AGW Newsletters (2006 – 2009) | Association of Golf Writers

January 2006

Members’ handbook 2006

This year’s handbook should be enclosed with this newsletter – please let me know if this is not the case. I suspect it s not entirely accurate so if you come across anything that requires altering, deleting or adding, please inform me. Since going to press, the following changes have come to light:

Mike Blair’s e-mail address is now confirmed as email hidden; JavaScript is required and not as stated

Alan Hedley’s mobile has changed to: 07702 886057. Alan says he has left The Journal but will still be doing golf for the paper and also working for Golf North East magazine and others

Petra Himmel has moved to: Wiesmahdstr 4c, 82131 Gauting, Germany (0049 89 84102216; f: 0049 89 84102217)

Nick Rodger (Other golfing media) has a new home number: 0141 637 9771

Rocky Hambric (Misc, etc) will be spending four months (from June) living in London each summer and the rest of the year back in Dallas. Hambric Stellar Golf’s London address is: Drury House, 34-43 Russell Street, London WC2B 5HA (02070781400; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required; m: 07771621955 during summer months and 001 2142157861 other months). Robert Duck has taken over from Marcus Day and can be contacted on 020 70781426; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required; m: 07799660479.

Bob Wilkinson (Misc, etc) has now moved to: Le Palaiseau, St Hilaire de Voust, 85120, Vendee, France (0033 2 51 00 21 26; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required

(Misc, etc) Mark Price is the press contact for Young Masters Golf (YMG): YMG House, Wick Business Centre, Upper Wick, Gloucestershire GL11 6DE (0870 2000 605; f: 0870 2000 405; m: 079715 81389; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Frank Butler

Frank Butler, a great all-round sports writer and editor who often appeared on the golf scene, died on the New Year weekend following a fall at home in Chislehurst. He was 89 and leaves three sons and a daughter. He was elected a member of the Association in 1958 and was later made an honorary member.

His obituary from The Times follows:

FRANK BUTLER was one of the best-known names of Fleet Street sports writing and one of the longest-serving sports editors in national newspapers, holding that post with the News of the World for 22 years, until retiring in 1982.

While he took an interest in all sports, boxing was his passion. He was a founder member in 1954 of the Boxing Writers’ Club, later becoming chairman, and in 1984 was named an administrative steward of the British Boxing Board of Control. After retirement in 1997, he was elected honorary steward.

Butler followed the career of Muhammad Ali from the boxer’s early days as Cassius Clay, covering the fight in which he won him the world heavyweight title and shot into the headlines, when he beat Sonny Liston in a controversial bout in 1963. He wrote a biography in 1981 under the simple title Muhammad Ali.

Butler had written his first book, The Fight Game, in 1954 with his father James Butler, the boxing correspondent with the Daily Herald. Two years later, he wrote an instructional book with contributions from English fighters, Success at Boxing. He also produced A History of Boxing in Britain (1972) and The Good, the Bad and the Ugly: The Story of Boxing (1986). He edited for many years the News of the World Football Annual, a pocket-sized compendium which still sells strongly.

Butler always had an eye for a promising writer. When Richie Benaud led Australia to Ashes victory in England in 1961, Butler invited him to contribute to the paper, and he has done so since, despite many efforts to lure him away.

Frank Butler was born in 1916 and an early love of boxing developed at his southeast London Roman Catholic school, where the priests would spar with interested youngsters.

His father, then the boxing writer for The Daily Express, introduced the 16-year-old to a humble job at the paper: compiling greyhound racing results. He graduated to football results, and then match reports.

Encouraged by the famous Express Editor, Arthur Christiansen, Butler was appointed sports editor at the Sunday Express at the age of 24 in 1941 — the youngest to hold that position — and doubled as chief sports writer of The Daily Express.

Butler had been posted by the Express early in the Second World War to “Hellfire Corner”, the Dover region shelled and bombed by the Germans, to report from the area and liaise with war correspondents.

The News of the World hired Butler in 1949 as a sports columnist, his new salary termed “the highest transfer fee in Fleet Street”. He became sports editor in 1960, and was appointed OBE in 1981.

Bernard Darwin

Bernard Darwin, the Association’s first president, was inducted in to the World Golf Hall of Fame at St Augustine in Florida late last year. He was the first non-American journalist to be so honour and was introduced at the ceremony by our chairman, John Hopkins, who said: “There has not been a writer since whose prose compared with the seamless tapestries that Darwin wrote in The Times from 1907 to 1953 and in Country Life until his death in 1961. Darwin’s writing was that of a master craftsman. He chipped away at paragraphs until they were as clear as a pane of the glass. He chiselled at sentences with the care of the craftsmen who built Chartres Cathedral. At all times he wrote with gusto. If you have a library and you do not have any volumes by Darwin, you do not have a library.”

2005 Golf Writers’ Trophy

Annika Sorenstam has become the first woman to win the Golf Writers’ Trophy twice in the 55-year history of the award. Sorenstam triumphed for the second time in three years, leading our annual poll ahead of US Open champion Michael Campbell and European order of merit winner Colin Montgomerie.

“I was overwhelmed to hear that the Golf Writers have honoured me for a second time by awarding me their prestigious trophy,” Sorenstam said.“It never occurred to me that I might win it twice, and I would like to thank everyone for their continued support; it means a lot to me. It’s been a fun year and this is a great early Christmas present to receive!”

Even by her own high standards Sorenstam enjoyed a remarkable season. She won 11 of the 21 tournaments she entered worldwide, including two major championships. She claimed 10 LPGA titles to lead the money list in America for the fifth consecutive year and earn an eighth player of the year title. At the Mizuno Classic Sorenstam won for fifth year in succession, while in Europe, she won on home soil at the Scandinavian TPC, where, as the tournament host, she was forced to present the trophy to herself. In September the 35-year-old Swede became the highest point-scorer in the history of the Solheim Cup.

“Although disappointed not to win, I am delighted that Annika took out the AGW player of the year award,” said Campbell. “To win over 50 per cent of the tournaments you enter in a season is a remarkable achievement and I’m thrilled she has been recognised by the AGW for this feat.”

“We are thrilled that Annika’s outstanding achievements have been recognised by the members of the AGW through the 2005 Golf Writers’ Trophy,” said Alexandra Armas, executive director of the Ladies European Tour. “Over the past year, Annika has continued to dominate women’s golf. She has raised the bar on every level and set a tremendous example to her colleagues and millions of fans across the globe. Annika has been integral to the development and success of women’s golf in Europe and we at the Ladies European Tour are delighted that she has been justifiably honoured for her many accomplishments in 2005.”

Carolyn Bivens, commissioner of the LPGA, said: “Congratulations to Annika for her second Golf Writers’ Trophy. She’s had another remarkable year, complete with new records. She is a world-class athlete, person and ambassador of the game. I am certain she will cherish this award along with her ever-growing collection of trophies.”

Emphasizing the wide-ranging achievements in European golf in 2005 there were also votes for Padraig Harrington, David Howell, Sergio Garcia, the Welsh World Cup winning team of Stephen Dodd and Bradley Dredge, as well as amateurs Lloyd Saltman, Oliver Fisher and Italy’s Edoardo Molinari, the first European winner of the US Amateur Championship for 94 years.

Charlie Yates

Following the obituary of vice-president Charlie Yates, Furman Bisher was kind enough to offer the following clarifications on a couple of points: “Charlie did not play with Bobby Jones on his final round of golf. The players were Tommy Barnes, an outstanding amateur, Bob Ingram, president of East Lake, Henry Lindner, the assistant professional, and Jones. The event was in honour of Lindner, who was leaving the club to become head professional at Charlotte (NC) Country Club. Others played that day, but Yates was not in Jones’ group. Jones left soon afterward for surgery in Boston, which was unsuccessful, and never played golf again.

“As to the resurrection and rehabilitation of East Lake, the man who did that was not Yates, but Tom Cousins, a distinguished Atlanta businessman who took on the project as a work of the heart. Cousins bought the property for $4 million, then brought in Rees Jones to supervise the restoration of the course as near to the image of Donald Ross’s as possible. Charlie was retired and suffering from other ailments than those that eventually brought about his death, so the naming of the auxiliary course. But please give Tom Cousins due credit, for it was his effort that brought about the new East Lake, for which he has been honoured by the US Golf Association as winner of the Bob Jones Award.”

Larry O’Brien

Larry O’Brien, who worked as Jack Nicklaus’s publicist and media liaison for 26 years, died last month due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He was 83 and is survived by his wife, Libby, three children, and four grandchildren. Originally from Montreal, O’Brien worked as a reporter and television and radio commentator in Canada before moving to Palm Beach in Florida to work on the PGA Championship in 1970. A year later he began working for Nicklaus and continued to do so until retiring in 1997. “Larry was side-by-side with me for the majority of my career and served an important role in my company as well as for my family,” said Nicklaus. “Larry was a good friend to us, someone we considered one of the family. Barbara and I will miss him dearly and remember him fondly as will so many that knew Larry in and out of golf.”

Ryder Cup

Accreditation is likely to be available from March and will be done online. Accommodation is still available but organisations looking to book a number of rooms are advised to secure their booking as soon as possible. Details are available from the European Tour communications dept.

Wentworth accommodation

Accommodation has been booked for the week of the BMW Championship at Wentworth at the Arora Park Hotel near to Heathrow. There are Indian, Thai and Italian restaurants in or near the hotel and there is a courtesy airport transport service from 8am to 7pm. The hotel website is: www.aroraparkhotelheathrow.co.uk/.

The special AGW/media rate is £89 B&B Mon-Thurs and £69 B&B Fri-Sun. A booking form is available from the European Tour communications dept. Early booking is suggested as the rate will not be available after February 28.

Subscriptions

Just a reminder that subs were due on January 1 and that the constitution states that any member who is in arrears after more than three months automatically ceases to be a member of the Association. While contingencies can be made for overseas members, UK based members are reminded that the Committee recommends playing by standing order. Forms are available from the Treasurer.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Abu Dhabi Champs 1630; Qatar Masters 1630; Dubai Classic 1700; Johnnie Walker Classic 1400; Malaysian Open 1600; WGC Accenture Matchplay 1530; Singapore Masters 1600; TCL Classic 1700; Portuguese Open 1700; China Open 1630; BMW Asian Open 1730; Spanish Open 1800; Italian Open 1700; British Masters 1745; Irish Open 1900; BMW Champs 1815; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1630; Deutsche Bank Champs 1700; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1830; BMW International 1700; European Masters 1700; HSBC WMP 1800; WGC AmEx Champs TBC; Dunhill Links 1730; Mallorca Classic 1745; Volvo Masters 1700

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

STOP PRESS

Further changes to handbook: Chris Bartlett is leaving the Bristol Evening Post. His home address, phone and mobile remain the same; e-mail is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Sue Page’s e-mail at Callaway (Misc, etc) should read: email hidden; JavaScript is required

John Whitbread informs me that the following are offering B&B accommodation for the week of the Open at Royal Liverpool:

Village of Greasby, Andy Haigh (07944 812209). Granny flat, £250 for the week
Village of Irby, Neville Hill (0151 648 5095; email hidden; JavaScript is required). Large house could apparently take two or three people at £250 per person for the week

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

There is still some work to do to finalise the full fixture list for the 2006 season but I am confident all the outstanding issues will be resolved in time to publish a complete list in the February newsletter. In the meantime, I attach the list as it stands at present. It includes most of the regular AGW tournaments (Ron Moseley Trophy, Spring Medal etc) plus a number of other events in which AGW members will be competing alongside other members of the golfing media. I have marked the latter with an asterisk and should stress that invitations for them will come from the clubs/sponsors themselves.

The first thing to note about this year’s fixtures is that for the first time for many years we will not be playing our Spring Medal or AGW Championship over the East Course at Wentworth. This is a regrettable development but is an inevitable consequence of (a) recent changes to the West course and, (b) the need to use more of the East course for parking. The good news is that our friends at Wentworth have given us courtesy of the Edinburgh course and will continue to wine and dine us in the manner to which we have become accustomed.

Members who wish to see the aforementioned changes to the West course will be able to do so by taking part in the Wentworth Media Day on February 9 and/or the BMW Media Day on May 15. I am told these changes are quite dramatic and were recommended by a working group including Ernie Els, the European Tour and Chris Kennedy. Several new tees and numerous bunkers have been added over the winter so I would recommend members embark on a strenuous exercise programme prior to accepting the challenge.

The West is not the only revamped course we will have the opportunity to play this season. I am told the new owners of the Duke’s course at St Andrews are organising a Media Day (June 26) to showcase the changes made there and the R & A has also arranged its traditional Open Media Day for April 24 when we will be able to sample Hoylake as it will be set out for this year’s Championship.

This year’s Open Media Day is part of a triple-header which will exhaust all but the most robust AGW members. It is preceded by a visit to Royal Lytham and St Annes (April 23) for a Weetabix Ladies British Open Media Day and is followed by a chance to play Wallasey – the home of the Stableford – on the afternoon of April 25 (i.e. after the Open press conference). Invitations for both the Weetabix and the Open media days will be sent out by Stewart McDougall in due course. I will be collating entries for the Wallasey event and would like to take this opportunity to thank Derek Lawrenson, a Wallasey member, for his efforts in organising that fixture.

The 2006 match programme also sees the reintroduction of our popular fixture against The Wisley Club (October 2) as well as welcome confirmation that the annual Wilson match will again be played at the ever-popular New Zealand Club (on November 9). We break new ground when the Henry Cotton Salver is staged over Donald Steel’s excellent new Palmerston course at Brocket Hall on August 7 and return to an old favourite when the President’s Putter is held at West Hill on September 11. Please note the latter is on the Monday of the HSBC World Match Play week rather than the traditional Tuesday. This is because West Hill has an 80-strong society booked in for the Tuesday and so could not find room for us on our traditional date.

I am currently finalising details for our annual matches against the Broadcasters and the Golf Foundation and am hopeful that a fixture against IMG can also be slotted in. There is every chance, too, that we will have a venue for an Autumn Medal, but more about that next month.

There follows a full list of the confirmed fixtures (as of January 19). Next month, I hope to publish the finalised list, complete with timings etc, as well as an official entry form which members can fill in and send back to me. In the meantime, however, feel free to e-mail/ phone me with advance entries. As far as the matches are concerned, that might be advisable as most are 12-a-side fixtures and the teams will be selected on a first come, first served basis.

2006 AGW Fixtures

Thurs Feb 9 – Wentworth Media Day* (West Course)

Sun April 23 – Weetabix Ladies British Open Media Day* (Royal Lytham & St Annes)

Mon April 24 – Open Championship Media Day* (Royal Liverpool)

Tues April 25 – Media Day (Wallasey)

Mon May 15 – BMW Media Day* (Wentworth, West Course)

Tues May 23 – Ron Moseley Trophy (Foxhills)

Wed May 24 – AGW Spring Medal (Wentworth, Edinburgh Course)

Mon June 26 – Media Day* (Duke’s Course, St Andrews)

Mon Aug 7 – Henry Cotton Salver (Palmerston course, Brocket Hall)

Mon Sept 11 – AGW President’s Putter (West Hill)

Wed Sept 13 – AGW Championship (Wentworth, Edinburgh Course)

Mon Oct 2 – Wisley match (The Wisley)

Thurs Nov 9 – Wilson match (New Zealand Club)

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf – 01438 718399 (ofice), 01438 717878 (home), 07788 443995 (mobile), email hidden; JavaScript is required

March 2006

Changes of address, etc

Further updates to the handbook: Alan Hedley has new phone and e-mail details: T/f: 0191 519 2304; m: 07702 886057; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required

E-mail address for the Phil Sheldon Golf Picture Library should read: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Photographer Sammy Minkoff has a new address: Langaeckerstrasse 12, D-82279 Eching am Ammersee, Germany (0049 8143 997858; f: 0049 8143 997859; m: 0049 171 4264972; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Agent Patrick Janssen has new contact details: Patrick Janssen, Managing Director, Global Premier Sports, P.O. Box 587, Southport PR8 9BQ, Merseyside (01704 570011; f: 01704 570022; m: 07746 364246; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Donald Steel

Congratulations to our former president Donald Steel, who was installed as the president of the English Golf Union at the recent annual meeting. He will serve a one-year term. “I am really looking forward to the year,” he said. “I’m particularly looking forward to going back to what I used to do and that is watching golf, but this time I won’t have to write a daily report. I’m also looking forward to meeting a lot of old friends and perhaps some old rivals from my playing days.” Donald, who has been involved in course renovations at Hoylake, where the Open returns this summer, was capped by England for the 1970 Home Internationals, a team that has now produced four EGU presidents: Sir Michael Bonallack (1982), Dr David Marsh (1988), Geoff Marks (1995), and now Steel. “That might be some sort of record,” he said.

Open Championship

Following our meetings with the R and A over the winter and a site meeting at Hoylake, plans for the media centre at this year’s Open are well advanced. The centre itself will be located on the left of the third fairway (the old first) past the dogleg – the club practice field on the right will be the tented village and the old 16^th, on the other side of the internal out of bounds, is now the 18^th due to the renumbering. Recorders and the secondary interview area will be near the third tee (the old first tee) next to the clubhouse.

Parking will be at a remote site – over 90 percent of those attending the Open will be using park and ride schemes – but we are promised a continuous mini-bus service, journey time 5-10 minutes, operating generally from 6.30am-11pm. Start time on Wednesday-Friday will be 5.30am and options are being considered for those working after 11pm. It has been agreed that the main reception desk will be manned from 6.30am-10pm, and 11pm on Thursday-Friday.

Within the media centre air conditioning will be installed, which will also provide heating when necessary. The main tent has been enlarged and the corridors within the working area and the gaps between rows of desks will be widened. Desks have been cut down to the standard height and new chairs selected. The interview room will be enlarged, as will the cafeteria, which will have a glass front overlooking the third fairway. New opening times have also been agreed, generally starting at 6am and, from Wednesday, through to 10pm. Menus have been discussed and although pricing will be agreed between the R and A and Payne and Gunter, both parties have been made fully aware of our concerns. The R and A say they are not prepared to subsidise the prices as the USGA and PGA of America do.

One major change is that BT will not be providing communications within the tent. Instead, a company called Your Communications, who have operated at events such at the Commonwealth Games, will take over providing phone, fax and WiFi services. The WiFi service should be much improved with upload and download capacities of 10Mb, instead of 2Mb last year. Orders, which can be made on forms that will be go out with the accreditation forms or on-line, will require a credit card. Installation costs will be taken immediately, calling costs will be charged after the Open. There will also be a new business centre, replacing the old BT phones area, which will give everyone phone, fax and internet access at the swipe of a credit card.

Access to the practice ground will change. Instead of being in a fixed pen at the back of the range, we will be allowed up to a metal railing a few yards behind where the players are hitting. The railing will move back as the hitting line moves back each day. The grandstand at the back of the range will be raised so spectators can see over our heads.

Tournament accommodation

The Belfry. Martin Hardy writes: “We have a few rooms available at The Belfry for the week of the Quinn Direct British Masters. Should any AGW members want them at a price of £109 (b&b) per night they should contact Matt Kendrew at ISM (email hidden; JavaScript is required) asap. They will be allocated on a first come-first served basis.”

Wentworth. The rooms that were reserved at the Arora Hotel for the week of the BMW Championship have been released as there were no requests for any bookings.

Open Championship. Gareth Owens is offering a “modern, superbly decorated four-bed detached house in the centre of Heswall,” that he is willing to rent for a week to a party of four. Anyone interested should ring Gareth on 07775563539 for further details.

Ryder Cup. The extended deadline for booking the official Ryder Cup media hotels has now passed (March 1). A few rooms have been held back at the Lynch Green Isle. If you haven’t already booked, you should contact Ryder Cup Travel Services immediately (T: 0870 755 3004; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Pick Your Pro

This year’s competition will start with the Players Championship and run through to the Volvo Masters. Entry form is attached. If you have received this newsletter on email and require a hard copy, please let me know. Deadline is the first day of the Players: Thursday 23 March. The basic rule, for anyone who has not played previously, is that you have to pick a different player for each tournament. Good luck!

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Singapore Masters 1700; TCL Classic 1700; Portuguese Open 1700; China Open 1630; BMW Asian Open 1730; Spanish Open 1800; Italian Open 1700; British Masters 1745; Irish Open 1900; BMW Champs 1800; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1630; Deutsche Bank Champs 1700; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1830; BMW International 1700; European Masters 1700; HSBC WMP 1800; WGC AmEx Champs TBC; Dunhill Links 1730; Mallorca Classic 1745; Volvo Masters 1700

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

The 2006 season got off in splendid fashion when a strong team including AGW member Tony Stenson won the Media Day held over the revamped West course at Wentworth in early February. Stenson and his colleagues accumulated 82 points in glorious conditions to finish a single point ahead of a team containing Jeremy Chapman and Bob Davies. Alistair Tait took home his first award of the season when he claimed the Nearest to the Pin prize on the 154-yard par-3 second hole.

The Media Day gave the assembled writers a first chance to see the changes that a design team comprising Ernie Els, Richard Caring, Chris Kennedy and representatives of the European Tour have made to the West course over the winter and it would be fair to say those changes were met with almost universal approval. Els and his colleagues have added almost 200 yards and over 30 bunkers to Harry Colt’s masterpiece but have done so in a manner which undoubtedly would have been met with the approval of the original architect. Els himself believes the West course will now play about two shots harder than in the past, but that might well be an underestimate judging by some of the scores returned at the Media Day.

AGW members will get a second chance to play the West course at the BMW Media Day on May 15. Since the last Newsletter was published, we have discovered that this year’s Media day will feature a Stableford contest between teams from the AGW, the Broadcasters, the Photographers and BMW. We need just 15 members to make up the AGW side so I would suggest you contact me by return if you wish to take part. You can do this either by filling in the form that accompanies this Golf News or by contacting me on the usual numbers (see below).

