WILKINSON – Passes Away

Many of the more senior AGW members would have known Bob Wilkinson, a very good friend of the AGW, and who passed away on January 22^nd.

AGW member, Mitchell Platts has penned a wonderful tribute to Bob and you can read the tribute by clicking on this link:-

Bob Wilkinson Passes Away – Tribute by Mitchell Platts.

MALCOLM MASON – Passes Away.

There will be many AGW members also again sad to learn of the passing of renowned European Tour caddy, Malcolm Mason.

Of course, Malcolm was not a member of the AGW but there will be so many members who, like myself, befriended Malcolm and also benefitted so much from his tournament input.

Norman Dabell has penned a tribute to Malcolm and you read this by clicking on the link:-

Popular Caddy Malcolm Mason Passes Away.

March 2018 – AGW Newsletter

Celebrating 80 Years – 1938 – 2018

Easter Greetings.

I am just managing to squeeze in a March bulletin ahead of next week’s Masters.

SERGIO GARCIA TO ATTEND AGW DINNER

With the Masters now less than a week away we’ve had good news that 2017 AGW Golfer of the Year and defending Masters Champion, Sergio Garcia will attend the AGWs annual dinner at Carnoustie.

Details of the dinner in coming months.

MARTIN HARDY

David Facey and myself bumped into Martin Hardy’s wife, Karen at last week’s WGC – Dell Technologies Match-Play event in Austin.

It was very timely as Karen provided an update on Martin who has recovered well from major heart bypass surgery and is now a whole new wardrobe of size 32 trousers.

However, Martin is now facing an operation for blood clotting in his leg.

Dave has been in regular contact with Martin while Martin replied to my own recent email.

Nice to hear from you.   Hopefully my next visit to theatre will be the last because I’m beginning to feel like I’ve been in there more often than Sir John Gielgud of late.

Heart’s ticking away merrily so once I get the circulation in my legs sorted, should be like a spring chicken again.

All the best

Martin

I know all members will join David and I in wishing Martin a speedy recovery from this latest surgery.

Those wishing to contact Martin please do so at email:  email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

LIZ KAHN – BELATED CONGRATULATIONS

Many members will be aware of the enormous contribution Liz Kahn offered over the course of her career to women’s golf.

I only became aware myself of the wonderful work Liz provided in the making of the movie – The Founders and portraying the founding by 13 women golfers of the LPGA.

Of course, the movie was released a few years ago but it has now is showing in the US on the Golf Channel and sitting down to view the movie Liz features often providing input from her many, many years of reporting on women’s golf.

If I could direct members to the following links:- http://www.thefoundersfilm.com/

Liz, Belated congratulations from all your many, many friends at the AGW.

JOCK MACVICAR – Shaping-up for 2022 Winter Olympics

Jock MacVicar is recovering from a tumble in the snow and in process injuring his shoulder.

Suffice to say the Scottish Express golf correspondent has become the fastest left-handed typist on staff.

Seriously, we all wish a speedy recovery back to good health.

2018 MEMBERS FEES

Another reminder to advise there is still members not financial and could they please forward their fees payment to our Treasurer, Peter Higgs.

2018 U.S OPEN & U.S WOMENS OPEN ACCREDITATION – DEADLINES

Online applications for media credentials for the 2018 U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open Championships will open on Friday, March 30 at 11 a.m. EDT.

Use the following link to apply: mediacenter.usga.org/credentials

The U.S. Open will be played at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southampton, N.Y.; the U.S. Women’s Open will be played at Shoal Creek in Shoal Creek, Alabama

The deadline to apply for media credentials for the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open is May 14. No applications will be considered after these dates.

2018 OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP MEDIA ACCREDITATION

Just a reminder too that media applications for the 2018 Open Championship close on Monday 7^th May.

Go to this link for all information: https://www.theopen.com/MediaAccreditation

Media accommodation applications closed earlier this month.

AGW – CELEBRATING 80 YEARS

Continuing with a theme my two earlier bulletins this 80^th anniversary year here is another great photo from the past.

The photo taken in 1932 features soon-to-be founding AGW President, Bernard Darwin (left) with golfers Johnny Farrell and Gene Sarazen at the 1932 Open at Sandwich.

CHANGE OF CONTACT DETAILS – AGW Vice President, Sir Michael Bonallack

Please note a change of address for our vice-president, Sir Michael Bonallack.

The Croft
Blebo Craigs
Cupar
Fife. KY15 5UF.
Telephone number:- 01334 850498

Sir Michael’s email remains unchanged:  email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

ONE FINAL REMINDER

And a final reminder for those AGW members heading off to the Masters this coming week to make sure you pack your tape recorder – no phones allowed.

Bernie McGuire, Secretary

May 2018 – AGW Newsletter

Celebrating 80 Years – 1938 – 2018

• No April, 2018 Bulletin

Dear Members,

This month’s bulletin begins on a very sad note with the passing of former AGW Chairman, Mark Wilson.

Mark, who was aged 90, passed away last Friday (April 27^th).   He was the AGWs fifth Chairman and proudly served from 1982 to 1984.

I am informed he commenced his journalist career on the Salisbury Times and worked for the Evening Standard and the Express.

Mark ended his working career on the European Tour working as a media consultant to Tour CEO, Ken Schofield.

Mark also was a very distinguish golfer having won the AGWs Golf Writers Championship on three occasions.

I have already received many superb tributes that will soon appear on the AGWs website and if there are members who would like to contribute a tribute please email me.

Also, I should know shortly funeral details if any member is interested in attending.

MEANTIME … Former AGW Secretary, Mark Garrod and kindly co-ordinating Pick Your Pro reports Mark Wilson is currently lying third in the contest.

Mark won the competition a year ago and as was the case a few years ago when Chris Plumridge passed away, Mark’s name will remain in the PYP competition and should he receive a pay-out come November then arrangements will be made to send a donation to an appropriate charity.

NEW 2019 AGW CHAIRMAN – Martin Dempster

Martin Dempster has kindly agreed to accept the role of new AGW Chairman and will take over early in 2019 from current Chairman, Iain Carter.

Martin will become the AGWs 15^th Chairman and the first Chairman to represent The Scotsman.

I am sure all members warmly congratulate Martin and wish him well in the role from early next year.

“It will be an honour and privilege to succeed Iain Carter as the AGW chairman”, said Martin.

“The Association has been close to my heart since I was involved in the inaugural AGW Home Internationals, where I struck up friendships with the likes of Michael McDonnell, Colm Smith, Peter Corrigan, Michael Williams, Pat Ruddy and so many others.

OPENING EVENTS – 2018 ETIQUS – AGW Race To Royal Liverpool.

Report by AGW Golf Captain, Peter Dixon.

The AGW’s ETIQUS Race to Liverpool for 2018 was given the perfect send-off last week with successive events over two days at St Andrews and Carnoustie, when we were generously allowed to ‘piggy-back’ R&A and European Tour media days for both the Senior Open and the Open Championship.

The first of the events, for the President’s Putter, was played over the Old Course in strong and testing winds, not that Neil McLeman, the eventual champion, seemed to notice.

Something Neil will never forget is a finishing stretch in which he picked up 12 stableford points with pars, for net birdies, at each of the last four holes. Playing off 21, he finished the day with an exceptional 38 points to claim his first AGW win.

In joint second place, with 33 points, were David Facey and Denis Kirwan.

Other points of note were the birdies achieved at the 18^th by Dan Murphy, Mark Townsend and Iain Carter, although the most notable, given the conditions, was Derek Lawrenson’s birdie at the par three 11^th.

As the captain, I have to apologise for my own calamitous efforts in the company of the R&A’s Mike Woodcock, who almost jumped out of his skin when I came sprinting past him (shouting, “Sorry Mike!”) as he was preparing to putt at the 1^st.

I had seen the wind start to blow my trolley – which had been left by the 2^nd tee – towards the Swilcan Burn. I swear the ghost of Old Tom Morris was pushing it because it got faster and faster before flying over the edge and into the burn. I’m sure I heard a chuckle, although perhaps it was just the wind.