The aforementioned form features all the events announced last month plus a new Christmas Outing over the East Course at the Wentworth Club. The Christmas Outing, to be played on Tuesday 28 November, has come about as a direct result of our magnificent relationship with the Club. Having learned of our disappointment at not being able to play either the Spring Medal or the AGW Championship on the East course, Julian Small immediately offered us another day. After much deliberation, we decided it should take the form of a fun Christmas Outing, played in some sort of team format. We have to finalise the details, but it will include 18 holes on the East course (tee booked between 9.10 and 10.40 am), followed by the usual sumptuous Wentworth lunch. I will be cadging a range of prizes from my various contacts but, if any members think they can help with this, please let me know. The idea is to get as many prizes as possible. After all, it is our Christmas celebration, and we need to spoil ourselves.

Attached is the full fixture list as it stands at present. I am expecting to finalise two further dates within the next 2-3 weeks but, in the meantime, would be obliged if members could tick the events they wish to play and return the form to me at:

GMS, 14a High Street, Welwyn, Herts AL6 9QF.

Obviously, I will continue to accept entries/withdrawals as the season progresses but early entries would be appreciated.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf. 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile); email hidden; JavaScript is required

AGW Fixtures List for 2006

Please tick the events you wish to play in and return the form to me at the address indicated overleaf

Tuesday 25 April – Wallasay Media Day

Tee booked after Open Media Conference ……………………………….

Monday 15 May – BMW Media Day, West Course, Wentworth

Morning start, followed by lunch and prizegiving ………………………………..

Tuesday 23 May – Ron Moseley Trophy, Foxhills

Early start followed by lunch ……………………………….

Wednesday 24 May – AGW Spring Meeting, Edinburgh Course, Wentworth

Usual format ……………………………….

Monday 7 August – Henry Cotton Salver, Palmerston course, Brocket Hall

10am start, followed by lunch ……………………………….

Monday 11 September – AGW President’s Putter, West Hill

Afternoon start ……………………………….

Wednesday 13 September – AGW Championship, Edinburgh course, Wentworth

Usual format ……………………………….

Monday 2 October – Wisley match, The Wisley

am start followed by lunch, 12-a-side, first come, first served ……………………………….

Thursday 9 November – Wilson Match, The New Zealand Club

am start followed by lunch, 12-14-a-side, first come, first served ……………………………….

Tuesday 28 November – AGW Christmas Outing, East Course, Wentworth

am start, followed by lunch ……………………………….

Other Dates for your Diaries

Invitations for the following fixtures will be sent out by the event organisers:

Sunday 23 April – Weetabix Ladies’ British Open Media Day, Royal Lytham & St Annes)

Monday 24 April – Open Championship Media Day, Royal Liverpool

Monday 26 June – Media Day, Duke’s Course, St Andrews

PICK YOUR PRO 2006

Rules as usual – just pick a different player for each event on the schedule; you win whatever they earn in the tournament, which is added to your Order of Merit tally.

Entry fee is £10. Last year the pot reached £490 and there were prizes down to fifth place. The more who join, the bigger the pot.

RULES AND REGULATIONS – please read carefully

1. Each player can only be used ONCE. If a player is named a second (or third or fourth) time, then no money is won for each subsequent usage. This does not apply to countries in team events.

2. For the RYDER and CURTIS Cups name a TEAM and the match SCORE. The winning team earns £100,000, with a further £250,000 bonus for the correct score.

3. Minimum first prize each week of £200,000

4. Exchange rate for US majors, Players and World Championships: £1=$2

5. Deadline for entries is Thursday 23 March (first day of the Players). Entries will be received after that date, but will be invalid for any tournament that has already started (or finished, obviously).

Entries should be sent to:

Andy Farrell, 1 Pilgrims Bungalow, Mulberry Hill, Chilham Kent CT4 8AH or faxed to: 01227 732496 or emailed to: email hidden; JavaScript is required

PICK YOUR PRO 2006

NAME: __________________________

Mar 23-26 US Players Championship ___________________________

30-2 Algarve Portuguese Open ___________________________

30-2 Kraft Nabisco Championship ___________________________

April 6-9 US MASTERS ___________________________

13-16 Volvo China Open ___________________________

20-23 BMW Asian Open ___________________________

27-30 Spanish Open ___________________________

May 4-7 Italian Open ___________________________

11-14 British Masters ___________________________

18-21 Nissan Irish Open ___________________________

25-28 BMW Championship ___________________________

June 1-4 Celtic Manor Wales Open ___________________________

8-11 BA-CA Open ___________________________

15-18 US OPEN ___________________________

22-25 Johnnie Walker Championship ___________________________

29-2 French Open ___________________________

29-2 US Women’s Open ___________________________

July 6-9 Smurfit European Open ___________________________

13-16 Barclays Scottish Open ___________________________

20-23 135th OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP___________________________

26-29 Evian Women’s Masters ___________________________

27-30 Deutsche Bank Players Champs ___________________________

29-30 CURTIS CUP ___________________________

August 3-6 Scandinavian Masters ___________________________

3-6 Weetabix Women’s British Open__________________________

10-13 KLM Open ___________________________

17-20 USPGA CHAMPIONSHIP ___________________________

24-27 NEC World Invitational ___________________________

31-3 BMW International ___________________________

Sept 7-10 Omega European Masters ___________________________

14-17 HSBC World Match Play ___________________________

22-24 RYDER CUP ___________________________

28-1 AmEx World Championship ___________________________

October 5-8 Dunhill Links Championship ___________________________

12-15 Madrid Open (TBC) ___________________________

19-22 Mallorca Classic ___________________________

26-29 Volvo Masters ___________________________

April 2006

Association ties

The new Association tie is now available. Its design is based on an updated version of the tie before last. All Life and Honorary members, Full members who are 65 or over, and any new members who joined after stocks of the old tie ran out, will receive the new tie automatically. For everyone else the tie is available for purchase at £15 until the end of July. Thereafter the price will revert to the usual £25. Supplies will be available at the Hoylake media day, the British Masters, the BMW Championship, the US Open and the Open Championship. Otherwise, please contact the secretary. A female equivalent has been discussed in committee but no consensus has yet been reached. If anyone has any further ideas, please contact Jane Carter or Lewine Mair.

Changes of address, etc

Malcolm Campbell’s e-mail address is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

John Hopkins’s new e-mail is: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Open accommodation

During the Open, there is an option for accommodation in a Hall of Residence of Liverpool University. All their accommodation is being handled by Centre Reservations of the local Tourist Board (0845 6011125). Mulberry Court (£29.50 per person per night) is the nearest to the main railway station and the train service from there takes 30 minutes to Hoylake. Bookings should be made as soon as possible.

Tournament accreditation

US Open. The online media credential application for the US Open is available at http://usopen.media.usga.org. The deadline for requesting a media credential is May 19. Everyone who is credentialed will have to fill out a brief security background check form, which is required by the New York State Police. If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Colson or Craig Smith at 001 908 2342300.

USPGA Championship. To apply for media credentials for the USPGA Championship please go online to: www.pgamediacenter.com, then click the Medinah logo and following the application. The deadline for media credentials is July 14. If you have any questions please contact Una Jones on 001 561 6248407.

Ryder Cup. Accreditation for the Ryder Cup will also be on-line and details will be circulated shortly. On the accommodation front there are still a few rooms available at Lynch Green Isle Hotel and anyone who wants one should contact Ryder Cup Travel Services immediately on email hidden; JavaScript is required

WGPA website

Alan Grice wishes to inform members of his new website: www.worldgolfpressagency.com. He says: “WGPA is a media mall for golf related articles and photographs. Journalists and photographers have the facility to post their work for view and sale. Following free registration, WGPA contributors are given access to the WGPA portal. They are able to publish their work within a secure environment where it can be viewed by potential purchasers. Printable and workable copy can only be downloaded after registering and making payment using PayPal (a secure, reliable and popular online payment system). Contributors’ price their own work. WGPA will deduct 20 per cent in fees and costs.” For more information e-mail email hidden; JavaScript is required.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Spanish Open 1600; Italian Open 1700; British Masters 1800 (nb Sat 1430); Irish Open 1800; BMW Champs 1800; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1700; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1630; Deutsche Bank Champs 1700; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1830; BMW International 1700; European Masters 1700; HSBC WMP 1800; WGC AmEx Champs 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; Mallorca Classic 1745; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1630; New Zealand Open 1700; Mastercard Masters 1700; Dunhill Champs 1700; SA Open 1700.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Wallasey Media Day

A total of 12 members have indicated they wish to play in the Media Day at Wallasey on the afternoon of Tuesday 25 April and a draw is attached. Members who want to join the field should contact Derek Lawrenson who will be liaising with the club in my absence. I understand another tee time is available if required.

12.30 – Scott McCallum, Barry Ward, Peter Higgs, Bob Davies

12.38 – David Birtill, Alistair Tait, Peter Corrigan, Dave Hamilton

12.46 – Derek Lawrenson, Phil Casey, David Facey, Bernie McGuire

Golf Fixture List

I am currently finalising arrangements for the annual Broadcasters and Golf Foundation matches and will be publishing details of these fixtures in next month’s Golf News.

In the meantime, I can confirm I have received entry forms for this year’s fixtures from Tony Adamson, Phil Casey (Wallasey only), Tony Stenson, Robin Barwick, Bernie McGuire, Bill Elliott (BMW only), Bill Robertson, David Facey, Peter Higgs, Dave Hamilton, Bob Davies, Peter Corrigan, Alistair Tait, John Barton, Bryan Potter, Scott MacCallum, David Birtill, Mike Blair, Mark Garrod, Barry Ward (Wallasey only), Peter Godsiff and John Whitbread but require the others to enable the draws for the Ron Moseley Trophy and the AGW Spring Meeting to be published in next month’s Golf News.

Members can send the completed form (see attached) to me at GMS, 14a High Street, Welwyn, Herts AL6 9QF. Alternatively you can e-mail me on email hidden; JavaScript is required or fax me on 01438 840819.

BMW Media Day

I have filled all the places in the AGW team for the BMW Media Day over the West Course at Wentworth on Monday 15 May.

Bill Elliott, Bill Robertson, John Whitbread, Mike Blair, David Facey, Alistair Tait, Peter Higgs, Graham Otway, Tony Stenson, Mark Garrod, Peter Corrigan, Jeremy Chapman, Bryan Potter, Brian Creighton and myself are all down to play for the AGW while Tony Adamson is representing the Broadcasters. Participants should arrive at Wentworth around 10.00 am in time for an 11.00 am Shotgun start. There will be a buffet and prize giving after the golf.

Handicaps

There follows an updated list of AGW handicaps for the 2006 season. It is based on the information that members supplied to me over the winter and also takes into account members’ performances over the last two years.

It should be stressed that members who have official club handicaps MUST use that handicap in all events involving both AGW and non-AGW members. Members with an official handicap SHOULD also use that handicap in AGW events although I am prepared to make some exceptions in this case if a member can prove to me that he/she cannot play to that standard. If a member feels he/she comes into that category he/she should contact me so that we can come to an equitable compromise based on his/her performances in recent AGW events.

The AGW handicap system is not perfect (and never will be because our membership features such a mixture of club and non-club golfers) but we hope it allows all members to compete on an equitable basis and for that reason any member who wins an official AGW event will automatically have his handicap reduced by ONE stroke for one calendar year. The handicap then reverts to the previous level thereafter.

I would be obliged if members who are not listed below could contact me with their handicap details (this is particularly important if you wish to play in the Ron Moseley Trophy or the AGW Spring Meeting as all handicaps must be lodged and agreed to be able to compete in those events).

Current 2006 Handicap List

Tony Adamson 22, Mike Aitken 15, John Barton 11, David Birtill 17, Mike Blair 15, Mike Britten 13, Colin Callander 7, Alan Campbell 18, Malcolm Campbell 6, Iain Carter 8, Jane Carter 15, Phil Casey 15, Jeremy Chapman 24, Peter Corrigan 26, Brian Creighton 26, Norman Dabell 24, Bob Davies 17, Dai Davies 24, Patricia Davies 14, Martin Dempster 12, John Drake 10, Bill Elliott 15, David Facey 19, Andy Farrell 15, John Fenton 26, Alan Fraser 18, Mark Garrod 11, Tim Glover 25, Peter Godsiff 18, David Hamilton 12, Colin Harding 7, Martin Hardy 15, Alan Hedley 9, Alan Herron 11, Peter Higgs 21, Petra Himmell 8, John Hopkins 18, Jock Howard 14, John Huggan 1, Derek Lawrenson 8, Douglas Lowe 10, Scott MacCallum 14, Jock McVicar 11, Lewine Mair 10, Peter Masters 8, Michael McDonnell 20, Bernie McGuire 16, Jim Mossop 27, Graham Otway 10, John Pinner 21, Mitchell Platts 18, Bryan Potter 12, Philip Reid 14, Bill Robertson 8, Bob Rodney 19, Lorne Rubenstein 8, Gordon Simpson 15, Colm Smith 17, David Smith 18, Alex Spink 26, Tony Stenson 26, Alistair Tait 9, Martin Vousden 11, Barry Ward 13, John Whitbread 28, Mark Wilson 18 and Goran Zachrisson 9.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile); email hidden; JavaScript is required

AGW Fixtures List for 2006

Please tick the events you wish to play in and return the form to me at the address indicated overleaf

Tuesday 23 May – Ron Moseley Trophy, Foxhills

(Early start followed by lunch) ……………………………….

Wednesday 24 May – AGW Spring Meeting, Edinburgh Course, Wentworth

(Usual format) ……………………………….

Monday 7 August – Henry Cotton Salver, Palmerston course, Brocket Hall

(10am start, followed by lunch) ……………………………….

Monday 11 September – AGW President’s Putter, West Hill

(Afternoon start) ……………………………….

Wednesday 13 September – AGW Championship, Edinburgh course, Wentworth

(Usual format) ……………………………….

Monday 2 October – Wisley match, The Wisley

(am start followed by lunch, 12-a-side, first come, first served) ……………………………….

Thursday 9 November – Wilson Match, The New Zealand Club

(am start followed by lunch, 12-14-a-side, first come, first served) ……………………………….

Tuesday 28 November – AGW Christmas Outing, East Course, Wentworth

(am start, followed by lunch) ……………………………….

Other Dates for your diaries

Sunday 23 April – Weetabix Ladies’ British Open Media Day, Royal Lytham & St Annes)

Monday 24 April – Open Championship Media Day, Royal Liverpool

Tuesday 25 April – Media Day, Wallasey

Monday 15 May – BMW Media Day, West Course, Wentworth

Monday 26 June – Media Day, Duke’s Course, St Andrews

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Changes to Spring Meeting

The decision to move the pro-am for the BMW Championship from 8.30am to 1.00pm on Wednesday May 24 has meant we have had to alter our plans for golf on both Tuesday May 23 and Wednesday May 24. The main preview interviews will be taking place on the Wednesday morning which means many members will have to work when the Spring Medal was scheduled to be played. Under the circumstances we have decided on the following course of action:

For this year only it is our intention to play the Spring Medal at Foxhills on Tuesday May 23 rather than its traditional Wednesday date at Wentworth. The Ron Moseley Trophy (scheduled to be played on May 23) will now be contested at our Christmas Outing on November 28.

I have obtained additional tee times at Foxhills (five at 8.30 am and three at 1.00pm) and would be obliged if all members who wish to play in the Spring Medal should contact me on email hidden; JavaScript is required immediately (deadline Wednesday May 17). Please state if you want a morning or an afternoon slot. It is expected that a couple of interviews will take place at Wentworth in the afternoon to fit in with those playing in the morning. If you have already stated you wish to play at Foxhills I would be obliged if you could re-confirm your participation.

The following morning the Wentworth Club has set aside tee times between 7.30 and 8.30 am for any AGW members who do not need to work at that time. I would be obliged if members who want to play contact immediately. The draws for both the Foxhills and Wentworth outings will be published in the next Newsletter (due out at the end of next week).

Wentworth have also intimated they are keen to host the traditional AGW lunch on the Wednesday of BMW Championship week and have suggested that it should begin at 1.00 pm (after the scheduled interviews). For planning purposes I need all members who wish to attend to let me know immediately. Please note the lunch is open to all members and not just those who played golf that morning. I have invited Judy Williams to attend as normal and she will be presenting the Michael Williams Hogget to the Spring Medal winner at that time. We will also present a couple of bottles of wine to the winners of that morning’s informal event.

I apologise for this late change of plans but it was felt it would have been totally inappropriate for us to play one of our major events at a time when many of our members had to work.

Just to confirm, please e-mail on email hidden; JavaScript is required asap if you wish:

To play in the Spring Medal at Foxhills on Tuesday May 23 and whether morning or afternoon

To play in the unofficial golf at Wentworth on morning of Wednesday May 24

To attend lunch at Wentworth on Wednesday May 24.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf – 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile); email hidden; JavaScript is required

ANNUAL DINNER – TICKET FORM 2006

Name ………………………………………………………….

Date ……………………………………………………………

I require ……… tickets for the 2006 AGW Dinner in the R&A tent, Hoylake on Tuesday 18 July (6.45pm drinks reception, 7.30 dinner)

My guests are

…………………………………………………………….

…………………………………………………………….

If you are willing and able to pay for an additional guest or guests from the official list please insert their name(s) in the space provided below. Please check with Dave Hamilton

…………………………………………………………….

Tickets are £45 each and full payment for yourself and your guests MUST be included with this form (cheques payable to the Association of Golf Writers). If you are not attending the dinner yourself please do not apply for guest tickets.

Signed …………………………………………………………

Please send form to: David Hamilton, Association of Golf Writers, 11 Darcy Road, Tolleshunt Knights, nr Tiptree, Essex CO5 0RP.

All forms must be returned by Thursday 6 July to avoid disappointment.

(ANDY FARRELL, HON. SEC.)

Golf News 06-4

Draw for the Spring Medal at Foxhills on Tuesday May 23

I have received 17 entries for the reorganised Spring Medal to played over the Bernard Hunt course at Foxhills on May 23 and have allotted each competitor a morning or afternoon starting time as requested. There are still a limited number of extra places available (6 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon) but these must be filled by 12.00 pm on Monday May 22. Late entries should contact me on 01438 718399 (office), 07788 443995 (mobile) or email hidden; JavaScript is required.

8.30 am – Mark Garrod, Dave Smith, Robin Barwick

8.40 am – Colin Callander, Iain Carter, Tony Stenson

1.00 pm – Alistair Tait, Bernie McGuire, Scott MacCallum

1.10 pm – Norman Dabell, Andy Farrell, Bob Davies, Dave Hamilton

1.20 pm – Mark Reason, Colm Smith, Jim Mossop, Bill Elliott

Golf at Wentworth on Wednesday May 24

A total of 9 members and 1 guest have signed up for golf over the Edinburgh course at Wentworth on the morning of Wednesday May 24. There are still a limited number of places available but these must be filled by 12.00 on Tuesday May 23. Late entries should contact me on the above numbers.

7.30 am – Tony Stenson, Mike Blair, Alistair Tait

7.38 am – Bob Davies, Colm Smith, Peter Godsiff

7.46 am – Colin Callander, John Paramor (guest), Dave Hamilton, John Fenton

AGW Lunch at Wentworth (May 24)

I have received notification that the following members wish to attend the traditional AGW lunch to be held at 1.00 pm at Wentworth on May 24: Colin Callander, Tony Stenson, Douglas Lowe, Mike Blair, Alistair Tait, Lauren St John, Mark Wilson, Norman Dabell, Bob Davies, John Huggan, Andy Farrell, Jock MacVicar, Dermot Gilleece, Colm Smith, Peter Godsiff, Dave Hamilton, Jeremy Chapman, Robin Barwick and John Fenton.

Other members who wish to attend MUST let me know before mid-day on Monday May 22 so that Wentworth can organise catering requirements.

Judy Williams is one of a number of guests to be attending the lunch and she will be presenting the Michael Williams Hogget to the winner of the previous day’s Spring Medal.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf – 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile); email hidden; JavaScript is required

May 2006

Annual Dinner

The Association’s annual dinner will take place on Tuesday 18 July in the R and A tent at Hoylake. The ticket application form is enclosed. If you receive this newsletter by e-mail, the form will also be sent in the post.

Please note the closing date for applications is Thursday 6 July – AFTER THIS NOTHING CAN BE GUARANTEED.

We have been informed by the R and A that their Greenside Restaurant facility will not be as large as at previous Opens. Consequently, the number permitted at the dinner will be slightly less than normal.

It is imperative that you place your order as early as possible to avoid disappointment, even if you do not know the names of your guests. These can be added later – the number is the crucial factor.

This year we have again held the ticket price at £45. However, the biggest cost to Association is the extensive guest list so if you are able to bring any of those guests who we feel should be at the dinner it would be much appreciated. Receipts for dinner tickets can be obtained from treasurer Bob Davies.

Should you be left with a spare ticket because a guest becomes unavailable please inform the dinner secretary who will be able to dispose of the ticket for you.

Changes of address, etc

Alan Booth has moved to: 5 Clements Court, Sheepcot Lane, Garston, North Watford WD25 ODD (01923 680796; (email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Alan Campbell also has a new address: Flat 2/3, 69 Ashley Street, Glasgow G3 6HW (m: 07803 970386; office: 0141 3027812)

Wentworth lunch

Please see the Golf Captain’s note on lunch at Wentworth on Wednesday 24 May. Due to the rearranged schedule on pro-am day at the BMW Championship, it is necessary for members wishing to attend to let us know so we can give Wentworth an idea of numbers.

Tournament accreditation

Ryder Cup. Accreditation for the Ryder Cup can be applied for at http://media.rydercup.com. Applications must be made through a commissioning editor and are for working personnel only. The deadline for applications is Jun 19.

Golf Weekly

Mike Stewart of the European Tour has a near-complete collection of Golf Weekly from 1990 to 2002 that he is offering to anyone who can give them a good home. They can be collected from Wentworth by arrangement with Mike.