The next day it was on to Carnoustie for the R & A Salver. This is a tough course regardless of the conditions, so to play it in winds that were even stronger than the previous days proved particularly challenging. Even so, it gave everybody a good chance to reacquaint themselves with the course and what awaits the world’s best players come The Open.

The Stableford scores were predictably low, with some players suggesting that a point on a hole often felt like an achievement.

In the end victory went to Fergus Bisset, playing off three, who came in with 29 points to beat Alex Miceli on a countback.

The win is also Fergus’s maiden AGW title while Alex went so close to becoming only one of a few Americans to capture an AGW trophy.

A big thank you to the R & A, the European Tour, Gordon Simpson (Sportmate) and Carnoustie for their very special arrangements.

And a thank you also to all those, including Alex and Bernie McGuire who travelled from the States along with many of our Irish colleagues, in making the effort to be present in Scotland.

Footnote – Sadly a photographer’s error meant no photographs of our winners with the respective trophies.

• More photographs from both media outings at Twitter: @AGWgolfwriters

RESULTS OF 2018 AGW PRESIDENTS PUTTER – Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland – Monday 23^rd April

Go to :   https://www.agwgolf.org/2018-etiqus-agw-race-to-royal-liverpool-results-of-presidents-putter-r-a-salver/

2018 AGW R & A SALVER – Carnoustie, Scotland – Tuesday 24^th April

Go to :   https://www.agwgolf.org/2018-etiqus-agw-race-to-royal-liverpool-results-of-presidents-putter-r-a-salver/

2018 ETIQUS – AGW RACE TO ROYAL LIVERPOOL POINTS STANDING

(Post Presidents Putter and R & A Salver)  (NB – Four best scores count; Play five & drop your poorest score)

Go to :   https://www.agwgolf.org/2018-etiqus-agw-race-to-royal-liverpool-points-standing-post-presidents-putter-and-r-a-salver/

2018 RON MOSELEY TROPHY – MAY 22nd Royal Mid-Surrey.

The AGW has been very fortunate to be offered Royal Mid-Surrey GC for the staging of the 2018 Ron Moseley Trophy.

The event will be held in the afternoon of Tuesday May 22^nd in the week of the BMW PGA Championship at nearby Wentworth.

Tee times will be from 4.30pm onwards thus allowing those working at the BMW PGA to file copy.

The event is open to ALL AGW members and it would be nice to see those not actively working teeing-up.

HOWEVER, you will need to confirm your intentions to play ASAP by emailing AGW Golf Captain, Peter Dixon:  email hidden; JavaScript is required   

The AGW has not previously teed-up on Royal Mid-Surrey so here is the opportunity to test your game on one of the finest courses in the London area.

Royal Mid-Surrey, and so named as it on the edge of both Middlesex and Surrey, is around a 30-minute drive from Wentworth.

Five-time Open winner, JH Taylor was the club’s first professional and one of the two 18-hole courses is named after Taylor. Taylor then handed over the professional role to Henry Cotton, a three-time Open winner and the strong heritage continued with Max Faulkner (1951 Open winner) then becoming club pro.

AGW/GWAA MEET WITH MASTERS MEDIA COMMITTEE

Members of both the AGW and GWAA executive met during Masters week with member of the Augusta media committee.

The following is points raised at the meeting and if any member would like more detailed information on any point/s please email me.