Association ties

The new Association tie is now available. Its design is based on an updated version of the tie before last. All Life and Honorary members, Full members who are 65 or over, and any new members who joined after stocks of the old tie ran out, will receive the new tie automatically. For everyone else the tie is available for purchase at £15 until the end of July. Thereafter the price will revert to the usual £25. Supplies will be available at the BMW Championship, the US Open and the Open Championship. Otherwise, please contact the secretary.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) BMW Champs 1800; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1700; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1630; Deutsche Bank Champs 1700; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1830; BMW International 1700; European Masters 1700; HSBC WMP 1800; WGC AmEx Champs 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; Mallorca Classic 1745; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1630; New Zealand Open 1700; Mastercard Masters 1700; Dunhill Champs 1700; SA Open 1700.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

June 2006

Annual General Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE HELD IN THE PRESS TENT AT HOYLAKE ON WEDNESDAY 19 JULY AT 10am.

Annual Dinner – Tuesday 18 July at Hoylake

Another ticket form is attached for those who have not yet made an application. Please note the closing date for applications is Thursday 6 July – AFTER THIS NOTHING CAN BE GUARANTEED. Due to the pressure for places, it is advised to book early. Please check with dinner secretary David Hamilton (01621 817170) for a list of names of those we would like to be at the dinner and who can be in addition to the normal allocation.

New members

At the recent committee meeting Paul Williams was elected as a member of the Association, while Paul Forsyth and Mike Harris were admitted to the Supplementary List.

WILLIAMS, PAUL: Western Mail & Echo, Thomson House, Havelock Street, Cardiff CF10 1XR (02920 583655; f: 02920 583652). Home: 4 Pwllhelyg, Tongwynlais, Cardiff CF15 7HX (02920 811327; m: 07714 102086; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

FORSYTH, PAUL: Sunday Times, 4 Silverknowes Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 5HN (0131 5383121; m: 07767 886051; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

HARRIS, MICHAEL: Golf Monthly, IPC Media, King’s Reach Tower, Stamford Street, London SE1 9LS (020 72617773; f: 020 72617240) Home: 52 Clifton Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey KT2 6PJ (020 82556489; m: 07956 877202; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Changes of address, etc

Annie Nicholson is the new marketing and communications manager for Wentworth: 01344 846329; email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Alison Hunter has taken over from Sally Trim as publicity manager for BBC Radio Five Live: 020 82256042; email hidden; JavaScript is required

Association ties

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1630; Deutsche Bank Champs 1700; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1830; BMW International 1700; European Masters 1700; HSBC WMP 1800; WGC AmEx Champs 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; Mallorca Classic 1745; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1630; New Zealand Open 1700; Mastercard Masters 1700; Dunhill Champs 1700; SA Open 1700.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Annual Dinner

Dave Thomas was truly honoured to receive the Michael Williams Trophy for outstanding services to golf. Michael’s widow, Judy, presented the trophy, which Dave will hold for a year. He was so delighted he has already asked our jeweller to provide a replica as a permanent memento.

Peter Thomson received an Association quaiche to mark the 50^th anniversary of his Open victory at Hoylake in 1956, his third win in a row. Goran Zachrisson accepted the Golf Writers’ Trophy on behalf of fellow Swede Annika Sorenstam, who received the trophy during the Women’s British Open at Royal Lytham a couple of weeks later.

Our thanks are due to two members of the Association who provided the excellent speeches: Lewine Mair, who proposed the health of the guests; and Donald Steel, who responded in his capacity as president of the English Golf Union. Thanks are also due as always to Dave Hamilton and Bob Davies who organising the dinner. A few matters arose which will be reviewed for next year, principally ensuring that the dinner begins promptly at 7.30pm. One suggestion so far is that the bar opens slightly earlier at 6.30pm.

Another suggestion at the AGM was for the dinner to be moved to the Monday evening. With Final Qualifying no longer staged during Open week and with the Tuesday a busy day of interviews, it was suggested it may be more convenient, and relaxed, to have the dinner the previous night. It might help attract more players, on the other hand, it mean a change in arrival plans for some members and guests, especially those travelling from America. The committee promised to do a feasibility study and I would be grateful to receive any feedback on the idea from members. It is our intention to consult widely before coming to a decision over the winter.

Annual General Meeting

One of the main topics under discussion was the improved facilities at the Open Championship. The general layout and increased cafeteria and interview room were a vast upgrade. A number of issues still need improving, such WiFi and the pricing in the canteen. If any members have comments on any aspects of the working conditions at the Open, please get in touch with John Hopkins, Lewine Mair or myself. We received many comments last year and they helped enormously in presenting our case to the R and A.

All officers and the committee were re-elected. John Hopkins informed the AGM that he would be standing down as chairman next year and that the committee had elected Lewine Mair as deputy chairman.

Subscriptions

Bob Davies that our accounts had been transferred to Lloyds TSB. This means that the standing orders in place for paying members’ subscriptions need to be changed. A form is enclosed which you will need to take to your bank with the new details. However, it is also now possible to pay via electronic transfer and hopefully this will make it easier for overseas members in particular. The details you will need are: BANK: LLOYDS TSB;SORT CODE: 309762;ACCOUNT NUMBER: 02796359;CUSTOMER BIC: LOYDGB21301; CUSTOMER IBAN: GB97 LOYD 3097 6202 7963 59.

Changes of address, etc

John Barton has moved to: 5 Clarence Gate Gardens, Glentworth Street, London NW1 6AY (020 77241904).

Peter Donald has moved to: No. 4 Greenacres, Kingseat, by Dunfirmline KY12 0RW (Tel: 01383 745891).

Bryan Potter’s e-mail address has changed to: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Mark Wilson has moved to: 15 Kingsley Court, 142 Kings Road, Brighton, Sussex BN1 2LP (Tel: 01273 326789; fax: 01273 323077; mob: 07860 333336; e-mail: email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Association ties and books

The new Association tie is now available priced £25. Please contact me.

Regarding our book, Forgive us Our Press Passes, the details in the handbook no longer apply. If you would like a copy, please contact me directly. We now only have limited stock available.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) KLM Open 1800; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1830; BMW International 1730; European Masters 1700; HSBC WMP 1800; WGC AmEx Champs 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; Mallorca Classic 1730; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1630; Mastercard Masters 1700; New Zealand Open 1700; World Cup 1400; Dunhill Champs 1700; SA Open 1700.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

As was mentioned at the AGM, we are reviewing when and where we play our main competitions from next year and welcome any suggestions.

Broadcasters Match

This year’s match against the Broadcasters is to be staged at the London Club on Monday 9 October. I have not got the exact timings but we will be required to meet for an early lunch followed by golf and supper afterwards. Places will go to the first 12 members to apply.

Henry Cotton Salver

This year’s Henry Cotton Salver, scheduled to be played over the Palmerston course at Brocket Hall, Hertfordshire, on August 7 had to be postponed due to lack of support. I am liaising with the club to find an alternative date and plan to announce the alterative arrangements shortly.

Forthcoming Fixtures

There follows a full list of entries for the forthcoming AGW events this autumn. Members who wish to add their names to the lists should contact me on email hidden; JavaScript is required or on the telephone numbers listed below.

AGW President’s Putter, West Hill, Monday 11 September (2.30pm start) – Colin Callander, Dave Seanor, Brian Creighton, Tony Stenson, Jeremy Chapman, Bob Davies, Tony Adamson, David Facey, Peter Higgs, David Hamilton, Peter Corrigan, Alistair Tait, Scott MacCallum, David Birtill, Mark Garrod, Colm Smith and Michael McDonnell.

AGW Championship, Edinburgh Course, Wentworth Club, Wednesday 13 September (Lunch 1.00pm followed by golf at 2.30pm) *denotes members who have reconfirmed their participation since the competition was changed to an afternoon start – Colin Callander*, Robin Barwick, Dave Seanor*, Brian Creighton, Tony Stenson, Bernie McGuire, Jeremy Chapman, Bob Davies, John Whitbread, Bill Robertson, David Facey, Peter Higgs, David Hamilton*, Alistair Tait, Bryan Potter, David Birtill, Peter Godsiff, Dai Davies*, Patricia Davies*, Colm Smith, Michael McDonnell*, Andy Farrell and Peter Dixon*

AGW versus The Wisley, The Wisley, Monday October 2. (9.00 am start followed by lunch). We require a 12-man team – Colin Callander, Brian Creighton, Tony Stenson, Jeremy Chapman, Tony Adamson and Alistair Tait.

Broadcasters Match, The London Club, Monday 9 October. Early lunch, followed by golf and supper. We need a 12-man team.

AGW versus Wilson, New Zealand Golf Club, Thursday 9 November (8.30 am start followed by lunch). We need a team of 12-14) – Colin Callander, Tony Stenson, John Barton, Jeremy Chapman, John Whitbread, Alistair Tait, Brian Creighton, Tony Adamson, Mark Garrod, Dai Davies and Patricia Davies.

AGW Ron Moseley Trophy, East Course, Wentworth Club, Tuesday November 28 (Morning start followed by lunch) – Colin Callander, Tony Stenson, John Barton, Bob Davies, John Whitbread, Bill Robertson, Peter Higgs, David Hamilton, Peter Corrigan, Alistair Tait, Bryan Potter, Scot MacCallum, David Birtill, Mark Garrod, Dai Davies and Patricia Davies.

Golf during the Ryder Cup

John Redmond has contacted me to state that Mount Juliet would be delighted to welcome AGW members during the Ryder Cup. Members who would like a complimentary round should contact John at Slattery Communications Ltd, 22 Merrion Square, Dublin 2; +353 1 6614055 (office); +353 (mobile); email hidden; JavaScript is required (e-mail).

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf – 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile); email hidden; JavaScript is required

July/August 2006

Annual Dinner

Annual General Meeting

All officers and the committee were re-elected. John Hopkins informed the AGM that he would be standing down as chairman next year and that the committee had elected Lewine Mair as deputy chairman.

Subscriptions

Changes of address, etc

John Barton has moved to: 5 Clarence Gate Gardens, Glentworth Street, London NW1 6AY (020 77241904).

Peter Donald has moved to: No. 4 Greenacres, Kingseat, by Dunfirmline KY12 0RW (Tel: 01383 745891).

Bryan Potter’s e-mail address has changed to: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Mark Wilson has moved to: 15 Kingsley Court, 142 Kings Road, Brighton, Sussex BN1 2LP (Tel: 01273 326789; fax: 01273 323077; mob: 07860 333336; e-mail: email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Association ties and books

The new Association tie is now available priced £25. Please contact me.

Regarding our book, Forgive us Our Press Passes, the details in the handbook no longer apply. If you would like a copy, please contact me directly. We now only have limited stock available.

European Tour Finishing Times

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

As was mentioned at the AGM, we are reviewing when and where we play our main competitions from next year and welcome any suggestions.

Broadcasters Match

Henry Cotton Salver

Forthcoming Fixtures

Broadcasters Match, The London Club, Monday 9 October. Early lunch, followed by golf and supper. We need a 12-man team.

Golf during the Ryder Cup

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf; 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile) – email hidden; JavaScript is required

September 2006

Writers’ Cup

A Writers’ Cup match against the Americans is once again taking place this year. Sponsored by Rolex, the match is being played on the Smurfit course at the K Club on the morning of Tuesday 19 September. Those who have so far put their names forward are: Dai and Patricia, Colm Smith, Dermot Gilleece, John Hopkins, Mike Aitken, Graham Otway, Martin Dempster, Charlie Mulqueen and Phil Casey. Anyone else who wishes to play should contact Mark Garrod immediately (email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Alto Fairways

Colin Snape is now based at Alto Fairways on the Algarve and is suggesting a short trip in the off season for anyone wanting to play the course, see the property and write a piece. Flights and accommodation will be provided. If anyone is interested, please let me know (email hidden; JavaScript is required) so I can advise Colin of possible numbers and dates. To find out more about Alto, Colin’s e-mail is: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Writer’s Bursary

Calling all AGW novelists! MCNA, a medico-legal company based in Margate, Kent, are offering a new £18,000 Writer’s Bursary to allow an aspiring writer to spend up to 12 months writing a novel. The Writer’s Bursary is open to both novice and experienced writers and candidates are invited to write about any subject, as long as it is substantially a work of imagination and fiction. They retain full copyright ownership of their work.

The aim of the Bursary is to give the successful candidate the financial freedom to concentrate on writing his/her novel for up to a year. The Bursary is open to anyone over the age of 18 years, resident in the UK or Ireland and the closing date for entries is November 30, 2006. For more details and information log on to: www.medicalcasenotes.co.uk/bursary/. Alternatively, you can contact the bursary administrator, Michelle Sheppard, by calling 01843 232 859.

Subscriptions

Bob Davies confirms our accounts have been transferred to Lloyds TSB. This means that the standing orders in place for paying members’ subscriptions need to be changed. Unfortunately this cannot be done by the Association, so a form is enclosed which you will need to take to your bank with the new details.

However, it is also now possible to pay via electronic transfer and hopefully this will make it easier for overseas members in particular. The details you will need are: BANK: LLOYDS TSB;SORT CODE: 309762;ACCOUNT NUMBER: 02796359;CUSTOMER BIC: LOYDGB21301; CUSTOMER IBAN: GB97 LOYD 3097 6202 7963 59.

Changes of address, etc

Elspeth Burnside has a new e-mail address: email hidden; JavaScript is required

James Mossop has a new address: 7 The Coppice, Hale Barns, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 0DU (01619802663; f: 01619802089). The Harrow address (and details) has been retained as a Southern base. Mobile remains 07710908362.

Martin Vousden has a new e-mail address: email hidden; JavaScript is required

October newsletter

The 2007 diaries have arrived and will go out in a hard copy mail out early in October. This will also contain hard copies of the 2007 handbook form and the standing order redirection form.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) European Masters 1700; Madrid Open 1800; HSBC WMP 1800; Ryder Cup 1730; WGC AmEx Champs 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; Mallorca Classic 1730; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1630; Mastercard Masters 1700; New Zealand Open 1700; World Cup 1400; Dunhill Champs 1700; SA Open 1700.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Draw for the AGW Presidents Putter, West Hill GC, Monday 11 September

2.46 pm – Dave Seanor, Jeremy Chapman, Peter Higgs, David Facey

2.54 – John Barton, Bob Davies, Bill Elliott, Tony Stenson

3.02 – Pete Corrigan, David Hamilton, Alistair Tait, Scott McCallum,

3.18 – Mark Garrod, Colm Smith, Colin Callander, Michael McDonnell

Draw for the AGW Championship, Edinburgh Course at Wentworth, Wednesday 13 September

2.30 pm – Dave Seanor, Bernie McGuire, Bill Robertson

2.46 – Tony Adamson, Peter Dixon, Colin Callander

2.54 – Brian Creighton, John Barton, Jeremy Chapman,

3.02 – Robin Barwick, Bob Davies, David Facey, Peter Higgs,

3.10 – Alistair Tait, John Whitbread, Patricia Davies, Andy Farrell

3.18 – Bryan Potter, Dai Davies, Colm Smith, David Hamilton

3.26 – Michael McDonnell, Bill Elliott, Peter Godsiff, Tony Stenson

Lunch Prior to the AGW Championship

The Wentworth Club is hosting its usual lunch prior to the AGW Championship. The lunch is open to competitors and non-competitors. Members who aren’t golfing but who would like to attend lunch must let me know well in advance so that I can inform the club.

Matches against The Wisley, the Broadcasters and Wilson

I am still looking for several members to take part in the matches against The Wisley (Monday 2 October) and the Broadcasters at The London Club (Monday 9 October). The former will start at around 9.00 am and is followed by lunch. The latter starts with a light lunch and is followed by golf and then an evening meal. Both teams comprise 12 players who will be selected on a first come, first served basis. In the event that sufficient members do not indicate a desire to play I will endeavour to augment the teams with other members of the golf media.

I have a full team for the Wilson match at the New Zealand Club (Thursday 9 November) and have started a reserve list for that fixture. Further names can be added to that list.

Ron Moseley Trophy

I have received entries from the following members for the Ron Moseley Trophy over the East Course at Wentworth on Tuesday 28 November: Colin Callander, Tony Stenson, John Barton, Bob Davies, John Whitbread, Bill Robertson, Peter Higgs, Dave Hamilton, Peter Corrigan, Alistair Tait, Bryan Potter, Scott MacCallum, David Birtill, Mark Garrod, Dai Davies, Patricia Davies, Andy Farrell, Tony Adamson and Brian Creighton. Further entries can still be accepted.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf – 01438 717878 (home); 01438 718399 (office); 07788 443995 (mobile) – email hidden; JavaScript is required

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

President’s Putter at West Hill

The Americans did not have much to celebrate at the K Club but that certainly was not the case at few days earlier when GolfWeek editor, Dave Seanor, routed the field in the AGW President’s Putter at West Hill.

Seanor was making his debut in an AGW event but that did not stop him accumulating 40 Stableford points to finish no less than six shots ahead of Jeremy Chapman, Bill Elliott and Tony Stenson. Alistair Tait and your Captain of Golf shared fifth place two points further adrift.

AGW Championship at Wentworth

Regular AGW winner, Bryan Potter, claimed his first title of the 2006 season when he amassed 38 points to win the AGW Championship over the Edinburgh course at the Wentworth Club.

Potter, playing off 12, carded two four-pointers over his last nine holes to finish five points ahead of Jeremy Chapman and six in front of Patricia Davies. Seanor, cut to 10 after his victory at West Hill, realised it would not be good form to rub more salt in to our wounds and limped home with 30 points to share fourth place with Bill Robertson and Tony Adamson.

AGW Match v The Wisley

The Association suffered a narrow defeat in its annual match against the Wisley. We secured two halved matches but went down narrowly in the other two to give the friendly Surrey club its third consecutive success in the fixture.

Our team comprised six AGW members plus Andy Reddington from Getty Images and Luke Norman, who is the new staff writer at Golf Monthly. The Wisley’s side included local professional, Denis Pugh, best-known as coach to Colin Montgomerie and Peter O’Malley, and former footballer and now TV pundit, Jamie Rednapp.

Results: Jane Carter and Colin Callander halved with Denis Pugh and Norman Sanson, Brian Creighton and Luke Norman lost to Jim Baker and Nick Wenman 1 hole, Bill Elliott and Alistair Tait lost to Jamie Rednapp and Nick Zambikedes 1 hole, Tony Stenson and Andy Reddington halved with Peter O’Shea and Vince Chandler.

Forthcoming Fixtures

Match versus the Golf Foundation

The annual match against the Golf Foundation has been scheduled for November 20 over the fine Hanbury Manor course near Ware, Hertfordshire, which was used as the venue for three successive English Opens during the late 1990s.

Back in those days the course, designed by Jack Nicklaus II, produced champions of the calibre Per-Ulrik Johansson, Lee Westwood and Darren Clarke. I am not setting my sights quite so high, but I do need 10-members to form a side for a match we have lost for the last couple of years. The plan is to meet at 8.30 am, play golf and then have lunch. The team will be selected on a first come, first served basis so let me know as soon as possible if you want to play.

AGW versus Wilson

I have already received 13 entries for the popular Wilson match at the New Zealand Club on Thursday 9 November but might be able to squeeze in a couple more.

Entries have been received from Colin Callander, Brian Creighton, Tony Stenson, John Barton. Bill Elliott, Jeremy Chapman, John Whitbread, Tony Adamson, Mark Garrod, Dai Davies, Patricia Davies, Andy Farrell and Paul Trow. If anyone else wants their name added to the list, let me know as soon as possible

We are scheduled to arrive at NZ at 8.30 am, play and then have lunch.

Christmas Challenge at Wentworth

The inaugural Christmas Challenge, to be played over the East course at the Wentworth Club on Tuesday 28 November, looks set to be our most popular event of the 2006 season.

To date, I have received entries from Colin Callander, Tony Stenson, John Barton, Bob Davies, John Whitbread, Bill Robertson, Peter Higgs, Dave Hamilton, Peter Corrigan, Alistair Tait, Bryan Potter, Scott MacCallum, David Birtill, Mark Garrod, Dai Davies, Patricia Davies, Andy Farrell, Tony Adamson, Brian Creighton and Jock Howard. Further entries can be accepted.

On the day we will be playing for the Ron Moseley Memorial Trophy, which was postponed earlier this year, as well as a number of other special prizes. It also represents members’ last chance to accrue points towards the AGW Golfer of the Year Award for 2006.

The tee times are still to be finalised but we will be meeting early in the morning, playing over the East course, and then will enjoy one of Wentworth’s celebrated lunches. Guests from Wentworth, the European Tour and elsewhere will be invited to take part

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf; 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile) – email hidden; JavaScript is required

October 2006

Diaries

Please find enclosed the 2007 diaries. If there are any problems or one is not enclosed, please let me know.

Members’ Handbook 2007

Enclosed is the form for next year’s members’ handbook. Please write clearly and return to me by November 17. As it helps with postage and photocopying costs to send out occasional newsletters by e-mail, please indicate if you require a hardcopy. If your details are the same as in this year’s book, please let me know as it helps to confirm all the entries are correct. Also, if you have sent in a change of address recently, please do not assume the handbook has been updated!

New members

At a recent committee meeting, Euan McLean, of the Sunday Mail, was elected a full member, as was associate member Martin Vousden. Tony Garnett, of the East Anglican Daily Times, and Trevor Peake, of the Liverpool Post, were accepted on to the Supplementary List.

McLEAN, EUAN: Sunday Mail, 1 Central Quay, Glasgow G3 8DA (0141 3093262; f: 0141 3093572). Home: Flat 1/2, 68 Hyndland Street, Glasgow G11 5PT (0141 3371584; m: 07747 693155; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GARNETT, TONY: East Anglican Daily Times, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Sufflock IP4 1AN (01473 324684; f: 01473 324777). Home: 9 Furness Close, Ipswich, Sufflock IP2 9YA (01473 685529; m: 07860 617017; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

PEAKE, TREVOR: Daily Post, 2 High Street, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 9SN (01925 229274; 01925 270289; m: 07751 051632; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Ryder Cup et al

Congratulations to the European Tour staff for the media centre at the Ryder Cup and all their efforts during the week. We will be meeting during the winter to discuss all the aspects of the week so if you have any points you wish to be raised please contact John Hopkins, Lewine Mair or Andy Farrell. The same goes for the Open Championship and any other event on the schedule. The feedback we received following the 2005 Open helped tremendously to get the necessary improvements put in place.

Jim Awtrey

Jim Awtrey, the former long-time chief executive of the PGA of America, was presented with an inscribed quaiche by chairman John Hopkins during the Ryder Cup. Jim helped to improve our lot at the USPGA and the Ryder Cup when staged in America and he was delighted to receive this token of our thanks.

Writers’ Cup

Graham Otway writes: Ian Woosnam was only the second European captain to pick up a trophy at the K Club during Ryder Cup week. The first honour fell to Graham Otway who led a 20-strong European AGW and media team to victory over our American counterparts on the Tuesday morning on the K Club’s Smurfit course. There was some confusion over the final scoring, but from a format believed to be combined total of the top-12 Stableford scores on both sides, Europe emerged the winners by 336 points to 333. Europe will hang onto the magnificent trophy donated by generous sponsors Rolex for two years before it is defended at Valhalla. In the meantime the European Tour has agreed to look after the Media Cup at their Wentworth headquarters.

Changes of address, etc

Lindy Johnson’s e-mail address is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

John and Ysabel Hopkins

Chairman John Hopkins writes: “Ysabel and I just want to say how grateful we are for the flowers and all the messages of congratulations from members on our recent marriage.”

Subscriptions

Our accounts have been transferred to Lloyds TSB and this means the standing orders in place for paying members’ subscriptions need to be changed. Unfortunately this cannot be done by the Association, so a form is enclosed which you will need to take to your bank with the new details.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Dunhill Links 1730; Mallorca Classic 1730; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1630; Mastercard Masters 1700; New Zealand Open 1700; World Cup 1400; Dunhill Champs 1700; SA Open 1700.

ANDY FARRELL – 01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

MEMBERS’ HANDBOOK 2007

Name…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Company………………………………………………………………………………………………

Business address…………………………………………………………………………………………

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Tel…………………………………..………… Fax…………………..….…………………..…

Home address………………………………………………………………………………………

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Tel…………………………………..…………. Fax…………………..….…………………….

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E-mail………………………………………………………………….

Year elected……………………… Please tick if 65 or over on January 1, 2007……………………

Please circle one of the following:

I WISH TO RECEIVE NEWSLETTERS BY: E-MAIL/POST POST ONLY

All AGW correspondence will be sent to home address unless you indicate otherwise.

Please return form (by November 1) to Andy Farrell, Hon Secretary, Association of Golf Writers, 1 Pilgrims Bungalow, Mulberry Hill, Chilham, Kent CT4 8AH; by fax to: 01227 732496; or by e-mail to: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

ASSOCIATION OF GOLF WRITERS

STANDING ORDER REDIRECTION

NAME:

NAME OF BANK:

BANK SORT CODE:

ACCOUNT NUMBER:

PLEASE REDIRECT MY STANDING ORDER FOR £25 TO THE ASSOCIATION OF GOLF WRITERS (PAYABLE ANNUALLY ON JANUARY 1) TO THE FOLLOWING BANK:

BANK: LLOYDS TSB

SORT CODE: 309762

ACCOUNT NUMBER: 02796359

CUSTOMER BIC: LOYDGB21301

CUSTOMER IBAN: GB97 LOYD 3097 6202 7963 59

SIGNED DATE

November 2006

2006 Golf Writers’ Trophy

Please find enclosed the voting form for the 2006 Golf Writers’ Trophy and Outstanding Services Award. The Golf Writers’ Trophy shall be awarded to the person or persons, born or resident in Europe, who in the opinion of a majority of Full and Life members has made the most outstanding contribution to golf in 2006.

The committee has drawn up a shortlist but this is for guidance only and you may vote for whomever you wish. At the time of writing there are still events, such as the World Cup, which are still to be decided. The winner will be the candidate with the highest number of first places. In the result of a tie, the higher number of second or third place votes will be decisive.

Please list your 1-2-3 and return to me by post, fax or e-mail to email hidden; JavaScript is required. (If replying by e-mail please make sure to state your name clearly, otherwise the entry cannot be accepted). The ballot will close on Monday 18 December and the result will be announced later that day.

The shortlist is as follows:

Paul Casey, Darren Clarke, Laura Davies, Luke Donald, Johan Edfors, European Ryder Cup team, Sergio Garcia, Julien Guerrier, Padraig Harrington, David Howell, Netherlands Eisenhower team, Gwladys Nocera, Robert Karlsson, Richie Ramsay, Annika Sorenstam, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Ian Woosnam

Following the nominations that came back last winter, the Committee decided to give our Outstanding Services Award to Dave Thomas. If you can think of anyone who might deserve next year’s award, be they local, national or international figures, players or administrators, please let us know. The Committee will review the nominations before selecting the recipient.

Members’ Handbook 2007

Many thanks for all the members’ handbook forms I have received. Changes on the proofs should be possible up to the week starting Monday 11 December so if anyone has any late changes please let me know. I can also send out forms to anyone who has not received one.

Bill and Val Elliott

Bill writes: “I would like to thank everyone who has been in touch – one way or another – to offer support in recent times. It has been a funny, old year so far but both Val and I have now had our operations and look forward to 2007 when, hopefully, we’ll pass all the tests we now face for some considerable time to come. It has helped us both hugely to know we have so many friends and colleagues who give a damn. We are deeply touched. You’re a decent crowd. With love, Bill Elliott. PS: I’ve a funny feeling all the radiation is helping me groove my golf swing. Don’t, for Christ’s sake, tell Seve…”

Tom Ramsey

Michael McDonnell writes: “I visited Tom Ramsey in Brisbane during my October travels in Australia and can report he was in determined mood while undergoing more treatment for his illness. He has even taken an apartment for Carmel and himself next to the hospital where he was, as always, the perfect host, even opening several bottles on wine from his considerable cellar(part of which he brought with him) before finding one that was satisfactory(he had to abstain).When I left he was looking forward to some Pommie bashing during the first Test in Brisbane and can’t wait to get back on the golf course. I told him the troops wished him well and look forward to seeing him on tour next season.”

Pick Your Pro 2006

Congratulations to Derek Lawrenson for winning this year’s Pick Your Pro competition. Derek started strongly with two wins (including Mickelson at the Masters) and two thirds in the first four weeks and later added Woods at the USPGA. Unlike Paul Casey, he could not be overtaken at the Volvo Masters. Andy Farrell finished a distant second, ahead of European Tour IT guru Mark Lichtenhein, with Titleist’s Jonathan Loosemore and Paul Trow rounding off the prize winners. Full results attached.

Changes of address, etc

Jane Carter has moved to: Hunters Lodge, Rectory Lane, Great Rissington, Gloucestershire GL54 2LL (01451 810611; m: 07918 636841; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Neil McLean’s home address is: 159 Malpas Road, London, SE4 1BQ (020 8305 8181).

Gordon Simpson’s home address is: 4 Ranelagh Crescent, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 8LW (01344 885123).

Martin Vousden has a new website: www.rarebirdie.com.

The address of the National Golf Clubs’ Advisory Association has changed to: The Treshing Barn, Homme Castle Barns, Shelsley Walsh, Worcestershire WR6 6RR.

And, finally

Congratulations to Atlanta’s Furman Bisher, who is being inducted into the Georgia Golf Hall of Fame. He is already a member of the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

Congratulations also to Jamie Corrigan, of The Independent, and his fiancée Laura on their engagement. The wedding will take place next year.

If you have any news to pass on to other members, or concerning them, please do not hesitate to drop me a line.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Wilson Match

The AGW lost 4-2 in its annual fixture against Wilson at the delightful New Zealand Golf Club in Surrey.

Our team lost the first three matches but Mark Garrod and Tony Stenson and Jeremy Chapman and Bryan Potter pulled two points back before Brian Creighton and John Whitbread narrowly lost the decisive sixth match on the course. The result means that Wilson won the encounter for the third year in a row.

Results

Colin Callander and Bill Elliott lost to Doug Wright and Nick Addecott 2 & 1, Dai Davies and Andy Farrell lost to Richard Green and Rick Hazelden 4 & 3, Patricia Davies and John Barton lost to Carly Cummins and Neil Tappin 6 & 4, Mark Garrod and Tony Stenson beat Keith Perry and Michael White 5 & 4, Jeremy Chapman and Bryan Potter beat Dan Murphy and Iain Carter 1 hole, Brian Creighton and John Whitbread lost to Rupert Bell and John Collard 2 & 1.

Brancaster Weekend

Andy Farrell teamed up with your Captain of Golf to win the annual Pat Ward Trophy staged at the magnificent Royal West Norfolk Golf Club at Brancaster. The duo finished five Stableford points ahead of two other pairs, Colm Smith and Dai Davies and Patricia Davies and Tony Stenson.

The following day an AGW team augmented by a number of our wives lost 5.5-2.5 in our annual fixture against West Runton Golf Club.

Golf Foundation Match

The writers ended what can justifiably be described as a long winless drought when they defeated the Golf Foundation 3-2 in their annual match held this year at Marriott Hanbury Manor in Hertfordshire.

Yours truly got the team off to a somewhat unexpected start by defeating Golf Foundation’s Chief Executive Mike Round by one hole. Bill Robertson and Mark Garrod put us two points ahead when they defeated Ken Schofield and Ian Peacock 4 & 3 before John Thynne and Luke Norman (both from Golf Monthly) and Paul Trow and David Hamilton sealed victory with halved matches against their respective opponents. Dan Murphy and Tom Spence from National Club Golfer magazine were the only writers to lose on the day although it should be added they fought back from five down with five to play before succumbing on the 18^th.

Results

Colin Callander beat Mike Wild 1 hole, Bill Robertson and Mark Garrod beat Ken Schofield and Ian Peacock 4 & 3, John Thynne and Luke Norman halved with Bill Bryce and Carol Macdonald, Paul Trow and David Hamilton halved with Stephen Proctor and Bren Pyle, Dan Murphy and Tom Spence lost to Ben Evans and Stuart Armstrong 1 hole.

Ron Moseley Trophy – East Course, Wentworth Club – Tuesday 28 November

The draw has been made for the Ron Moseley Trophy to be played over the East Course at Wentworth Club on Tuesday 28 November and is published below. Please note I can accept a limited number of late entries until the day before the event.

In addition to playing for the Ron Moseley Trophy, the day will also confirm the recipient of the 2006 De Vere Golfer of the Year award. Your Captain of Golf currently holds a one point lead in this race on 94 points. I am followed by 2005 champion Bill Elliott (93 points) and Alistair Tait (92 points). Jeremy Chapman and Tony Stenson are also strong contenders having accumulated 67 points and 61 points respectively from the two counting events they have played.

Members will note that a number of guests have accepted invitations to play in this event and they will be competing for a guest prize donated by PING. Several other guests will also be attending the lunch which will be held in the Ryder Cup room after the golf is completed.

The draw:

9.10 – Colin Callander, Keith Waters, Iain Carter

9.18 – Andy Farrell, Julian Small, Jane Carter

9.26 – Bill Robertson, David Garland, Jeremy Chapman, Alistair Tait

9.34 – Dai Davies, Mitchell Platts, Mark Garrod, Tony Adamson

9.42 – Jock Howard, Gordon Simpson, Peter Higgs, Peter Corrigan

9.50 – Tony Stenson, Steve Doughty, Patricia Davies, Bill Elliott

9.58 – Bob Davies, Stephen Franklin, Bryan Potter, Scott MacCallum

10.06 – Peter Dixon, Michael Gibbons, Mike Blair, Brian Creighton

10.14 – John Whitbread, Dave Hamilton, Robin Barwick, John Barton

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf. 01438 717878 (home); 01438 718399 (office); 07788 443995 (mobile); email hidden; JavaScript is required

December 2006

Ryder Cup team win 2006 Golf Writers’ Trophy

Ian Woosnam expressed his delight after Europe’s Ryder Cup team won the Golf Writers’ Trophy for 2006.

Woosnam captained Europe to a third successive victory over the Americans at the K Club as the team matched their record nine-point winning margin from two years ago.

Darren Clarke, whose courageous performance just weeks after losing his wife, Heather, to cancer was the highlight of an emotional week in Ireland, was the runner-up in the annual poll. Richie Ramsay, the first Scot to win the US Amateur Championship since 1898, finished a close third.

After the Ryder Cup team missed out at the BBC Sports awards last week, Woosnam was particularly pleased to win the Golf Writers’ Trophy. “At last!” said the Welshman. “Thank God, we’ve won a prize after that BBC fiasco.

“I am very honoured, both for myself and on behalf of the players,” he added. “It was an unbelievable performance. To get 18.5 points, to equal the record, and also to win all five series of play for the first time ever, is the stuff of dreams.

“It was a very special week. It was the best week of my life without question, very hard but the best. I can’t say enough about my wonderful players and the way they played.”

Clarke won three matches out of three at the K Club despite having played only one tournament in the previous two months. “I am very grateful for all the recognition I have received and I would especially like to thank the golf writers for their support, not just this year, but throughout my career,” said the Northern Irishman.

“But for the Ryder Cup team to win this trophy is the absolutely the right result. To win as we did was a stunning performance and Woosie was fantastic as our captain. We had 12 players all playing to their best and I was just proud to play my part.”

Ramsay described himself as “just a guy from Aberdeen who loves playing golf,” after he defeated John Kelly 4 and 2 in the final of the US Amateur at Hazeltine. He became the first Scot to win the title since Finlay Douglas in 1898 and the first Briton since Harold Hilton in 1911. He will play in three major championships in 2007, including the Open at Carnoustie.

Ramsay finished ahead of Ryder Cup players Paul Casey and Padraig Harrington. Laura Davies, who won the order of merit on the Ladies European Tour for the seventh time, also featured in the voting.

Christmas hampers

Once again we have sent out a number of Christmas hampers and I have already received a number of lovely thank you notes. Among those who wished to be remembered to the membership were Peggy Reece, Jane Morgan, Floss Lincoln, Isabel Baker, Joan Moody, Lindy Johnson and Judy Williams.

Alan Booth writes: “It is difficult to explain just how much one (in this case two!) appreciates the very generous gift of Christmas goodies which my colleagues of the AGW have sent me today. Life has altered so greatly in the last couple of years that when one is remembered in this way, it really touches the heart and leaves one in difficulty fully expressing the emotions one feels. Suffice to say that the warm feeling my wife Isabel and I feel will last much longer than Christmas. We have accepted adversity and get on with our lives as best we can. The worst part is that she cannot walk unaided with injuries sustained in two falls, but hopefully there will be improvement in time. After a stressful move to a new apartment some months ago, where we are better able to cope, we feel that we need to get away, so in the new year we intend to have a long break and hopefully this will be of benefit to both of us.”

Bill Elliott writes: “Just a quick note to say thanks on behalf of Val and myself for the lovely surprise of the hamper. This was totally unexpected (I thought I had to be dead for her to get one) but the kindness is greatly appreciated by both of us. Please pass on our best wishes to everyone involved. We continue to battle although in my case this is mostly conducted whilst asleep. Val says she hasn’t noticed any real difference in me. Ah well…”

Elizabeth Price-Fisher writes: “The hamper always has such lovely things in it and they last throughout Christmas reminding me of all my good friends at the AGW. I do wish I could still come to tournaments and visit the Press Tent, which I believe has got more luxurious as the years have gone by. Thank you for the hamper and for remembering me.”

Solheim Cup accommodation

According to Bethan Cutler, at the Ladies European Tour, the allocation of rooms in the official media hotel for the 2007 Solheim Cup, the First Hotel Martenson in Halmstad, are going fast. Rates start at approximately £100. Full payment is not required until June 10 and cancellation is free up to that date. Bookings should be made through Åsa Eklund (0046 46 210 00 90; email hidden; JavaScript is required).

And, finally

May I wish all members and their families a merry Christmas and a peaceful, and healthy, New Year.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Ron Moseley Trophy

Members will be aware that last month’s Ron Moseley Trophy had to be postponed after incessant rain flooded Wentworth Club’s East Course. However, the good news is that Julian Small and I have got together and re-arranged the fixture for Thursday 25 January 2007 (the week of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters in Doha).

The format is the same as before. Our intention is to compete for the 2006 Ron Moseley Trophy and also conclude the 2006 AGW Golfer of the Year award. We will also invite a number of guests from both Wentworth Club and the European Tour who will join us for golf and/or lunch.

Golfers will be expected to arrive about 8.00 am in time for bacon rolls, followed by golf on the East course and then lunch in the Ryder Cup Room. Lunch will start about 2-2.30pm (depending on the number of entries).

I would be obliged if members could e-mail me on email hidden; JavaScript is required if they wish to play. A draw will be distributed nearer the time

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf. 01438 717878 (home); 01438 718399 (office); 07788 443995 (mobile) – email hidden; JavaScript is required

January 2007

Members’ handbooks

Thus year’s handbook should be enclosed for those receiving a hardcopy newsletter and will be sent by post shortly for those on the e-mail listing. Should you not receive one, please let me know. Also, if you spot any entry which is no longer correct please inform me. One change already is at the English Ladies Golf Association where Lyndsey Hewison (01603 507416; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required) has taken over as press officer from Clare Tyler.

Subscriptions

Just a reminder that subs were due on January 1 and that the constitution states that any member who is in arrears after more than three months automatically ceases to be a member of the Association. Please pay particular attention this year as we have switched bank accounts in the last 12 months. If your bank is anything like mine, they will have lost the redirection details and tried to send payment to the old account, which is now closed. The new details are as follows, which also allows for electronic transfers: BANK: LLOYDS TSB;SORT CODE: 309762;ACCOUNT NUMBER: 02796359;CUSTOMER BIC: LOYDGB21301; CUSTOMER IBAN: GB97 LOYD 3097 6202 7963 59. Standing order forms are available from the Treasurer.

European Tour meeting

As usual the Committee had a productive meeting with the European Tour at the start of the year. A number of topics were discussed, including our thanks for the superb media operation at the Ryder Cup, along with a few refinements for the future. Regarding armbands at certain tournaments, where a deposit has been required in recent years, this will no longer be the case, at least for a trial period of six months. However, it is our responsibility to make sure the armbands are returned to the desk and those losing armbands may be liable to a charge, which will be put towards the cost of replenishing supplies. The Pro-Golf media guide will be distributed within the next month and a few extra copies will be available at the early tournaments. But there is a plea from the press officers that they cannot carry unlimited supplies to tournaments and so members are asked to make sure they carry their own copy with them. CD versions will also be available.

In order for our tournament reports to each of the promoters and sponsors to be most effective and form part of a tournament’s debrief we will be endeavouring to send these out more regularly rather than in occasion batches towards the end of the year. So if anyone has any comments about an event please make sure one of John Hopkins, Lewine Mair or myself are informed as soon as possible. The secretary will also be nominating someone each week to report back on any particular issues, whether good or bad.

R and A meeting

Following the major upgrade of the Open Championship facilities at Hoylake, we were able to offer our thanks to the R and A at our meeting at the end of last year. A number of further points were also discussed concerning issues arising at Hoylake and looking ahead to Carnoustie. Although this has yet to be official announced to the public, we were informed that there would be a ban on mobile phones this year and similar procedures will apply for the media as at other majors. We will be able to get ‘approved’ stickers so we can use the phones in the media centre. The R and A also announced that Stewart McDougall would be retiring as press officer after the Open and they were advertising for an assistant communications director. John Hopkins thanked Stewart for his hard work on our behalf after succeeding David Begg. It will also be the last Open for championship chairman Martin Kippax. The Open Media day golf event will take place at Carnoustie on Monday 30 April, with the press conference the following morning. Invitations will be sent out by Stewart. Details of accommodation are given in Golf News below, along with details of two other media days on May 1 and 2 for Alfred Dunhill and the Women’s British Open.

PGA Tour Communications Summit

Late last year the PGA Tour held a communications summit for writers, television personnel, equipment reps and agents. Doug Ferguson was one of 16 writers to attend and here are some of his comments in the latest GWAA newsletter: “I think our numbers showed how much we want to see improved access. Technically, nothing was “settled.” That would have been asking a lot for a one-day meeting. However, I believe we laid a foundation to make headway in dwindling access, and it gave us a chance to hear the agents’ point of view. The premise of this summit was an extensive survey conducted by Barb Kaufman, a media consultant, who spoke at length to about two dozen media (print, TV, et.al.) and 20 agents and managers during the summer. What she heard from the media was a growing divide between print and electronic media, access to players that is getting worse and agents being the primary culprit. What she heard from the agents was a golf media that was getting lazy and stale, growing distrust by the players and print media becoming a dinosaur (players better served by new media). This was not a time to argue, but to listen.

“Bob Harig and I served on separate panels and some of the points driven home over those sessions and a working lunch was the need for players to make themselves available, whether that’s pre-tournament or after each round; Ty Votaw, who presided over the summit, talked about players building media time into their daily schedule. We also reminded them that is still the biggest engine. What they see on the Internet comes from us. What they HEAR on television often was read in the newspaper that morning. Most of the news develops out of our interviews. One thing the agents mentioned was better planning. That’s not always easy, but it helps to ask in advance for 15 minutes of Player B’s time at whatever tournament.

“Frankly, it was alarming how little agents/players/TOUR brass understand our business. On a side note, many of you might not be aware of some changes in the tour administration. Votaw is now vice president of public and international affairs; basically, he oversees communications and reports directly to Finchem. Ana Leaird is working primarily with players, agents and “projects” (such as “These Guys Are Good”

commercials), and James Cramer is overseeing the media officials. Also, Todd Budnick is moving over to tournament business affairs.”