1. Flash Area – Augusta has plans to build within 5-years a new integrated flash area as part of an overhaul of the pro shop and locker room.  It will be undercover and with all the film and recording facilities.
2. Complaints about the noisy radio guy back left of media centre
3. Augusta was asked to cut down the number of garbage bin changes in the main media centre and also, and brought to notice by the GWAA, complaints re the number of attendants waiting around in the toilets. Suggestion piped music in the restrooms.
4. Streamlining the media hub on the website as there is too many ‘clicks’
5. Brought to attention Rory McIlroy did not feature Friday in one of the feature groups
6. Addressing the issue of the scores and so many different versions on both computers on your desk
7. Augusta asked if Tiger Woods interviews had gone well.
8. Complaints re moderators ignoring those with their hands up in the back of the main interview room and with Augusta responding by encouraging journalists if they intend to ask a question to sit up the front of the room
9. Augusta not concerned if media do have to get up and leave during interviews but it is a bit rude
10. Augusta addressed the interview schedule and expressed concern at Rickie Fowler’s comment (only a handful turned up for the interview) and will try to bounce the schedule off GWAA and GWA beforehand
11. The Masters will continue to stick with a no-interview of players on Wednesdays
12. In the wider picture it was suggested if Augusta would go down the path of tennis and have included in their tournament obligation the need to speak with the media
13. Augusta assured both bodies the new Chairman, Fred Ridley is media-friendly. Augusta advised his respects the media and no lessor than Billy Payne
14. Alec Miceli brought up a strong point in the development in the next 5-years compared to where we were 5-years ago how the journalist role has and will change. Augusta indicated it would be ‘more than happy to consider new ideas and that the Masters is no always one dimensional.  However, Steve Ethan encourages all media to use the ‘better quality’ video on the Masters website
15. Question from Scott Michaux re improving the media viewing area at the 12^th hole
16. Merchandise building and observation re the length of the queues and whether there can be a media ‘time window’ to shop to avoid the queues.
17. Augusta was asked on behalf of all the media to thank the dining room staff.

AGW COMMITTEE MEETING – AUGUSTA

An AGW committee was conducted during Masters week and here is a summary of the main points raised. Once again, if members seek further details on any point please email me.

1. Update on the AGWs annual dinner. Sergio Garcia to be present to accept ‘AGW 2017 Golfer of the Year’.  Ernie Els to be present to accept ‘Arnold Palmer Open Award’ and Paul Lawrie to be honoured with ‘AGW Michael Williams award for services to golf.  The dinner will be held in the Links Pavilion close to the 18^th green at Carnoustie.  Invitations to be emailed in coming weeks.  Cost per member to remain £50 & £50/guest.  Sponsorship of the dinner discussed along with ‘drinks’ support afforded the AGW by the R & A.  Menu format and choice of food also discussed.
2. One big concession for media attending The Open is an area at the back of the 18^th green where media can stand to watch play. (See below)

• Feedback from a meeting between the Secretary and Martin Dempster with Mike Woodcock from the R & A regarding a wide range of Open Championship issues including an update of the social media policy, media car parking, flash area/18^th green access, scoreboards and transcripts.

4. Update on AGW Golf days and also need to look at adjusting handicaps
5. AGW AGM. Issues with the sound at last year’s meeting addressed.  There will be a group photograph immediately post the 2018 meeting and future AGMs of all members attending.

6. New members nominations.
7. Feedback from the joint AGW/GWAA meeting with the Masters media committee
8. 80^th anniversary celebrations – AGW Golf outing at Wentworth later this year.

OPEN MEDIA ACCREDITATION – Monday May 7^th deadline

The deadline for Open Championship media credentials is Monday May 7^th.  No application will be entertained after this date.

Please go to:  https://www.theopen.com/MediaAccreditation

U.S. OPEN MEDIA ACCREDITATION – Monday May 14^th deadline

Applications for media credentials to all USGA championships can be accessed via website:  www.mediacenter.usga.org/credentials

The deadline for both the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open is May 14^th.

RYDER CUP ACCOMMODATION

French-based AGW colleague, Agathe Seron has kindly advised she can help out with those members seeking accommodation during this year’s Ryder Cup outside of Versailles.

Agathe indicated she can make phone calls and/or advise anyone interested about a particular location (good or not).

Agathe says: “The official hotel is really in a poor area and it would be a shame to stay there and not enjoy French way of life during this amazing week.

“French hosts from AirBNB did not realise they could increase the price and there are numerous of rooms and full apartments to rent with affordable price in Versailles.

“The transport to and from the golf course won’t be difficult. The main station is connected to shuttles. Nothing compared to Gleneagles”.

Please contact Agathe` at email:  email hidden; JavaScript is required or phone number +33 612 419 439

NEWS MEMBERS

The AGW welcomes three new members in Martin Hardenberger (Expressen newspaper, Sweden), Andrew Both (Reuters, USA) and Hugo Costa (El Mundo, Spain).

NEW CONTACT DETAILS

Trevor Peake – Please note new contact details for AGW Dinner Secretary, Trevor Peake. New home number:  01925 555581 & Mobile No:  07903 178621

Jock Howard – Jock Howard has advised he is no longer involved in golf and reluctantly has terminated his AGW membership. Jock, who was a member since 1994, says he can still be contacted at email address:  email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

Liam Kelly – In case members have not noted and Liam has a new email address:   email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

JOCK MACVICAR – Injury update.

Jock MacVicar has asked to pass on his thanks to all those wishing him a speedy recovery following a recent fall.

Jock, and as you can see in the photograph, has his right shoulder in a sling.

He was present at both the R & A media outings at St. Andrews and Carnoustie and with all those present last Monday helping celebrate his 81^st birthday.

And Jock is well in line for the Scotland Daily Express ‘Fastest Left-Handed Typist’ award.

Good golfing,

Bernie McGuire,  Secretary.

May (Part 2) 2018 – AGW Newsletter

Celebrating 80 Years – 1938 – 2018

Dear AGW members,

There is a number of items of interest to come to notice since my recent Bulletin and rather than wait to a June bulletin I am sending out a Part 2 to last week’s May bulletin.

JOCK MACVICAR –  Elected new President of AGW

The AGW Chairman and executive is very delighted to announce Jock MacVicar has agreed to become the next President of the AGW.

Goran Zachrisson, who created AGW history in accepting the role in 2015, will step down after a superb contribution as President at this year’s Annual General Meeting of the AGW at Carnoustie.

Jock is naturally delighted and also very proud to accept the role in a year the AGW celebrates its 80^th anniversary.

Jock, who joined the AGW in 1965, also celebrated his 81^st birthday late last month and I know all AGW members will join me in extending our congratulations to Jock who will become the 13^th President of the AGW.

Confirmation of Jock’s appointment comes on top of the enormous outpouring of congratulations and support being afforded fellow Scot Martin Dempster (via social media) following news of his appointment early in 2019 as the next AGW Chairman.

Among those offering congratulations to Martin is Colin Montgomerie and 2019 Solheim Cup Captain, Catriona Matthew.

Please see:  https://twitter.com/AGWgolfwriters/status/991984449159122944

OPEN ACCREDITATION – Deadline Extended to May 28^th.

The R & A advise the deadline for accreditation applications for this year’s Open Championship has been extended a full three weeks from today and to Monday May 28^th.

If anyone still wishes to apply for accreditation please do so by contacting Mary Flanagan at the R & A.  No applications will be entertained after this date.

Mary’s email address is:  email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

Also contact Mary at the same email address if you a seeking to reserve a room at the official Open Championship media hotel at the Premier Inn (Dundee West) where there will also be a regular shuttle service back-and-forward to Carnoustie.

U.S. OPEN MEDIA ACCREDITATION – Monday May 14^th deadline

Applications for media credentials to all USGA championships can be accessed via website:  www.mediacenter.usga.org/credentials

The deadline for both the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open is May 14^th.

2018 RON MOSELEY TROPHY – May 22nd – Royal Mid-Surrey GC.

Places are filling fast for the AGW’s staging of the Ron Moseley Memorial trophy at the Royal Mid-Surrey GC.

The event will be held on Tuesday May 22^nd in the week of the BMW PGA Championship at nearby Wentworth.

Tee times will be from 4.30pm onwards thus allowing those working at the BMW PGA to file copy.

The event is open to ALL AGW members.

Please contact AGW Golf Captain, Peter Dixon:  email hidden; JavaScript is required   

June 2018 – AGW Newsletter

Celebrating 80 Years – 1938 – 2018

2018 AGW ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.

Notice is hereby given the Annual General meeting of the AGW will take place as follows:

10am – Wednesday, 18^th July, 2018

Media Centre, Carnoustie.

In accordance with the Section 21 of the AGWs constitution only Life and Full members of the Association may attend the meeting.

If any member is unable to attend please email me and your absence will be officially registered.