Golf Weekly collection

Mike Stewart, of the European Tour, has a near-complete set of Golf Weekly from around 1990 to its demise in 2005 and is willing to pass them on free of charge to anyone who might find them useful as a research archive. If you wish to make a home for the collection or can think of any way in which they can be stored somewhere and be of use to golf writers please let me know or contact Mike directly at Wentworth.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Qatar Masters 1630; Dubai Classic 1700; Malaysian Open 1630; Indonesia Open 1600; Accenture World Matchplay 1600; Johnnie Walker Classic 1700; Singapore Masters 1700; TCL Classic 1700; CA World Champs 1900; Portugal Open 1700; China Open 1630; Asian Open 1730; Spanish Open 1730; Italia Open 1700; Irish Open 1800; BMW Champs 1800; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1700; BMW International 1730; France Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1645; Deutsche Bank TPC 1700; Bridgestone World Invitational 1830; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1700; British Masters 1800; Seve Trophy 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; HSBC WMP 1815; Madrid Open 1800; Portugal Masters 1730; Mallorca Classic 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Rearranged 2006 Ron Moseley Trophy

A total of 17 members and two guests have indicated they wish to play in the rearranged 2006 Ron Moseley Trophy over the East course at Wentworth Club next Thursday (January 25) and a draw for the event can be found below. I can accept a limited number of late entries provided I receive them prior to midday on Tuesday (January 23).

Members should note we will also be settling the outcome of the 2006 Golfer of the Year Award on the same day. Heading into the final counting event your Captain of Golf (94 points) has somehow or other managed to secure a one-point lead over defending champion Bill Elliott (93) and a two-point advantage over Alistair Tait (92). Jeremy Chapman (67 points from two counting rounds) and Tony Stenson (61) also have a great chance of emerging victorious if they can post a good score on the day.

Golf will be followed by lunch in the Ryder Cup Room (starting immediately after the end of play).

Draw for the 2006 Ron Moseley Trophy

9.00 – Colin Callander, Julian Small (guest), Mark Garrod

9.08 – Bill Elliott, John Paramor (guest), Bill Robertson, Peter Godsiff

9.16 – Alistair Tait, Peter Dixon, Peter Higgs, John Fenton

9.24 – Jeremy Chapman, John Whitbread, Dave Hamilton, Andy Farrell

9.32 – Tony Stenson, Robin Barwick, Michael McDonnell, Martin Dempster

2007 Golf Season

The AGW’s 2007 season starts on Tuesday 17 April with a new 10-a-side match against Royal Liverpool at Hoylake. The plan is to meet for a bacon roll about 10am, play golf, have a light lunch and then depart. Members who wish to take part should contact me on any of the numbers printed below. I should add that I am endeavouring to find suitable accommodation for those members who wish to stay in the area the previous evening. Please contact me for details.

Also below is the list of 2007 fixtures as it stands at present. Most of our normal fixtures have been finalised but I am still looking for a venue for the Ron Moseley Memorial Trophy and am also liaising with the Wentworth Club to find a date to stage our AGW Championship on the East course late on in the season (both should be sorted out in time to be announced in next month’s Golf News). As an experiment, I am also in discussions with the R & A to see if we can stage our Henry Cotton Salver at Carnoustie on April (i.e. in conjunction with the R & A Open Media Day). This arrangement, while not ideal, has a number of benefits, not the least of which is that the event traditionally attracts a large number of our members, including the Irish and the Scots who struggle to get down south where most of our events are played.

I should stress that the entry form overleaf is divided into two parts – AGW Events and Other Dates for Your Diary. Much of it is self-explanatory but I would make the following observations:

As far as the AGW-only fixtures are concerned, I can accept entries up to 2-3 days prior to individual fixtures but would recommend that members wishing to play in the matches should enter as soon as possible as all are 10 or 12-a-side fixtures with the teams being selected on a first come, first served basis.

All the fixtures in the Other Dates for Your Diary section are open both to AGW and non-AGW members. I do not handle entries for these events. Invitations will come direct from the governing body/ sponsor which is hosting the day so please wait for that invitation and respond to it accordingly.

The Open Championship Media Day is an R & A event and entries are to be handled by its Press Officer, Stewart McDougall. Stewart tells me invitations will be going out next week. Members who accept invitations should arrive at Carnoustie on April 30 in time for lunch. That is followed by a media competition over the Championship course and then dinner in the Carnoustie Hotel in the evening. Stewart has organised a special £55 B & B rate at the Carnoustie Hotel on April 30. Members wishing to take advantage of this rate should contact the hotel direct quoting both Stewart’s name and the special Media rate.

The annual Open Media Conference takes place at 9am the following morning after which members and other Media personnel are invited to drive to Fife where Alfred Dunhill has arranged golf for us either at St Andrews Fairmont (formerly St Andrews Bay) or Kinsgbarns (venue to be confirmed). The company is also in the process of organising a special B & B rate that night (May 1) at The Fairmont St Andrews so that members can stay there ahead of the Women’s British Open Press Conference the following morning.

The Women’s British Open Press Conference on May 2 comes under the auspices the LGU and IMG who will be sending out invitations in the next 2-3 weeks. It involves a Press Conference at 12.00 pm in St Andrews (venue to be decided) followed by a buffet lunch and golf on the Old Course (first tee time 2.10pm). I am told there will be no prize giving after golf so members are free to leave immediately on completion of their rounds. The winners will receive their prizes later.

The BMW Media Day at Wentworth has the same format as last year and will see a team of Writers pitted against teams representing the Photographers, the Broadcasters and BMW. BMW will be sending out invitations in due course.

AGW Events for 2007

Tuesday April 17 – Match v Royal Liverpool (meet at 9.45 am, golf then lunch)

Tuesday May 22 – AGW Spring Meeting for the Michael Williams Hogget, Edinburgh course, Wentworth Club (early start followed by lunch)

Monday October 8 – Match v the Broadcasters, the London Club (meet for lunch followed by golf)

Tuesday October 9 – President’s Putter, Edinburgh course, Wentworth (early start followed by lunch)

Tuesday October 16 – Match v Golf Foundation, the Berkshire (early start followed by lunch)

Thursday November 8– Match v Wilson, New Zealand Club (early start followed by lunch)

Notes

We plan to play the Henry Cotton Salver in tandem with the Open Media Day at Carnoustie on April 30 (see previous notes). I am currently arranging a venue for the Ron Moseley Trophy (to be announced next month). The AGW Championship will be the Grand Finale to the season. It will be staged over the East Course, Wentworth Club in November or December (date to be confirmed)

Other Dates for Your Diary

Monday April 30 – Open Championship Media Day, Carnoustie (afternoon start followed by dinner)

Tuesday May 1 – Alfred Dunhill Media Day, St Andrews Fairmont or Kinsbarns (afternoon start after Open Media Conference)

Wednesday May 2 – Women’s British Open Media Day, the Old Course St Andrew (first tee time 2.10 pm)

Monday May 14 – BMW Media Day, the West Course Wentworth Club (breakfast, golf and lunch)

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf. 01438 717878 (home); 01438 718399 (office); 07788 443995 (mobile)

March 2007

Ian Wooldridge

Ian Wooldridge, who died last Sunday aged 75, was of course a frequent and welcome visitor to golfing press tents and a friend to many members of the Association. Long-time Daily Mail colleague Michael McDonnell writes: “I knew Ian for 42 years and was always struck by his sense of fun, enthusiasm and generosity of praise to others. I once scoffed at somebody who had written a rather poor golf-based novel and Ian said: ‘Don’t knock him. At least he’s sat down and done it.’ Point taken.

“He was a joy to work alongside at both the Open Championship and the Masters. Each day he would approach me in an almost self-effacing manner and say: ‘I was thinking of doing this today. Is that Okay? It’s not going to cut across you, is it?’ His ritual at every Open was to follow the example of the caddies and work out the yardages. In his case the calculations were from the Media tent to the Bollinger tent and he commended the Royal and Ancient officials one year for locating his favourite meeting place only a wedge distance from the press tent.

“In early days he ‘ghosted’ Max Faulkner’s syndicated column and confessed that he had invented the story about Max signing a golf ball ‘Open champion 1951’ before the start of the final round. Max told the story so often that he believed it to be true.

“A couple of weeks before his death Ian phoned me to find out whether R and A members would have to clear out their lockers when the women professionals were given use of the clubhouse in the forthcoming Women’s British Open. It was for his column, of course, and he explained: ‘I had thoughts of the Duke of York flying up to St Andrew to clear his kit!’”

Renton Laidlaw, our president, writes: “I shall remember Ian Wooldridge for so many different reasons. Of course I will never forget him for the great crusading, fearless journalist he was whose weekly column, required reading for anyone even the slightest bit interested in sport, so often hit the pulse of public opinion or even moulded it. I shall never forget him for the support, friendship, encouragement and loyalty he gave me in my years with Associated Newspapers and for his continued inspiration right to the end.

“I will always remember him for his enthusiasm and passion for life epitomised in his last great battle. The cancer finally won but it had to put up a heck of fight to do so. Ian was never going to be a push-over. He had decided that he would continue to live life to the full right to the end and, with the help of his devoted and caring wife Sarah, he did just that. Although often in pain Ian would sit defiantly in his big chair by the window of his Kensington home and write out his column with a packet of cigarettes and a bottle of Scotch within easy reach. He often said he owed not just Sarah but the Scotch Whisky industry a debt of gratitude for keeping him alive. He was excited about everything he did and wrote authoritatively on so many subjects, not least cricket and the Olympics.

“He enjoyed coming each year to The Open and meeting all his golfing journalist colleagues. I suspect (although I never asked him) that his hero was Arnold Palmer and I suspect Arnie was one of Ian’s firmest admirers. If I had a morsel of Ian’s ability and talent, an ounce of his commonsense and understanding and just a small percentage of his down-to-earth humility, warmth and compassion I would be a lucky man. Sport has indeed lost one of its greatest-ever supporters and golf has lost a true friend and valued colleague.”

Arnold Palmer, a friend and a vice-president of the Association, said: “I am extremely sorry to hear of Ian’s passing. I had great respect for him as a journalist and always enjoyed his company. He was a fine man.”

Wooldridge wrote about his introduction to golf writers in the Golfers Handbook 2002: “I have never been a golf correspondent. By trade I am a sort of gypsy sports columnist who briefly pitches his tent at Twickenham, the Olympics, Sydney Cricket Ground, Royal Ascot, at a Las Vegas ringside or America’s Cup yachting. Occasionally, I get an esoteric assignment like the Iditerod dog-sled race across 1,000 miles of Alaska which is damned cold, I can tell you.

“Yet the warmest I ever feel is when writing off-beat pieces from some golf tournament: the Open Championship, the US Masters, the Walker Cup, wherever. It has nothing to do with the climate. It has everything to do with the generosity of spirit of specialist round-the-year golf writers to this occasional intruder – something that does not apply in all sports. I once had the wire of my telephone cut by a British colleague just before reporting a big fight in New York.

“I first learned of the generosity of golf writers at the very first major event I attended. It was the Ryder Cup at Palm Desert, California, in 1959, when, nervous and set behind the ears, I met the great Henry Longhurst for the first time. God, this was the supreme Longhurst for whose magical golf column in the Sunday Times I used to jump on my bicycle and get down to the newsagent’s to read at the crack of dawn.

“Instantly, he treated me as an equal in a deplorable trade. ‘I am glad to see,’ he said, ‘that you have already learned the secret of life. It is to find out what you like doing best and then get someone else to pay for it.’ It was probably that evening when I acquired my lifelong affinity with dry martinis!”

John Reason

John Reason, who died last month, was the long-time rugby correspondent of the Daily and Sunday Telegraphs but also had links with golf. As well as attending the Open, John ghosted Henry Cotton in the News of the World. A member of the Press Golfing Society, he was also the only instructor his son Mark, golf correspondent of the Sunday Telegraph, has ever had. “Which explains a lot,” admits Mark.

Masters accommodation

Dougie Lowe, of the Herald, is Masters-bound for the first time and is looking for accommodation in Augusta. If anyone knows of a spare room in a house or can help out in any way, please contact him on 07790 134746.

Changes of address, etc

Mike Britten’s home phone number in the handbook should read: 0034 952 788138.

A couple of members have reported receiving a copy of this year’s handbook with some pages missing. If anyone else received a rogue edition please let me know and I can send out a new copy.

Subscriptions

Bob Davies, the Treasurer, reports a healthy uptake of standing orders with the new bank details but would ask all members to check their subs have gone through. The new details are as follows, which also allows for electronic transfers: BANK: LLOYDS TSB;SORT CODE: 309762;ACCOUNT NUMBER: 02796359;CUSTOMER BIC: LOYDGB21301; CUSTOMER IBAN: GB97 LOYD 3097 6202 7963 59. Standing order forms are available from the Bob. Just reminder that subs were due on January 1 but anyone 65 or over is exempt.

Membership

The next membership meeting will take place at Wentworth during the BMW PGA Championship. To be considered, new applicants must return their forms by April 30. Any member who is proposing or seconding a new applicant, or thinks someone should be proposed, please bear this in mind. Membership forms can be obtained from membership secretary Jane Carter or myself.

Open Golf Media Conference

The European Golf Writers Association is staging its Open Golf Media Conference in the Algarve on May 5-7. There is golf each day, with a hickory competition on the final day. Three nights accommodation, full board, is complimentary. For further information and full itinerary please contact Helder Colaço, Area Chairman EGWA, Pestana Golf Resorts Algarve: 00351 282 340 900 or email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Pick Your Pro 2007

This year’s competition began at the Accenture World Matchplay, where a participants made a fast start on Henrik Stenson, but it is not too late to be included, especially if you get in before the CA World Championship and the Masters. Please contact me for a form.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) TCL Classic 1700; CA World Champs 1900; Portugal Open 1700; China Open 1630; Asian Open 1730; Spanish Open 1730; Italia Open 1700; Irish Open 1800; BMW PGA Champs 1800; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1700; BMW International 1730; France Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1645; Deutsche Bank TPC 1700; Bridgestone World Invitational 1830; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1700; British Masters 1800; Seve Trophy 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; HSBC WMP 1815; Madrid Open 1800; Portugal Masters 1730; Mallorca Classic 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

2006 Golfer of the Year Award

The AGW’s 2006 season ended in a somewhat disappointing fashion when the Ron Moseley Trophy, rearranged for January 25 at the West Course at Wentworth Club, had to be cancelled owing to inclement weather. This cancellation meant that the race of our Player of the Year Award came to a premature end and the Committee decided that the title should go to your Captain of Golf who had previously amassed 94 points and had been scheduled to go into the last counting event one point ahead of defending champion, Bill Elliott. 2004 champion, Alistair Tait, came third on 92 points.

New members might like to know the Player of the Year Award goes to the player who posts the most Stableford points from his/her best three scores during the season. The first counting event for the 2007 Player of the Year award is the Henry Cotton Salver at Carnoustie on April 30. The others are the AGW Spring Meeting (May 22), the Ron Moseley Trophy (June 25), the President’s Putter (October 9) and the AGW Championship (tbc).

Match Against Royal Liverpool

I still have a couple of places available for the AGW match against Royal Liverpool at Hoylake on Tuesday 17 April. We are scheduled to meet at the club at 9.45 am, play golf and then have lunch prior to departing. I will wait a few days after this Golf News is published to see if any other members are interested in playing and will then approach non-members in order to fill the gaps.

The Scottish Swing

Stewart McDougall has already sent out invites for the R & A’s Open Championship Media Day at Carnoustie on April 30. The format allows for golf on the Championship course on the afternoon on April 30, dinner that evening and then the annual Open Press Conference the following morning. Subsidised accommodation has been arranged at the Carnoustie Hotel – call direct to book a room quoting Stewart’s name and special media rate.

Invitations are about to go out for an Alfred Dunhill Links Championship Media Day at Kingsbarns on the afternoon of May 1 and a Women’s British Open Media Day at the Old Course, St Andrews on May 2. Subsidised accommodation will be organised for those writers who require it on the night of May 1. I should stress these events do not come under my remit as AGW Captain of Golf but members can let me know if they want to play and I will make sure they get an official invite.

Brabazon Media Day

Marriott and the EGU are staging a Brabazon Media Day at Marriott Forest of Arden on Tuesday 27 March, to be attended by EGU Elite Squad members Gary Wolstenholme, Ed Richardson and Paul Waring. The day starts at 9.30 am with a Press Conference. There are a limited number of tee times available on the Arden course (first tee time 10.30) plus an opportunity to arrange interviews with the above Elite Squad members. Members who have not received an invite but would like to play should contact me direct.

AGW Events for 2007

The following AGW events have been arranged for the 2007 season.

The latest even to be scheduled is the Ron Moseley Trophy which is to be staged at The Buckinghamshire on June 25. The tee is booked from 8.00am.

This season, for the first time, the plan is to make the AGW Championship the Grand Finale of the Season. The date and venue will be arranged before the next Golf News is published. I am also in discussions with The Wisley to find a suitable date for that popular fixture.

Members who wish to enter any/all of the events that have been finalised should contact me on any of the numbers listed below.

Tuesday 17 April – Match v Royal Liverpool (meet at 9.45 am, golf then lunch) …..

Monday 30 April – Henry Cotton Salver, Carnoustie (to be played in conjunction with R & A Open Championship Media Day)

Tuesday 22 May – AGW Spring Meeting for the Michael Williams Hogget, Edinburgh course, Wentworth Club (early start followed by lunch) ……………..

Monday 25 June – Ron Moseley Trophy, The Buckinghamshire (First tee time 8.00am followed by lunch)

Monday 8 October – Match v the Broadcasters, the London Club (meet for lunch followed by golf) ……………………………………………………………………

Tuesday 9 October – President’s Putter, Edinburgh course, Wentworth Club (early start followed by lunch) ………………………………………….

Tuesday 16 October – Match v The Golf Foundation, the Berkshire (early start followed by lunch)……………………………………………………………………..

Thursday 8 November – Match v Wilson, New Zealand Club (early start followed by lunch)……………………………………………………………………………………

Other Dates for Your Diary

Tuesday 27 March – Brabazon Media Day, Marriott Forest of Arden (Press Conference at 9.30 am followed by golf)

Monday 30 April – Open Championship Media Day, Carnoustie (afternoon start followed by dinner)

Tuesday 1 May – Alfred Dunhill Media Day, St Andrews Fairmont or Kingsbarns (afternoon start after Open Championship Media Conference)

Wednesday 2 May – Women’s British Open Media Day, the Old Course St Andrew (Press Conference followed by golf on the Old Course. First tee time 2.10 pm)

Monday 14 May – BMW Media Day, the West Course Wentworth Club (breakfast, golf and lunch)

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf, 01438 717878 (home); 01438 718399 (office); 07788 443995 (mobile)

June 2007

Annual General Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE HELD IN THE PRESS TENT AT CARNOUSTIE ON WEDNESDAY 18 JULY AT 10am.

Annual Dinner – Tuesday 17 July at Carnoustie

The Association’s annual dinner will take place on Tuesday 17 July in the R and A tent at Carnoustie. The ticket application form is enclosed. If you receive this newsletter by e-mail, the form has been sent in the post.

Please note the closing date for applications is Thursday 5 July – AFTER THIS NOTHING CAN BE GUARANTEED.

Should you be left with a spare ticket because a guest becomes unavailable please inform the dinner secretary who will be able to dispose of the ticket for you.

New members

Following the committee meeting at Wentworth, we are delighted to welcome Paul Forsyth, Mike Harris and Steve Newell as Full members of the Association. Paul Williams, who has moved to become the marketing manager at Celtic Manor, has relinquished full membership and has been nominated as an Associate member.

FORSYTH, PAUL: Sunday Times, 4 Silverknowes Terrace, Edinburgh EH4 5HN (0131 5383121; m: 07767 886051; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

HARRIS, MICHAEL: Golf Monthly, IPC Media, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU (020 3148 4530) Home: 52 Clifton Road, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey KT2 6PJ (020 82556489; m: 07956 877202; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

NEWELL, STEVE: The Oak House, The Street, Tibenham, Norfolk NR16 1QA (01379 674383; m: 07867 787292; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

The following have had their membership applications accepted and have been placed on the Supplementary List for a minimum of one year:

CORRIGAN, JAMES: The Independent, 191 Marsh Wall, South Quay, London E14 9RS (020 70052008; f: 020 70052894). Home: 9 Roxburgh Garden Court, Penarth, South Glamorgan CF64 3DX (02920 700398; m: 07717 303468; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

JIMENZ, TONY: Reuters, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5EP (020 75429465; f: 020 75424988). Home: 37 Hunters Way, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3BS (01634 850191; m: 07990 560035; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

KEOGH, BRIAN: The Irish Sun/Freelance, 38 Hansted Crescent, Finnstown, Lucan, Co Dublin, Ireland (00353 1 610 9597; m: 00353 86 811 4218; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

MAHONEY, PAUL: The Mount, 50 High Street, Ketton, Rutland PE9 3TE (01780 729591; m: 07732 777986; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Changes of address, etc

Alan Booth is back on-line and his e-mail is: email hidden; JavaScript is required. He says one or two messages of sympathy have been sent to his old address at Chorleywood; his new address (as in the handbook) is: 5 Clements Court, Sheepcot Lane, Garston, Watford WD25 0DD (01923 680796). Alan adds: “I am so grateful for the many kind messages of sympathy in the sad loss of my dear wife Isabel. When I get through the mountain of forms and so on I have to deal with I hope to express my thanks personally. Alan.”

Norman Dabell’s Mill office number (01733 211128) is no longer in use and all calls should be directed to the home number: 01733 211132. Mobile and e-mail remain the same.