As well, if any absent member wishes for a matter to be raised at the meeting then please also email ahead of the meeting.

It is also proposed, and if time permits, to arrange a group photograph of all members in attendance at the AGM immediately following the meeting to commemorate the 80^th anniversary of the Association.

AGW ANNUAL DINNER – Carnoustie 17^th July, 2018

I should remind members if you are considering attending the AGWs annual dinner DO IT NOW as seating has filled very quickly and with just a handful of tables remaining.

Members were emailed an application for seating earlier this month containing all details in relation to the dinner.

All enquiries, along with completed applications, should be directed to the AGWs Dinner Secretary, Trevor Peake.

Email address:-  email hidden; JavaScript is required">email hidden; JavaScript is required

The 80^th anniversary AGW annual dinner will take place on Tuesday, 17^th July within the Links Pavilion at Carnoustie.

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP – AGW Guest Pass

I am again advised by the R & A Life and Full members of the AGW will be entitled to one week-long Open Championship guest pass upon registering for accreditation at this year’s Open Championship at Carnoustie.

The Media reception will have a list of all those AGW members eligible for a guest pass.

JOHN WHITBREAD – Life Membership

The AGW was delighted during the recent BMW PGA Championship to honour John Whitbread with Life Membership of the Association.

John joined the AGW in 1981.

John was clearly surprised when Chairman Iain Carter addressed the gathering at Wentworth and with John speaking of his pleasure in receiving Life Membership.

Very soon after the presentation I received this email from John:-

If I needed any further proof of what a superb band of brothers and sisters make up the membership of the Association of Golf Writers it was provided by the wonderfully surprising presentation this morning.

I have worn the AGW badge with pride since I joined in 1981 and I consider being made a Life Member to be a true and cherished honour.

A lot of the faces have changed since I first took my first tentative steps into golf reporting, at the 1970 World Match Play at Wentworth, but the help and encouragement I have received from fellow writers have been an ever constant.

The late Richard Dodd persuaded me to expand my horizons from Surrey to national events, while Michael McDonnell and the late Ronnie Wills helped me write a front-page lead for the Southend Evening Echo, on the very first morning of my first Open at Lytham in 1979. It has been the same story at Ryder and Solheim Cup matches and venues as diverse as Swinley Forest and Valderrama.

And when it came to playing in the AGW’s own golf events, this humble high handicapper has been fortunate to have a succession of remarkably patient partners, like Mitchell Platts, Jock McVicar and Derek Lawrenson.

Once again, many thanks, John.

I know all members will warmly congratulate John and remind him that he does have so many ‘brothers and sisters’ within the AGW who wish him well.

IRISH LEGENDS GATHER AT ADARE MANOR

It wasn’t just four of the greats of Irish golf present recently at the re-opening of Adare Manor but also in attendance was two Irish-born golf-writing legends.

Between them Dermot Gilleece and Charlie Mulqueen boast 72-years membership of the AGW while they have served the Irish Golf Writers Association just as proudly for a similar period.

Good to see both Charlie and Dermot looking so well (PS – No truth that Charlie’s grown shorter as Dermot was standing on a raised part of the fairway 😊😆).

MARK WILSON – Tribute appearing in ‘The Times’

Could I draw members attention to a further tribute to our late friend and colleague, Mark Wilson.

This tribute appeared in The Times on 11^th June.

Here is the link to the tribute:- https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mark-wilson-obituary-j26j0tpw6

Mitchell Platts also advised that in his many conversations and emails with Mark’s wife, Joan and their daughters Jacki and Lisa they have all conveyed the same message – just how proud and thankful they are for all the wonderful tributes that came in from AGW members, friends and players and how thankful, too, they are for the AGW sharing the tributes and obituary with all members.

BOB DAVIES – Condolences in passing of his wife, Angela.

Members were indeed saddened late last month to learn of the passing of Angela Davies and the wife of long-standing AGW member and recently retired Treasurer, Bob Davies.

The AGW expressed its condolences to Bob and family and with Bob thanking all those AGM members who went to the trouble to contact him given Angela had so many friends within the AGW and the AGW had been a bit part of both their lives.

And this was so evident in the number of emails received from members.

RICOH WOMEN’S BRITISH OPEN- Deadline for Accreditation.

A reminder the deadline for media accreditation for the August 2^nd to 5^th Ricoh Women’s British Open and Royal Lytham and St. Annes is July 24^th.

Here is the link for accreditation:-

https://secure.sportssystems.com/events2/credapp.cfm

All enquiries regarding accreditation should be directed to Tom Benbow at IMG.

Tom’s contact email address is:-   email hidden; JavaScript is required

PGA CHAMPIONSHIP – Deadline for Accreditation

Members are reminded media credential applications to cover the 2018 PGA Championship can be accessed at www.pga.org/credentials

The deadline to apply is Tuesday, July 24, 2018.

The 100th PGA Championship will take place August 6-12 at Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri.  

If you have any questions or need any further assistance in your advance planning for the 100th PGA Championship, please contact Pat Kravitz, Media Relations Specialist at +1 561-624-8581 or email hidden; JavaScript is required

AGW GOLF – Micheal Wiliams Hoggett & Race to Royal Liverpool.

The Michael Williams Hoggett, and conducted for the past three years in Ireland, will not be held the week of the Irish Open.

Wentworth indicated, and as advised in an earlier bulletin, that it wished to help celebrate the AGWs 80^th anniversary with golf and a luncheon so it was the intention to conduct the Michael Williams Hoggett on this occasion but then the club now seems to have gone ‘cold’ on the idea.

The AGW, however, has a very good alternative and with the help of Golf Captain, Peter Dixon a suitable date for the Michael Williams Hoggett should be known by the time of the next bulletin.

Also, I have had a few emails from members regarding the Race to Royal Liverpool/Golf Writers Championship later this year and as has been the scenario the past few years, it will again be held late October/early November and at Royal Liverpool.

And for those who missed out on the wrap-up report from the AGWs Ron Moseley outing at Royal Mid-Surrey who can read the full story of Dave Facey’s march to victory by clicking on the following:

David Facey Makes It Two From Five To Capture Ron Moseley Memorial At Royal Mid-Surrey.

And for those interested in the updated ETIQUS – 2018 Race to Royal Liverpool points standing click on the following:

2018 ETIQUS – AGW Race To Royal Liverpool Points Standing – (Post Ron Moseley Memorial Trophy)

Here also, and due to a photographic mix-up at St. Andrews, is the first photo of new Presidents Putter champion, Neil McLeman coming to grips with the spoils of his Old Course success.

GOLDEN BEAR LEADS AGW 80^TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTES    

Finally, a reminder that it was earlier this month (June 2^nd to be precise) the AGW turned 80.

Golf’s greatest champion, Jack Nicklaus led the tributes to the AGW along with fellow AGW Vice-President’s Sir. Michael Bonallack OBE, Tony Jacklin (CBE), Bernhard Langer, and Gary Player offered their tributes.

In fact, Gary Player has kindly agreed to propose a toast to the AGW at next month’s annual dinner.

The respective heads of the R & A, the European Tour, the USGA and the PGA of America and also AGW good friend Sandy Jones also added the words of congratulations.

Past and present AGW President’s and Chairmen offered tributes along with the AGWs longest-living fellow members, Ben Wright and John Ingham, who joined the Association 60-years ago this year in 1958, have paid tribute to the AGW.

And AGW Golfer of the Year winners Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Henrik Stenson also kindly afforded their congratulations.

To read these tributes click on the following link:

Golf Greats Nicklaus, Player, Langer & Jacklin Lead Tributes On Occasion AGWs 80th Anniversary (June 2nd, 1938 – June 2nd, 2018)

 

INVITATION TO PLAY FAIRMONT RESORT DURING OPEN WEEK

Lastly for this month and it to advise those members covering The Open there is an invitation to play either of the two Fairmont Resort courses at St. Andrews.

Please contact Scott Peddie at the PR firm Performance54.

Scott’s email address is:  email hidden; JavaScript is required"><email hidden; JavaScript is required>

Good golfing and see you at The Open.

Bernie McGuire,

Secretary