Gary Alliss

Gary Alliss, the Head Pro at The Belfry, is this year’s PGA Cup captain, with the match taking place at Reynolds Plantation in September. GB&I are defending the Llandudno Trophy but have never won in the US. Gary says: “If I can help any members of the Association of Golf Writers who may want to visit The Belfry or get idle pro gossip from a senile old pro, please give them my number. A promise not a threat, I really am very happy to hear from any member at any time.” Mobile: 07713 846335; e-mail: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) BA-CA Open 1700; BMW International 1730; France Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1645; Deutsche Bank TPC 1700; Bridgestone World Invitational 1800; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1600; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1700; British Masters 1800; Seve Trophy 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; HSBC WMP 1815; Madrid Open 1800; Portugal Masters 1730; Mallorca Classic 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Garrod Returns to Winning Form at AGW Spring Meeting

Mark Garrod emerged from a spell in the doldrums when he won the Michael Williams Hogget at the AGW Spring Meeting at Wentworth Club. Garrod won this fine trophy for a third time when he compiled 35 Stableford points over the Edinburgh course to finish one point ahead to Tony Stenson and two points in front of David Hamilton. Henry Cotton Salver winner, Patricia Davies, came fourth with 32 points. Thanks go to Judy Williams who made her annual trip to Wentworth to present the prizes. We are also indebted to the European Tour for donating engraved prizes for the top three finishers and to Wentworth Club for providing an excellent lunch in the Ryder Cup room.

Ron Moseley Memorial Trophy

Next up is the Ron Moseley Memorial Trophy to be staged at The Buckinghamshire, near Denham, on the morning of Monday 25 June. The tee is booked from 7.30 am and there will be a buffet lunch after the round.

To date, I have received entries from Bryan Potter, Dai Davies, Patricia Davies, John Barton and Tony Stenson. Other members who wish to take part should e-mail me on email hidden; JavaScript is required or contact me on one of the numbers below.

Please note I am also taking entries for all of our other forthcoming fixtures (see details below)

List of Forthcoming AGW Golf Events

Monday 25 June – Ron Moseley Trophy, The Buckinghamshire (First tee time 7.30 am followed by lunch)

Monday 8 October – Match v the Broadcasters, the London Club (meet for lunch followed by golf) ……………………………………………………………………

Tuesday 9 October – President’s Putter, Edinburgh course, Wentworth Club (early start followed by lunch) ………………………………………….

Tuesday 16 October – Match v The Golf Foundation, the Berkshire (early start followed by lunch)……………………………………………………………………..

Thursday 8 November – Match v Wilson, New Zealand Club (early start followed by lunch)……………………………………………………………………………………

Friday 9 November – AGW Championship, East Course, Wentworth Club (Tee booked 09.10 – 10.40 followed by lunch in the Ryder Cup Room).

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf. email hidden; JavaScript is required; 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile)

July 2007

Annual Dinner – Tuesday 17 July at Carnoustie

Just a reminder to anyone who has yet to apply for tickets that the closing date is this Thursday 5 July. A ticket form is attached. Please respond asap to guarantee places for you and your guests. David Hamilton is at a tournament this week so can be contacted by mobile (07834 172877) and e-mail (email hidden; JavaScript is required).

There are still a few guests we would like to see invited to the dinner so if you are in a position to help please contact David for the current situation. Also, if you end up with any spare tickets because a guest becomes unavailable please inform the dinner secretary who will be able to dispose of the ticket for you.

I am pleased to confirm that the bar will open slightly earlier than usual at 6.30pm and we aim to sit down promptly for dinner at 7.30.

Angel Cabrera

Martin Hardy has asked me to point out that ISM do not work on behalf of new US Open champion Angel Cabrera as reported in some places. Cabrera is managed by Manuel Tagle at PGM (email hidden; JavaScript is required) with details as in the European Tour media guide.

Changes of address, etc

Jack Robertson’s new e-mail address is: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Peter Dixon’s e-mail is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Concerning the Loch Lomond entry in the handbook, Niall Flanagan has taken over from Keith Williams and Joanne Kerr’s e-mail address should read: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1645; Deutsche Bank TPC 1700; Bridgestone World Invitational 1800; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1600; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1700; British Masters 1800; Seve Trophy 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; HSBC WMP 1815; Madrid Open 1800; Portugal Masters 1730; Mallorca Classic 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Elliott Retains the Ron Moseley Trophy

Bill Elliott overcame a testing course and torrential showers to retain the Ron Moseley Memorial Trophy at The Buckinghamshire.

Elliott compiled an impressive 37 points to finish two points ahead of recent Michael Williams Hogget winner Mark Garrod and seven in front of Brian Creighton. It was third time Elliott has won the trophy and means that he is now neck-and-neck with Garrod in the race for the De Vere Golfer of the Year award.

Forthcoming AGW Golf Events

There is now an extensive lull in our golfing activities until the week of the HSBC World Match Play Championship when we have two fixtures in the diary (see list below)

The likes of the President’s Putter and the AGW Championship are relatively straightforward to organise but it would be helpful if members could give me early indication of which matches they wish to play in. To help you to do that, I list below the entries I have received to date. Please note that the matches tend to be 10 or 12-aside so early entry is recommended if you want to guarantee a game. In the event that insufficient members apply, I will contact non-AGW writers to complete the sides.

The match versus Wilson and the AGW Championship have deliberately been organised on successive days thereby making it worthwhile for members who live out with the South East to come down for a couple of days.

List of Entries for Forthcoming Fixtures

Monday 8 October – Match v the Broadcasters, the London Club (meet for lunch followed by golf)

Entries to Date: Colin Callander, Jim Mossop, Andy Farrell, Tony Stenson and Brian Creighton.

Tuesday 9 October – President’s Putter, Edinburgh course, Wentworth Club (Early start. Lunch for all AGW members the following day)

Entries to Date: Bryan Potter, Jim Mossop, Mark Garrod, Andy Farrell, John Barton, Tony Stenson and Brian Creighton.

Tuesday 16 October – Match v The Golf Foundation, the Berkshire (early start followed by lunch)

Entries to Date: Colin Callander, Jim Mossop, Mark Garrod, Andy Farrell, Tony Stenson and Brian Creighton.

Thursday 8 November – Match v Wilson, New Zealand Club (early start followed by lunch)

Entries to Date: Bryan Potter, Mark Garrod, Andy Farrell, John Barton, Tony Stenson, Derek Lawrenson, Brian Creighton and Colin Callander.

Friday 9 November – AGW Championship, East Course, Wentworth Club (Tee booked 09.10 – 10.40 followed by lunch in the Ryder Cup Room).

Entries to Date: Colin Callander, Tony Stenson, Derek Lawrenson, Mark Garrod and Brian Creighton.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf. email hidden; JavaScript is required; 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile)

August 2007

Annual Dinner

Bob Torrance was the star of the Annual Dinner at Carnoustie. Bob was presented with the Michael Williams Trophy for Outstanding Services to Golf and gave a wonderful acceptance speech, in which he noted that he had never spoken at such a function before and this was not quite the place to practise. Padraig Harrington was on hand to pay tribute to Bob as his coach over 11 years and it was terrific that the Open champion-to-be was able to attend to give the first speech of the week, as well as the last.

Unfortunately, Ian Woosnam was unable to attend to accept the Golf Writers’ Trophy on behalf of the Ryder Cup team. But several members of the team were in attendance and were acclaimed: Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, David Howell, Darren Clarke and Harrington. Paul McGinley was unable to attend at the last minute, while Robert Karlsson was ill in bed and Jose Maria Olazabal had to withdraw from the Open with a knee injury. There were a number of players who in attendance, including Geoff Ogilvy, the 2006 US Open champion, Drew Weaver, the Amateur champion, Ian Poulter and European Solheim Cup captain Helen Alfredsson, as well as our vice-presidents Peter Thomson, Tony Jacklin and Sir Michael Bonallack.

Thanks are due to a number of people and organisations: to the R and A for the use of the tent; to the European Tour, especially for assistance in encouraging members of the Ryder Cup team to attend; to Payne and Gunter for the excellent food; to Hardys for the wine; and, for all their organising, Dave Hamilton and Bob Davies. There were elements of the speeches which caused offence and the Association unreservedly apologises for that. It was unacceptable and, as discussed at the agm, every effort will be made so that it will not happen again. That the issue was featured so prominently in the media may have been inevitable but no less regrettable for that. The evening, as perhaps we all could do with remembering, should be primarily an opportunity to thank our guests – players, administrators, contacts, other colleagues – for their assistance, support and forbearance throughout the year.

Annual General Meeting

Among items discussed from the Open Championship were the WiFi and pricing in the cafeteria. If anyone has any comments about the Open facilities or any other tournament, please let me know.

The main item at the agm was to thank John Hopkins for his efforts over nine years as chairman of the Association. Renton Laidlaw, our president, thanked John and presented him with one of our quaiches and a Graeme Baxter print of St Andrews. Renton also welcomed Lewine Mair as John’s successor, the first woman to hold the post. Formally, Lewine was confirmed as chairman at a committee meeting following the agm.

World Cup

Please note that applications for the Omega World Cup at Missions Hills in China (November 22-25) are now available on-line at http://media.europeantour.com but if you are intending to be there the European Tour would like to know as soon as possible so they can plan for the event and also, which is important for China, to assist with visa applications.

Changes of address, etc

Greg Allen has moved to: 69 Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, Ireland (m: 0035387 2578259; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required).

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1600; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1700; British Masters 1800; Seve Trophy 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; HSBC WMP 1815; Madrid Open 1800; Portugal Masters 1730; Mallorca Classic 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Change of Venue

The venue for this year’s match against the Broadcasters, to be held on Monday 8 October, has been switched from The London Club to The Grove near Watford, the venue for last year’s WGC American Express Championship won by Tiger Woods. Members interested in playing in this popular annual match should note that we meet for lunch at about 12pm, with the first tee time booked for 1pm. As you will see from the current list of entries, I have a number of spaces available so, if you want one, please contact me on the numbers below.

There are also still 2-3 places available for the matches against the Golf Foundation (The Berkshire, October 16) and Wilson (New Zealand Club, November 8) and I propose to fill them on a first come, first served basis. So, if you want to play, let me know straight away.

I am also accepting entries for the President’s Putter (Edinburgh course, Wentworth Club, October 9) and the AGW Championship (East Course, Wentworth Club, November 9). Members who have entered already are listed below.

List of Entries for Forthcoming Fixtures

Monday 8 October – Match v the Broadcasters, The Grove (Lunch at 12.00, first tee time 12.00)

Entries to Date: Colin Callander, Jim Mossop, Andy Farrell, Tony Stenson and Brian Creighton and Mike Harris

Tuesday 9 October – President’s Putter, Edinburgh course, Wentworth Club (Early start. Lunch for all AGW members the following day)

Entries to Date: Bryan Potter, Jim Mossop, Mark Garrod, Andy Farrell, John Barton, Tony Stenson and Brian Creighton, Jeremy Chapman, Mike Harris, Steve Newell, Mike Blair and John Whitbread.

Tuesday 16 October – Match v The Golf Foundation, the Berkshire (early start followed by lunch)

Entries to Date: Colin Callander, Jim Mossop, Mark Garrod, Andy Farrell, Tony Stenson, Brian Creighton and Paul Trow.

Thursday 8 November – Match v Wilson, New Zealand Club (early start followed by lunch)

Entries to Date: Bryan Potter, Mark Garrod, Andy Farrell, John Barton, Tony Stenson, Derek Lawrenson, Brian Creighton, Paul Trow, Jeremy Chapman, Mike Harris, John Whitbread and Colin Callander.

Friday November – AGW Championship, East Course, Wentworth Club (Tee booked 09.10 – 10.40 followed by lunch in the Ryder Cup Room).

Entries to Date: Colin Callander, Tony Stenson, Derek Lawrenson, Mark Garrod, Brian Creighton, Jeremy Chapman, Mike Harris, Steve Newell and John Whitbread..

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf. email hidden; JavaScript is required; 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile)

September 2007

Diaries

The 2008 diaries are now available and will either be included with the hard-copy of this newsletter or will arrive shortly if you are have received this on e-mail. If your diary does not appear in the fullness of time then please let me know.

Tournament reports

In preparation for the winter meetings with the Royal and Ancient and the European Tour, if there are any issues you wish to raise from tournaments over the season please let me know.

Contact information

Instead of having to fill in more forms for the annual updating of our contact information for the handbook (and possibly inclusion on the website once it gets up and running), we are going to try a new system this year. Over the course of the next couple of months you will be contacted, by e-mail or letter, by our administrative assistant, Paula Benn, asking you to confirm the information that we currently hold. A prompt reply would be appreciated so we don’t waste time chasing it up.. If your details are due to change before the end of the year, then just let us know that a further update will follow. We can usually make changes to the handbook into December.

Changes of address, etc

Mark Garrod’s e-mail addresses are now email hidden; JavaScript is required or email hidden; JavaScript is required. The old email hidden; JavaScript is required ceased to be active on August 16, so please resend anything directed Mark’s way after that date.

Lauren St John has moved to: 7 Merchants House, Anchor Iron Wharf, Greenwich, London SE10 9LX (m: 07779 013981).

Chris Bartlett has a new e-mail address: email hidden; JavaScript is required and a new office address: Editor, The Zone Golf Magazine, 16 Stanford Road, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 5HR (01594 841106)

Photographer Mark Newcombe’s contact details are: Visions in Golf, Golf Photography and Picture Agency, Unit 6, Wood End Court, Dodworth, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S75 3UA (01226 286111; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Mercedes-Benz Champs 1700; British Masters 1800; Seve Trophy 1700; Dunhill Links 1730; HSBC WMP 1815; Madrid Open 1800; Portugal Masters 1730; Mallorca Classic 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Golf during the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

Our good friend Helen McDonnell has been in touch to say that members will be given courtesy of the Duke’s course during the week of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Anyone looking for a game should contact Helen on 07779 751339 or at email hidden; JavaScript is required. I played the Duke’s course prior to The Open and can confirm it is playing exceedingly well after its major overhaul.

Forthcoming Fixtures

I have had a good response from members wishing to play in our remaining fixtures. We have a full side for the annual match against Wilson at the New Zealand Club but I still need a couple of other members to put their names down for the matches against the Broadcasters and the Golf Foundation. These places will be filled on a first come, first served basis so contact me as soon as you can.

I am also accepting entries for both the President’s Putter and the AGW Championship (see details below).

Monday 8 October – Match v Broadcasters, The Grove (Lunch at 12.00, first tee time 14.00)

Entries to date: Colin Callander, Jim Mossop, Andy Farrell, Tony Stenson Brian Creighton, Mike Harris, Mike Blair, John Fenton, Dai Davies, Patricia Davies and Peter Godsiff.

Tuesday 9 October – President’s Putter, Edinburgh course, Wentworth Club (Early start. Lunch for all AGW members the following day)

Entries to date: Bryan Potter, Jim Mossop, Mark Garrod, Andy Farrell, John Barton, Tony Stenson, Brian Creighton, Jeremy Chapman, Mike Harris, Steve Newell, Mike Blair, John Whitbread, Bill Elliott, Peter Higgs, Dai Davies, Paricia Davies and Peter Godsiff.

Tuesday 16 October – Match v Golf Foundation, the Berkshire (early start followed by lunch)

Entries to date: Colin Callander, Jim Mossop, Mark Garrod, Andy Farrell, Tony Stenson, Brian Creighton, Paul Trow, Peter Higgs, Mike Blair, Dai Davies and Patricia Davies..

Thursday 8 November – Match v Wilson, New Zealand Club (early start followed by lunch)

Entries to date: Bryan Potter, Mark Garrod, Andy Farrell, John Barton, Tony Stenson, Derek Lawrenson, Brian Creighton, Paul Trow, Jeremy Chapman, Mike Harris, John Whitbread, Colin Callander, John Hopkins, Dai Davies, Patricia Davies, Tony Adamson and John Fenton..

Friday 9 November – AGW Championship, East Course, Wentworth Club (Tee booked 09.10 – 10.40 followed by lunch in the Ryder Cup Room).

Entries to date: Colin Callander, Tony Stenson, Derek Lawrenson, Mark Garrod, Brian Creighton, Jeremy Chapman, Mike Harris, Steve Newell, John Whitbread, John Barton, John Hopkins, Mike Blair, Dai Davies, Patricia Davies, Bill Elliott and Tony Adamson.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf. email hidden; JavaScript is required; 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile)

October 2007

New members

Tony Garnett and Trevor Peake were elected full members of the Association at the recent committee meeting at Wentworth. In addition, Jeremy Ellwood, of Golf Monthly, Maria Pia Gennaro, from Italy, Nick Rodger and Ged Scott were accepted on to the Supplementary List.

GARNETT, TONY: East Anglican Daily Times, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1AN (01473 324684; f: 01473 324777). Home: 9 Furness Close, Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 9YA (01473 685529; m: 07860 617017; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

PEAKE, TREVOR: Daily Post, 2 High Street, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside WA12 9SN (01925 229274; f: 01925 270289; m: 07751 051632; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

ELLWOOD, JEREMY: Golf Monthly, IPC Media, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU (020 3148 4533). Home: 4 Belmont Cottages, Lower Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5HE (01342 826995; m: 07952 370175; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GENNARO, MARIA PIA: Golf e Turismo, Via Winckelmann 2, 20146 Milano, Italy (0039 0242419219; f: 0030 0248953252). Home: Via Moscova 46/3, 20121 Milano, Italy (0039 026575646; f: 0039026592048; m: 00393356186642; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

RODGER, NICK: Flat 2-2, 30 Garry Street, CAthcart, Glasgow G44 4AX (T/f: 0141 6379771; 07811 541982; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

SCOTT, GED: Birmingham Post, Printing House Street, Birmingham B4 6AX (0121 2363366). Home: The White Cottage, Habberley Valley, Kidderminster (01562 822821; m: 07775 807796; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Tournament reports

Our initial debrief with the R and A on the Open was encouraging and there were promising noises on pricing, both in the canteen and for WiFi, and also on the reliability of the latter. Time will tell. We meet the R and A formally at the end of November. If you have any issues with the Open or any other tournaments, this is the time to speak up and let us know.

Contact information

Many thanks to everyone who has responded so promptly to Paula Benn’s e-mails requesting confirmation of members’ contact information for the handbook. This is proving a far more efficient system than in the past. Those at the end of the alphabet, your time will come shortly.

Changes of address, etc

John Hennessy has moved to 14 Chancery Court, Front Street, Acomb, York YO24

Mike Aitken’s e-mail address is: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Norman Dabell now has only one landline for home, work and fax: 01733 211132

Alan Booth’s e-mail is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Bill Robertson’s mobile number is now: 07934 687 998

Tom Ramsey’s Australian mobile number “in case anyone is passing through and wants me to arrange a quick game somewhere” is: 0419 551936.

Bryan Potter’s mobile is: 07788500451

Gordon Richardson’s e-mail address is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

John Redmond’s e-mail is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Hassan II Trophy

Last week Mounia El Khettar Mouline was looking for journalists interested in covering the Hassan II Trophy in Morocco (October 23-38) featuring Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke. Places may have been filled but if you are interested you should contact email hidden; JavaScript is required.

In other news

Congratulations to Jamie Corrigan and partner Laura on the birth of Paddy, who with impeccable timing saved his father from the debacle of Wales at the Rugby World Cup.

Kudos to Lauren St John for her children’s books The White Giraffe and Dolphin Song, which have hit the bestseller lists and apparently are being enjoyed by various Mair grandchildren.

Following the winding up of David Begg Sports, thanks and best wishes for the future go to Stewart McDougall, who will remain a consult to the R and A next year, Mary Flanagan, who is off to Australia for six months, and Nick Rodger, who is now freelancing.

Finally, the committee offers its grateful thanks to Colin Callander for agreeing to continue his excellent work as Golf Captain for a further season.

European Tour Finishing Times

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Portugal Masters 1730; Mallorca Classic 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; New Zealand Open 1700; Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

AGW Loses Out to the Broadcasters

The AGW suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of the Broadcasters in our annual match at The Grove in Hertfordshire. The pairings of Dai Davies and Bill Elliott and Mike Blair and travel writer Linda Jackson both supplied victories but we lost in the other three matches to go down by three matches to two. It is the third time in succession that the AGW has lost this popular annual fixture.

Our thanks go to Helen McDonnell and Annie Harper for their help in organising the event. A big thank you also goes to The Grove whose staff pulled out all the stops to look after us on the day.

Results (AGW names first): Brian Creighton lost to Mark Pougatch 1 hole, Peter Godsiff and Bill Robertson lost to Chris Hollins and Vernon Kay 2 & 1, Dai Davies and Bill Elliott beat Dan Walker and Celina Hinch 4 & 3, Mike Blair and Linda Jackson beat Russell Fuller and Jonathan Legard 2 & 1, Patricia Davies and Andy Farrell lost to Paul Davies and Rob Bonnet 2 & 1.

Davies Scoops Another Major

Patricia Davies overcame atrocious weather conditions to score an impressive 32 points and win the President’s Putter over the Edinburgh course at Wentworth Club. It was Patricia’s second major win of the 2007 season, having also claimed the Henry Cotton Salver, played during the Open Championship Media Day at Carnoustie in May. A total of 12 members defied the weather to compete in the President’s Putter and my congratulations go to all of them. Peter Dixon accumulated 26 points to finish second while Robin Barwick was third two points further behind.

AGW Defeats the Golf Foundation

The AGW defended the Chesterfield Trophy when it defeated the Golf Foundation in our annual match staged this year over the splendid Blue course at the Berkshire. Alistair Tait and Golf Monthly’s Neil Tappin gained the first point of the day when they defeated John Uzielli and Alan Bough 6 & 5. Patricia Davies and Brian Creighton made it two out of two with a 2 & 1 win over Kim Wild and Ben Evans before Mark Garrod and Paul Trow sealed the victory with a fine win one-hole win over Ken Schofield and Eddie Bullock.

The full results were as follows (AGW names first): Alistair Tait and Neil Tappin beat John Uzielli and Alan Bough 6 & 5, Patricia Davies and Brian Creighton beat Kim Wild and Ben Evans 2 & 1, Mark Garrod and Paul Row beat Ken Schofield and Eddie Bullock 1 hole, Dai Davies and Andy Farrell lost to Bill Bryce and Gareth Jenkins 4 & 3, Colin Callander lost to Mike Round and Kevin Fowler 6 & 5.

Grand Finalé of the 2007 Season

The 2007 season ends with a double header at the New Zealand Club and Wentworth Club at the start of November. On 8 November, a strong looking AGW side (all things are relative) will be competing against Wilson in the annual fixture at the New Zealand Club. At present, I have 16 entrants and am not looking for any others at this time. However, if you wish to have your name added to the waiting list, please feel free to do so.

The following day, the season is completed when the AGW Championship is staged over the East course at Wentworth Club. The winner of the De Vere Golfer of the Year Award will also be decided on that day.

To date, I have received entries from the following members: Colin Callander, Tony Stenson, Derek Lawrenson, Mark Garrod, Brian Creighton, Jeremy Chapman, Mike Harris, John Whitbread, John Barton, John Hopkins, Mike Blair, Dai Davies, Patricia Davies, Tony Adamson, Bill Robertson, Bill Elliott and Graham Otway. Golf will start at around 8.00 am and will be followed by the usual sumptuous lunch in the Ryder Cup room. If anyone else wants to play, please contact me as soon as possible on one of the numbers below. The field will be augmented by invited guests from the European Tour and Wentworth Club.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf. email hidden; JavaScript is required; 01438 718399 (office); 01438 717878 (home); 07788 443995 (mobile).

December 2007

Padraig Harrington wins Golf Writers’ Trophy 2007

Padraig Harrington has joined three of his Irish golfing heroes in winning the Golf Writers’ Trophy for 2007. Yet the 36-year-old Irishman, whose dedication and perseverance made him the Open champion at Carnoustie, is already implementing changes in a bid to continue his winning ways.

Harrington’s triumphant year, culminating in the birth of his second son, Ciaran, also included victory at the Irish Open. At Adare Manor he became the first home winner for 25 years in an event he calls his “fifth major”.

At Carnoustie Harrington came from six strokes behind Sergio Garcia on an unforgettable final day. He demonstrated astonishing equanimity at the 72nd hole as he survived a double-bogey, twice finding the Barry Burn, before defeating the Spaniard in a four-hole playoff. He was the first Irishman since Fred Daly in 1947 to win the claret jug and the first European to collect any major since Paul Lawrie won at Carnoustie in 1999.

Having already been honoured with the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year award, Harrington claimed over 75 per cent of the vote in the annual poll of Golf Writers. Justin Rose, who won the European order of merit and was the most consistent player in the majors behind Tiger Woods, finished clear in second place with Scotland’s World Cup-winning duo of Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren coming third.

Suzann Pettersen, who became the first player from Norway ever to win a major championship, led the list of other fine achievements also recognised in the poll. Among those also featuring were Spain’s Pablo Martin, the first amateur to win on the modern European Tour, Ireland’s teenage sensation Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Nick Dougherty and Niclas Fasth, as well as Ladies European Tour No 1 Sophie Gustafson, Catriona Matthew, Becky Brewerton, Lisa Hall, Bettina Hauert and British Amateur Strokeplay champion Melissa Reid.

Harrington is the fourth Irishman to win the Golf Writers’ Trophy in its 57-year history. Joe Carr took the award in only its third year in 1953, World Cup-winner Harry Bradshaw was the winner in 1958 and Christy O’Connor Snr came out on top exactly 30 years ago.

“I was thrilled to get the news that I had won the Golf Writers’ award,” Harrington said.

“I have a great respect for the writers’ organisation and it means a lot to find myself bracketed alongside such great former winners, especially the Irish players, Joe Carr, Harry Bradshaw and Christy O’Connor Snr. All are great heroes of mine.

“The hardest part about winning something as big as the Open is probably motivating yourself to move on. The focus now is to move forward and not look back even though this award is in recognition of a good year.

“Of course I’ve started thinking ahead to Royal Birkdale… In so far as it’s possible, I’m going to make a point of setting about doing everything in the same way as I did last year, minus my visits to the Barry Burn!

“Technically, I still think that my swing is improving and I’m changing to playing with a fade rather then a draw. With regards to my golf clubs I am trying a new Wilson driver and three-wood, as well as their new FYbrid series and considering using their Ci7 game improvement irons.”

One of the game’s finest ambassadors, Harrington helped to present the Association’s Outstanding Services award to Bob Torrance at the Open Championship dinner, paying a wonderful tribute to his veteran coach. Harrington will receive his Golf Writers’ Trophy at next year’s Open dinner.

Lewine Mair, chairman of the Association of Golf Writers, said: “Padraig is the consummate professional, someone who gives 100 per cent to every aspect of his career, including his dealings with the media. It is impossible to think of a better role-model for the golfing youth of today. He thoroughly deserves this award in a year of fine achievements at all levels of the game in Europe.”

Guy Kinnings, on behalf of Harrington’s representatives, the International Management Group, said: “This is recognition on the world stage. Any player is hugely proud when he is being honoured on this scale by the writers.”

The Golf Writers’ Trophy was first awarded in 1951 and honours the individual, born or resident in Europe, or team deemed to have made the most outstanding contribution to golf each year. Harrington has been a member of three Ryder Cup teams to have received the award and becomes the first male individual to win the trophy since Lee Westwood in 2000.

2008 Ryder Cup accommodation

Report for GWAA from Vartan Kupelian: The booking process for rooms will be handled on-line through the PGA of America but won’t be available until after you are approved for credentials. That process will not begin until around the time of the Masters. There are three hotels – a Marriott ($212), Holiday Inn ($174) and Clarion ($125). There will be 400 rooms total available to the media, with 200 at the Clarion and 100 each at the Marriott and Holiday Inn. The three hotels are within close proximity to each other, all less than eight miles from the course. It will be about a 15-minute shuttle ride.

We toured all three hotels and it is safe to say that the higher price reflects higher quality. All three have restaurants/bars/room service, fitness centres and high-speed internet access. The Holiday Inn and Clarion have free wireless access. The charge at the Marriott is $9.95 daily for the hard-wire. It is possible there will be a random draw for the Marriott if the demand at that hotel is overwhelming. But after checking out the hotels and the difference in price, it is quite possible the cost of the Marriott will be a factor in discouraging some folks from staying there. The Holiday Inn is quite nice, one of the nicer we’ve seen. The rooms are all newly renovated and clean with Marriott-calibre bedding. Also, we asked for the 100 rooms at the Holiday Inn all to have interior corridors and access for safety and protection of personal property (laptops, cameras). The Holiday Inn representative agreed to do so. That is not to suggest the hotels are located in an unsafe area. The Marriott and Clarion are located in a large car mall area where security is normally high to begin with. The Clarion is a 2-star hotel. The rooms at the Clarion have refrigerators, microwaves, televisions and telephones.

All three properties assured the PGA of America (and us, during the tour) that they will remain open until 11pm for dinner in the main restaurant. All three also serve food in very nice and accessible lounge areas and the lounges will remain open as long as there are people to be served, we were told. The Holiday Inn has restaurants within walking distance. The others don’t, unless you’re OK with Dairy Queen burgers and milk shakes. The PGA of America is exploring the possibility of having hospitality rooms once the tournament begins in all three hotels.

Accommodation for 2008 Amateur Championship

The R and A have blocked off rooms at Malin Court Hotel, around a mile from Turnberry, for the Amateur Championship on June 16-21. Rates, on a bed and breakfast basis, are £85-£95 singles and £120-£140 doubles. A deposit will be required by January 31 to secure a room. Also, the rooms are only blocked off until January 31 and will be released at that time. If you are interested in taking up a room, please contact me asap (email hidden; JavaScript is required) so I can pass names and numbers to the R and A before they release the rooms at the end of January. The hotel website is www.malincourt.co.uk.

Christmas hampers

Our longest serving members, John Ballantine and Bob Ferrier, headed the list of those who have received hampers this year. John joined the Association in 1956, while Bob celebrated his half-century of membership this year. He writes: “This AGW ‘souvenir’ is particularly poignant this year. I go back, of course, to pre-laptops, but ‘the game’ remains with its underlying requirements. All my AGW memories are golden – membership and the fellowship have enriched my life. Please pass on my sincere thanks to all the troops and my very best wishes to all in the future. Merry Christmas!”

Alan Booth writes: “It is most kind of the AGW, my colleagues, to send me a most magnificent Christmas hamper, the contents of which will do much to make the season more bearable on my own – as well as supplying the commodities to ease the shopping burden! I do appreciate it – especially the kind thoughts which make it so special. It will be the first Christmas without my dear Isabel (apart from the war years) since we met for the first time at a Christmas Eve party in 1938 and were married in 1940 just before I was called up. Plenty of memories, all to treasure, many of golf, for she was with me at every Open and at Ryder Cups in this country, and also at LGU events when I was their press officer for 10 years. My best wishes to all.”

Joan Moody, John’s widow, wrote simply: “It is so wonderful to receive the hamper. The generosity of the Golf Writers never ceases to amaze me. Have a lovely Christmas one and all.”

John Fenton

Best wishes to John Fenton for his recovery from a triple heart bypass last month. He says: “Touch wood, everything seems to be progressing very well. I can just about walk normally again and I hope to be back driving in a week or so. I would just like to say how grateful I am to everyone who took the trouble to get in touch and wish me well. There were so many cards, telephone calls and messages, frankly, it was overwhelming. But it was so terribly generous of everyone and now this box of delights has arrived from the AGW and I will be making sure I enjoy it over Christmas. Thanks again.”

Bill Johnson Trophy

Sweden’s Louise Stahle, the former double British Amateur champion, has won the Bill Johnson Trophy as the Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year on the Ladies European Tour. The Bill Johnson Trophy, inaugurated by the Association in memory of Bill and all his work on the women’s circuit, was first awarded to Elaine Ratcliffe in 1999 but some time ago it was discovered that the original trophy had been lost. A new trophy has been provided by the Ladies European Tour and thanks are due to Becky Brown and Bethan Cutler for efforts and enthusiasm for restoring the award.

John Hopkins

Our former chairman writes: “Now that the print that you gave me on my demitting from office (as we say in Wales) has been framed and it is hanging on a wall in my study, I feel it is high time I wrote and thanked everyone for it. It is not a duty being chairman of the AGW; it’s an honour. And I am proud to have done it. The Graeme Baxter print of the 18th at St Andrews, which you all gave me, joins one done by Arthur Weaver of Seve triumphing at Royal Lytham in 1988. The two of them sit well side by side. Two of my favourite courses; two of my favourite places.”

Changes of address, etc

The 2008 handbooks are now being printed and will be distributed early next month. Please let me know any further changes so they can be accommodated in the newsletter that will accompany the handbooks.

Patricia Davies’s new e-mail address is: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Mark Reason’s home number is: 020 89814837

Forgive Us Our Press Passes

A further box of our Association history, Forgive us our Press Passes, has been discovered in storage and passed to the secretary. If you would like a copy, at the usual bargain price of £10, then please contact me.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Joburg Open 1630; Abu Dhabi Champs 1700; Qatar Masters 1630; Dubai Classic 1700; Indian Masters 1700; Indonesia Open 1600; WGC Accenture Matchplay 1600; Johnnie Walker Classic 1700; Malaysian Open 1630; Ballantine’s Champs 1700; WGC CA Champs 1900; Andalucia Open 1700; Portugal Open 1700; China Open 1630; Asian Open 1730; Spanish Open 1730; Italian Open 1700; Irish Open 1800; BMW PGA 1730; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1700; BMW International 1800; French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1800; Deutsche Bank PCE 1700; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1800; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1730; British Masters 1800; Dunhill Links 1730; World Match Play 1700; Portugal Masters 180; Mallorca Masters 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; World Cup 1630.

Merry Christmas…

…and a happy, healthy and peaceful new year to all members and their families.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

January 2008

Handbooks, Changes of address, etc

The 2008 handbooks are currently being sent out. If you don’t receive a copy, or there are any printing errors or you come across any inaccuracies, please let me know.

Martin Hardy’s address should read: 12 Ferns Mead, Farnham, Surrey GU9 7XP

Petra Himmel’s e-mail address is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Faldo Enterprises has moved to: [Martin Forsyth, Faldo Press Office, Faldo Enterprises] Elizabeth House, 18-20 Sheet Street, Windsor, Berks SL4 1BG (01753 829711; m: 07875 826718; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Dai Davies

All best wishes, thoughts and prayers go to Dai and Patricia Davies with Dai beginning treatment for cancer. Patricia writes: Dai has started chemotherapy and is still in hospital as he is still very weak from not eating. The specialist expects to have more news when this first course of treatment is finished in three weeks time. Dai had a Hickman line inserted last week – the chemo will be fed through that because he’s not so good at swallowing. He has a tumour at the base of his oesophagus and the cancer has spread into the stomach, so they can’t operate. It’s called oesophagogastric cancer on the sheet they’ve given me. If we’re lucky the chemo will hold the cancer at bay and perhaps shrink the tumour. Please thank everybody for their concern and good wishes, it is much appreciated… Love, P.

Indian visas, Dubai and European Tour notes

It emerged at the committee’s annual meeting with the European Tour last week that UK nationals require visas to visit India. Anyone intending to go to the Indian Masters or the Johnnie Walker Classic should consult both their travel agents and inform the communications department at the European Tour immediately so they can help with a letter of introduction, etc. It is worth stating that whatever your nationality it is worth checking the requirements for any such trip and to be aware of having a passport that is valid for more than six months and that there are blank pages for an immigration stamp – a European Tour player was turned back trying to enter South Africa for a tournament last month because of this last point.

During the review of tournaments, one of the main topics for discussion was the Dubai Desert Classic where there were a number of issues last year. The good news is that Golf in Dubai has appointed a new marketing and communications manager, Michael Galasso, who is working closely with Mike Stewart and Roddy Williams of the European Tour to resolve many of the problems that we brought up. For example, although the Palm Hotel remains the official hotel with a full shuttle service, there will now be a limited shuttle service from the Courtyard Marriott, where a number of journalists are already booked in, at 8 and 10am, and 7 and 9pm. Roddy says Michael Galasso is keen to re-establish the standing of the event in the eyes of the international press and can be contacted on email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Paul Symes has joined the European Tour communications department as a press officer and Kate Wright as a media relations co-ordinator alongside Fran and Tors. Final proofs of Pro-Golf are being worked on and the media guide should be out in a few weeks time. With Ian Woosnam making his debut on the Seniors Tour in Barbados in March, anyone thinking of attending the event should get in touch with the communications department, also if anyone is interested in going to any event on the Challenge Tour. Thanks are due to the European Tour, and in particular George O’Grady, David Garland, Mitchell Platts and Gordon Simpson, for a very productive meeting.

Accommodation for 2008 Amateur Championship

R and A media day

A date for the diary: the R and A media day at Royal Birkdale is on Monday 28 April, with dinner that evening and the press conference at 9am the next morning. Details to follow from Malcolm Booth.

Christmas hampers

It is always wonderful to receive the thank you letters from members and widows for the Christmas hampers. John Ballantine, Elizabeth Price-Fisher and Peter Haslam all wrote of toasting the Association with the liquid contents. Our president, Renton Laidlaw, wrote that the “wonderful gesture was appreciated not just by me but by my sister, Jennifer, for whom 2007 was a somewhat stressful year. My only hope is that I do not qualify again for a hamper in 2008!”

Mel Webb wrote: I had just returned from my twice-weekly bingo sessions at the Swanage and Isle of Purbeck almshouse when a knock came at the door. Imagine my surprise when I was confronted by a gent bearing a large red carton. It turned out to be a sumptuous package of festive goodies from my friends and colleagues in the AGW. I can honestly say that my gob has never been so smacked. It came as a wonderful surprise and brought a terrific end to what had been a 2007 of quite exquisite awfulness for Yvonne and me. As you know, I don’t make a habit of seriousness, but just this once I’ll give it a go. We want you to know how grateful we are to you all. As people of the diabetic persuasion I’m not sure what the contents of the hamper will do for our blood sugar levels – but what a lovely way to go! Thanks again, everybody. I hope to catch up with some of you during 2008.

Forgive Us Our Press Passes

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Abu Dhabi Champs 1700; Qatar Masters 1630; Dubai Classic 1700; Indian Masters 1700; Indonesia Open 1600; WGC Accenture Matchplay 1600; Johnnie Walker Classic 1700; Malaysian Open 1630; Ballantine’s Champs 1700; WGC CA Champs 1900; Andalucia Open 1700; Portugal Open 1700; China Open 1630; Asian Open 1730; Spanish Open 1730; Italian Open 1700; Irish Open 1800; BMW PGA 1730; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1700; BMW International 1800; French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1800; Deutsche Bank PCE 1700; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1800; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1730; British Masters 1800; Dunhill Links 1730; World Match Play 1700; Portugal Masters 1800; Mallorca Masters 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; World Cup 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

February 2008

Dudley Doust

John Hopkins writes: Those of you who remember Dudley Doust, the enquiring and engaging American who was the golf correspondent of The Sunday Times immediately after the great Henry Longhurst until I took over in the autumn of 1980, may not have seen that Dudley died of cancer in January. The funeral was held in Butleigh Church, Butleigh, Somerset.

Dudley would have been 78 had he lived four days longer. As it was his death was celebrated appropriately. The old church in this old Somerset village was packed. There were a lot of locals from the village and a good turn-out of former colleagues. Robin Rhoderick-Jones read from the Book of Revelation. Chris Smith, the photographer whose work on The Sunday Times often accompanied articles by Dudley, read from Heraclitus by William Johnson Cory, Scyld Berry, cricket correspondent of The Sunday Telegraph and a fellow inhabitant of Somerset, read from Robert Frost’s The Road Not Taken after telling us that Robert Frost was Dudley’s favourite poet. And Mike Brearley gave a gentle, short and insightful eulogy. Interspersed among these were some of those great British hymns and psalms that we sang lustily: The Lord is my Shepherd, Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, Mine Eyes have Seen the Glory.

A reception was held at the Rose and Portcullis in Butleigh afterwards at which we stood around and reminisced about Dudley. His penchant for red socks was commented on, so were his bushy eyebrows and the book he wrote about Seve. Most of all we talked about his remarkable ability to dig and dig and dig. He once telephoned a source 14 times in three days to find out more detail. Doust stories nearly always contained one anecdote that had never been told before or an observation about the interviewee that helped give a mental picture to the reader – a scare under the left eye, a back that needed a red hot compress to be placed upon it (Mike Brearley). The words on WC Fields’s gravestone are supposed to be: “On the whole I’d rather be in Philadelphia.” On Doust’s grave the following would be appropriate: “Ok, last question.”

In his capacity as the chief sports writer of The Sunday Times he once tracked down Ivan Lendl, introduced himself and said, “How long have I got Ivan?” Lendl’s responded: “Until you ask the first stupid question.” Ninety minutes later Lendl leaned forward and said: “Dudley, I’m afraid we are going to have stop. I am on court in ten minutes.”

It was remembered that Dudley sometimes rode a bicycle to get to and from his accommodation when covering a tournament. He used to hang his washing from the crossbar of said bicycle when he was going to a launderette en route to a tournament.

As I drove home the following thought occurred to me: that morning a man who had not been born in Britain but whose name meant a lot in Britain was buried in Auckland Cathedral. I refer to Edmund Hillary. That afternoon a man who was not born in Britain but whose name meant a lot in journalism in Britain was buried in Somerset. That man was Dudley Doust.

Changes of address, etc

Tony Garnett’s e-mail address has changed to: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Philippe Hermann’s business address should start with Golfers&Co.

Goran Zachrisson’s e-mail address is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Carolina Durante’s telephone and fax numbers in Milan should read: should include a zero before the first two; eg 003902…

Julia Green, Executive Officer of the European Institute of Golf Course Architects (EIGCA), has moved to: Meadow View House, Tannery Lane, Bramley, Surrey GU5 0AJ, UK (01483 891831; f: 01483 891846; m: 07931 334905; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required; w: www.eigca.org)

Michigan travel trip

The State of Michigan and Resort & Golf Marketing would like to invite members of the Association of Golf Writers who are attending the 2008 USPGA Championship in August to extend their stay and attend the Northern Michigan Golf Media FAM Trip on August 11-16. Enjoy world-class lodging, dining, and golf designed by some of the game’s greatest architects including Tom Doak, Tom Fazio, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Tom Weiskopf, Jack Nicklaus, and Art Hills to name a few.

For more information about the trip please visit http://web.mac.com/golfrisch/Site/FAM_Trip_Overview.html or contact Kevin Frisch at email hidden; JavaScript is required. Custom FAM trips can also be arranged.

George Peper

Congratulations to George Peper, who has been chosen to receive the 2008 Donald Ross Award from the American Society of Golf Course Architects on April 3 in St Andrews.

Pick Your Pro 2008

The form for this year’s competition is attached. Please get entries in asap as next week’s Accenture WGC is the first event. Rules as usual except at the Ryder Cup you can name a player, not already used, and his points tally for the week will be converted to a bonus prize. Please note the Curtis Cup format has changed and will now be contested over 20 points.

Forgive Us Our Press Passes

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Indonesia Open 1600; WGC Accenture Matchplay 1600; Johnnie Walker Classic 1700; Malaysian Open 1630; Ballantine’s Champs 1700; WGC CA Champs 1900; Andalucia Open 1700; Portugal Open 1700; China Open 1630; Asian Open 1730; Spanish Open 1730; Italian Open 1700; Irish Open 1800; BMW PGA 1730; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1700; BMW International 1800; French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1800; Deutsche Bank PCE 1700; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1800; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1730; British Masters 1800; Dunhill Links 1730; World Match Play 1700; Portugal Masters 1800; Mallorca Masters 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; World Cup 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

April 2008

Open Championship accreditation

In case anyone did not see the news from Malcolm Booth, the R and A’s communications manager, about the Open accreditation system going online, here are the details: “Accreditation for this year’s Open Championship at Royal Birkdale will be facilitated using an online accreditation system.

“The R&A Communications Department will send you an e-mail inviting you to submit an online application for accreditation shortly. This year Photo ID will be used at The Open for all working media. You will be required to upload photographs of each journalist and photographer you wish to accredit. Applications without the submission of a head and shoulders photograph will not be accepted.

“Application forms should be completed by the Sports/Picture Editor. If you are not the Sports/Picture Editor, please contact us with the relevant contact details for this person. The deadline for completed applications is 31 May 2008, no applications will be considered after this date. The system is easy to use, but if you do encounter any difficulties during the process, please contact Mary Flanagan, Media Accreditation Assistant on +44 1334 460000 or email hidden; JavaScript is required.”

Changes of address, etc

Steve Newell has moved to: Pavenham Court, The Bury, Pavenham, Beds MK43 7PX (mobile: 07867 787292; office: 01234 823002; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Craig Smith

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Craig Smith, the media manager for the US Golf Association, who was hospitalised last weekend with blood clots in his lung and leg and a partially collapsed lung. He is doing well and is now out of hospital and planning to be at Augusta. He can be contacted on email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Mike Aitken

Congratulations to Mike Aitken, of The Scotsman, who has been voted Regional Sports Writer of the Year at the British Sports Journalism awards for the third time. He previously won the award in 1992 and 1995. Donald Walker, sports editor of The Scotsman, said: “Mike Aitken’s award represents thoroughly deserved recognition of his consistently high standard of writing, not just in golf but at any sporting event.

Pick Your Pro 2008

European Tour Weekly’s voiceover man and former BBC veteran Tony Adamson has put his vast experience to good use in leading this year’s Pick Your Pro competition. Along with Jim Black, Addo predicted Tiger Woods’s victory at the Accenture World Matchplay and has been consistently “in the money” in each of the first five weeks of the season. Both Adamson and Black almost pulled off a WGC double with Vijay Singh coming up just short at the CA Championship but Geoff Ogilvy’s win at Doral sent Mark Lamport-Stokes and Jonathan Loosemore rocketing up the table. If anyone still wants to enter, they are very welcome and can get more details by emailing me.

Forgive Us Our Press Passes

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

**Changes since last newsletter** Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions. These are provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Portugal Open 1800; China Open 1700; Asian Open 1730; Spanish Open 1730; Italian Open 1700; Irish Open 1700; BMW PGA 1730; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1700; BMW International 1800; French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1800; TBA 1700; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1800; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1730; British Masters 1800; Dunhill Links 1730; World Match Play 1700; Portugal Masters 1800; Mallorca Masters 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; World Cup 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

2008 Golf Schedule

Attached is our 2008 Golf Schedule as it stands at present. I am still finalising a date and venue for the annual match against the Golf Foundation and am also exploring the possibility of staging a fixture during the week of the European Open at The London Club. More details about these and other potential developments to follow next month.

Malcolm Booth, the R & A’s new Press man, has circulated invitations but apparently a handful have gone astray, so if you haven’t got one but want to play, please contact him direct on email hidden; JavaScript is required. In the meantime, I can confirm light lunch starts at 11am, with golf following between 12 noon and 2pm. Like last year, we have been given permission to stage our Henry Cotton Salver in tandem with the R & A’s own event. This year, unlike 12 months ago, all AGW scores will be collated and count towards Player of the Year honours. Patricia Davies is the holder of the title.

Ron Moseley Trophy – Tuesday 29 April, Formby Golf Club

This fixture, arranged courtesy of Charlie Grimley at England’s Golf Coast, gives us the chance to compete on what is one of the country’s finest and most under-rated links courses. Tee times start at around 1pm, enabling members to file copy from the Open Championship Press Conference before driving the short distance to Formby. Sandwiches etc will be provided prior to golf. There will be no formal presentation afterwards, allowing competitors to depart as and when they finish their rounds. Bill Elliott won last year’s Ron Moseley Trophy at The Buckinghamshire.

BMW Media Day – Monday 12 May, West Course, Wentworth Club

This is an annual 18-a-side fixture in which the Writers (not just AGW) compete against teams from the Broadcasters, Photographers and BMW.

We meet for breakfast at around 8am and then play 18 holes on the West course with each team member’s Stableford score counting towards the team’s total. The day concludes with lunch/presentation ceremony at around 3.30pm. I have a full compliment at present but am still accepting entries from members who wish to be put on the reserve list.

AGW Spring Meeting for the Michael Williams Hogget – Tuesday 20 May, Edinburgh Course, Wentworth Club

Mark Garrod defends the title in what is always one of the most popular events on the AGW schedule. Tee times start at 7.30 am in order to allow us to finish in time to attend a Ryder Cup Press Conference scheduled for that afternoon. The traditional Wentworth Writers’ lunch will be held the following day. Contact me if you wish to partake in either/both.

Senior Open Championship Media Day – Tuesday 3 June, Royal Troon

Gordon Simpson has asked me to advertise this fixture arranged to promote the Senior British Open presented by MasterCard, to be played at Royal Troon on July 24-27. I understand it starts with a buffet lunch at 12.30-1pm, followed by golf at 2.30 pm and will be limited to 18 media representatives. Members who wish to play should contact Victoria (Tors) Harris at the European Tour on email hidden; JavaScript is required. I cannot accept entries on her behalf.

AGW Match v The Broadcasters – Monday 6 October, The Grove

We require a 10-strong side to take on the Broadcasters at the impressive Grove course in Hertfordshire. The timings are still to be confirmed but the likelihood is we will meet for lunch and then play the match thereafter. Anyone wishing to play should contact me, either by e-mail or on one of the telephone numbers below. Places will go to the first ten members who apply. Last year, the Broadcasters enjoyed a narrow 3-2 victory.

President’s Putter – Tuesday 7 October, Edinburgh Course, Wentworth Club

Tee times start at 7.30 am, allowing us to be finished well ahead of the World Match Play Championship Press Conferences scheduled for that afternoon. Wentworth Club is hosting a Writers’ lunch the following day. Contact me if you wish to partake in either/both. Patricia Davies won last year’s event at the same course.

AGW v Wilson – Thursday 6 November, New Zealand Club

Over the last few years, this has developed into one of the most popular events on the calendar and it’s not difficult to see why. The New Zealand course is a masterpiece and it is matched by a splendid lunch hosted by John Collard and our friends at Wilson. We require 12 players to represent the AGW team, which, as always, will be selected on a first come, first served basis. So, if you want to play, don’t delay, contact me today.

AGW Championship – Wednesday 12 November, East Course, Wentworth Club

The AGW season reaches its climax with the AGW Championship, to be played over our “spiritual home”, the East course at Wentworth Club. The day should also settle who wins the annual De Vere Golfer of the Year Award. The tee is booked between 9.10 and 10.30 am and golf is followed by lunch in the clubhouse. Last year, Derek Lawrenson claimed his third AGW Championship while Patricia Davies pipped Mark Garrod for the Player of the Year honours. Contact me if you want to enter.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf. cemail hidden; JavaScript is required; 01438 718399 (Office); 01438 717878 (Home); 07788 443995 (Mobile)

May 2008

From Dai Davies

In Damon Runyon’s almost unbearably sad little tale, The Lemon Drop Kid, the author creates a character called Rarus P. Griggsby, an older man who is “nothing but a curmudgeon and by no means worthy of attention”.

Well, as a fully paid up press tent curmudgeon – Tim Glover recently offered the opinion that it was the best of my qualities – I have been overwhelmed by the amount of attention colleagues and others in the golf world have thought “worthy” since my cancer was diagnosed.

Patricia and I have been all but inundated by flowers, notes, cards and emails, not to mention visits, all of which have helped me to cope more cheerfully with what, right from the start, has been a very difficult situation.

This kindness should not have come as a surprise given the nature of the golf world which has always been generous, almost to a fault. But we curmudgeons don’t always realise, or appreciate, the good things that surround us, which, in this case, are the people.

I, for one, now do and instead of a Rarus P Griggsby we now have a converted curmudgeon.

That’s the good news. The bad is that the cancer continues to progress and while no one, not even my oncologist, knows how many holes I have left to play, I suspect I am on the last hole, and maybe even on the last green.

But no matter. Bill Elliott asked the other day if I am angry at what has happened to me and the answer to that is no. I have lived the life I always wanted to, working for a newspaper I always wanted to, going to lovely places around the world, populated in the main by people I would have chosen to be with. Surely no journalist could ask for more?

Some years ago I was chatting with Mark Wilson, who, apropos of nothing much, suddenly came out with the observation: “You know, Dai, these ARE the days of wine and roses.”

He was right then and would be even more so now.

So enjoy them. Despite appearances, I did. – Dai Davies

Gordon Simpson

Very best wishes go out to Gordon Simpson, who will be undergoing open heart surgery in the near future to correct a leaking mitral valve and to do an artery bypass. Gordon is currently resting at home and any communication should be directed through Mitchell Platts at the European Tour. Please refrain from calling Gordon at this time – Mitchell will update us immediately after the operation.

James Mossop

Jim writes: As many of you already know I am leaving the Sunday Telegraph. Big changes are going on there and some journalists will find themselves working across both titles while others bid their farewells. I have had a marvellous 11 years there, following 33 with the Sunday Express. There was an especially touching moment on the final day of the Masters when I was “banged out” of the media centre with applause from British and Americans reporters alike. My esteemed British colleagues embarrassed me slightly when they presented me with a framed picture of the Augusta National Golf Club and a beautiful Masters clock.

I do not intend to wither and die and hope there may still be other opportunities for me out there. For now, though, I would like to thank all my colleagues in the AGW who have always shown friendship and a willingness to help. I will be around. – JM

Mark Fleming

Mark writes: As you probably know, my son Charlie died two years ago from leukaemia. I am running/jogging/staggering the Bupa London 10K race in May, in memory of Charlie and also to raise money for the charity Children with Leukaemia, who fund research and welfare initiatives. Please support this wonderful charity. You can donate at my web page: www.bmycharity.com/run4charlie.

Changes of address, etc

Ladies Euopean Tour have moved offices to: Ladies European Tour, Buckinghamshire Golf Club, Denham Court Drive, Denham, Buckinghamshire UB9 5PG (01895 831028; f: 01895 832301; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required; w: www.ladieseuropeantour.com)

Accreditation

Accreditation for the Ryder Cup at Valhalla – and the USPGA Championship at Oakland Hills – is now available on-line at www.pgamediacenter.com. The deadline for both events is July 11.

Accreditation for the US Open at Torrey Pines is available at http://mediacredentials.usga.org. The deadline is May 16. If you are not already aware, the weekend finishing times are scheduled for 3am BST (7pm local time in San Diego). Clearly not kind for newspapers on this side of the Atlantic – our observations have been passed on to the USGA.

Michigan travel trip

Anyone attending the USPGA Championship is invited to join a trip around courses in northern Michigan on August 11-15. For more information about the trip please visit contact Kevin Frisch at email hidden; JavaScript is required. Customised trips can also be arranged.

Masters press room

Congratulations and thanks go to Craig Heatley and Glenn Greenspan at Augusta National for the transformation in the facilities in the Masters press room. The canteen at the top of the media centre was given a complete makeover with a wide range of hot and cold food on offer and self-service drinks station. The press room was also hard wired so that were no problems with communications and the new Masters Select computer system offered many different television feeds, interviews and scoring information at each place.

Tournament letters

Letters to promoters will shortly be going out to all the long haul European Tour events in the first part of the season. If you have any pertinent observations or comments – both good or bad – please let me know by return.

Pick Your Pro 2008

After picking Geoff Ogilvy at the CA WGC event, Reuters’ man in LA, Mark Lamport-Stokes continued a remarkable few weeks which lifted him to the top of the table with a major one-two: Lorena Ochoa at the Nabisco and Tiger at the Masters. Trevor Immelman did the business at Augusta for just two contestants – Norman Dabell, who zoomed up to second place, and Mike Harris, finding the inspiration to left himself off the bottom rung of the ladder. One other notable pick this month – Jim Mossop was spot on with Darren Clarke at the BMW Asian Open.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions – provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Italian Open 1700; Irish Open 1700; BMW PGA 1730; Wales Open 1700; BA-CA Open 1700; BMW International 1800; French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1800; TBA 1700; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1800; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1730; British Masters 1800; Dunhill Links 1730; World Match Play 1700; Portugal Masters 1800; Mallorca Masters 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; World Cup 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf email hidden; JavaScript is required; 01438 718399 (Office); 01438 717878 (Home); 07788 443995 (Mobile)

June 2008

Annual General Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE HELD IN THE PRESS TENT AT ROYAL BIRKDALE ON WEDNESDAY 16 JULY AT 10am.

Annual Dinner – Tuesday 15 July at Royal Birkdale

The Association’s annual dinner will take place on Tuesday 15 July in the R and A tent at Royal Birkdale (drinks from 6.30pm, dinner 7.30pm). The ticket application form is enclosed or attached. If you have any problems downloading the form and printing it out, copies are available.

Please note the closing date for applications is Friday 4 July – AFTER THIS NOTHING CAN BE GUARANTEED.

As pressure on numbers will again be tight, it is imperative that you place your order as early as possible to avoid disappointment, even if you do not know the names of your guests. These can be added later – the number is the crucial factor. Please note applications will only be processed if your annual subscription has been paid or you have made arrangements to do so with the treasurer, Bob Davies (01743 872655; email hidden; JavaScript is required). Receipts for dinner tickets can be obtained from Bob.

As usual for there will be a number of official guests to whom we will be sending invitations. There are also a number of people, including players, we would like to encourage members to bring as guests, and if you are in a position to help these can be in addition to the standard limit of two guests. Please check with dinner secretary David Hamilton (01621 817170; email hidden; JavaScript is required) for a list of names. Despite a slight increase in the cost from new caterers, Sodexo, this year we have again held the ticket price at £45. However, the biggest cost to Association is the extensive guest list so if you are able to bring any of those guests who we feel should be at the dinner it would be much appreciated.

Should you be left with a spare ticket because a guest becomes unavailable please inform the dinner secretary who will be able to dispose of the ticket for you.

Dai Davies

There was a wonderful turn out of members to support Patricia and the family at Dai Davies’ funeral at St Michael’s Church, Boldmere and afterwards at Whittington Heath Golf Club. This was despite a number of commitments elsewhere including the Curtis Cup at St Andrews and Ryder Cup activities at Celtic Manor; Mark Wilson represented the European Tour. Dai, who passed away on Monday 19 May having been diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus at the end of last year, wrote on golf for over 40 years, principally for the Birmingham Post and The Guardian. He had been a member of the Association since 1968. A highlight of the service was the wonderful music, selected by Dai himself, including wonderful hymns, a superb rendition of Old Man River by Mike Osborne and a DVD of the Vees Gees, the barber shop group that Dai was involved with. The eulogy was delivered by two-time Amateur champion Peter McEvoy:

I knew Dai Davies for nearly 40 years. We first met at Handsworth Golf Club in 1969 when I was playing in the Warwickshire Boys Championship and he was the golf reporter for the Birmingham Post. Many times in that 40 years we travelled together or met in golfing environments in far flung corners of the world. He was a wonderful companion.

It is hard to know where to start when trying to describe Dai. He was a man of great complexity. On the one hand, many may remember him as a bear of a man, belligerent, argumentative and of course, as all of us who knew him well will testify, this was quite true. If you fancied a good argument, discussion or debate then Dai was your man. Any subject and indeed any side of the argument was good enough for Dai and he had the ability of being brilliantly dismissive of others views.

But that first impression disguised a man of great passion and sensitivity. I think that was best demonstrated in his beautiful relationship with Patricia. I was lucky enough to have been present at the moment they met – at the Eisenhower Trophy in 1980 at Pinehurst, North Carolina. Strangely, for some reason, I can even remember the moment, quite clearly, when Patricia told me that Dai Davies was due to arrive. They were the only British Press there. Three years later they married at Portstewart and I remember well Dai being so overcome by happiness that he wept undisguisedly.

Apart from his family and Patricia, golf and writing were his life. He was a good enough player in his early days to score in the low 70s around Boldmere Golf Club, but he would be the first to admit that he always fought an over-fast swing. I played a lot with Dai over the years. Some days were good – some not so good. I remember his joy at the effects of large headed metal woods when he enjoyed a sustained bit of form – swinging his “wok” as he described it. As a player his regret was not winning the Golf Writers Championship. Mind you, he might have had more chance if Patricia hadn’t kept on winning it! However, when form wasn’t quite so good he could get a little temperamental. I recall his striking the bottom of his carry golf bag in frustration once at Moor Hall GC shattering the hard plastic and shedding clubs as he made his way up the 16th fairway.

But Dai had a real feel and passion for the game and its traditions and that came out in his writing. This passion was best illustrated once when we played about 10 years ago at Royal Porthcawl one winter’s day. Porthcawl was one of his favourite places – it is in Wales, after all. It was a coldish, grey day, bit of rain in the air, bit windy. We got to the top of the hill at the 18th and looked down at the green with the grey sea crashing behind it. I’m sure many of you will know it. Looking forward to tea and toasted teacakes, we took a moment to agree that we felt sorry for those poor misguided souls playing in the sunshine in Dubai or Florida or the Costa Del Sol and thinking that they were enjoying themselves and experiencing real golf.

You see Dai felt the game and this was so obvious in his work. He also wanted to contribute in whatever way to the folk lore of the game. His immense presence made this inevitable. He had a habit of creating his own traditions. Firstly, if one of his “parishioners” got to the quarter-finals of the Amateur Championship, he took them to dinner. He did it with me on the Thursday night of the Championship quite a few times and I know Trevor Homer was similarly treated. While at the Post he held mid-winter dinners for those of his circle who did well the year before. I remember Sandy Lyle, Terry Shingler, John Mayell and me enjoying such meals. They always had a theme – usually based around alcohol. While he made his own traditions he deeply respected others too.

I have seen him described as a “Colossus of the Press Room”, and he was, but he was a kind and sensitive companion and friend too. He will be sadly missed by us all.

Dai rather scooped us all with his moving farewell published in last month’s newsletter, which was reproduced on the order of service. Numerous tributes have appeared in the media and are collected in the attached file or as a hard-copy supplement for those who are not on-line. Included here is a piece written by Colm Smith:

The untimely passing of David “Dai” Davies on Monday 19 May, 2008 was for me, and I’m sure many others, the end of an era. I was with Patricia and her sister Maureen on that afternoon and while it was an extremely sad occasion there was some comfort when he was laid out in preparation for his final hole. Dressed in the red shirt of his beloved Welsh Dragon he looked at peace. He was very proud of his Welsh heritage.

Patricia gave us a good laugh when she said that his final audible utterance sounded just like “shush”.

We met first sometime in the mid seventies when he greeted me with a grunt but we quickly forged a long-term friendship. I was in his house in 1982 when he opened the letter informing him of his successful application for the post of golf correspondent for The Guardian.

He promptly opened a large chest of assorted booze and poured two healthy glasses of Scotch whisky. “But Dai you said you never drink whiskey.” The reply was typically curt, “I do now.” I believe it was his last drop – wine was to become his chosen beverage and he professed to be something of an expert. He was also part owner of a vineyard in Australia.

A few years later we were to form a long lasting fourball relationship between Dai and Patricia and Helen and myself. We shared many great occasions in both our abodes and also in the private houses at Augusta sourced by Dai during the Masters.

He was a great host and a great house guest. We were never short of wine but one thing always intrigued me. He would buy the best of wines but he often set aside one special bottle to which others were not privy. Another quirk of his character?

Life around Dai was seldom dull particularly when he began to pontificate. The arguments would start and the decibels would rise but never in anger. Behind the façade he was just an old softy – at times.

I recall an occasion when Dai and Patricia were preparing their book Beyond the Fairways and he called me on the phone. “Tell me something I don’t know about golf in Donegal.” I skipped the obvious courses and proceeded to offer some hidden gems but my efforts were dismissed as he professed to know them all. It was time to put him down.

“Ever heard of Cruit, pronounced Critch, Island,” said I. “There is no such place. I know all the courses,” said he. I told him to get in his car and drive to the little village of Kincasslagh, birthplace of Daniel O’Donnell, on the right you will see Iggy Murray’s pub. Drop in and sample his fish platter you have never sampled better.

Take a right turn at the pub and along the way I’m sure you’ll meet a man on a tractor. Ask him where the golf course is and he will tell you to keep driving till you can go no further. That’s the golf course.

He called me on one of those ancient A and B pay ‘phones. There was no thank you, no apology just the words, “Why have you been keeping this place from me all these years?” That’s Dai. Like the great crooner Frank Sinatra, “I did it my way.”

Let his epitaph be writ thus: “I have lived the life I always wanted to, working for a newspaper I always wanted to, going to lovely places around the world, populated in the main by people I would have chosen to be with. I fulfilled my dream of playing my last round of golf at Royal West Norfolk. Surely no journalist could ask for more.”

Memorial Tournament

Congratulations to Tony Jacklin, one of our vice-presidents, on being inducted into the Hall of Fame at Jack Nicklaus’s Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village and also to Ken Bowden, a member of the Association since 1964, for receiving the Memorial Journalism award during this year’s tournament. Next year it has been announced the Memorial will be honouring Tom Place, the formerly of the PGA Tour and an honorary member of the AGW since 1980, and, with a posthumous award, Dai Davies.

Elizabeth Price-Fisher

Chairman Lewine Mair pays tribute to Elizabeth Price-Fisher, a member of the Association since 1975:

No past player got more mentions at the recent Curtis Cup at St Andrews than Elizabeth Price-Fisher, who died aged 85 on Friday 23 May after three weeks in a Farnham nursing home.

Elizabeth was one of the most prolific Curtis Cup points’ scorers in the post-war era. Though, initially, the selectors were reluctant to include her in their teams because she suffered from diabetes, she played all six matches from 1950 to 1960 and ended up with a record of won 12, lost seven, halved one. In 1952 she notched the crucial point for GB and Ireland as she laid a long and downhill putt stone dead at Muirfield’s short 16th to beat Grace de Moss.

As an individual, Elizabeth reached her zenith when she defeated Belle Robertson at the 37th in the final of the 1959 British Women’s Amateur championship at The Berkshire. Belle, the longer of the two, was in awe of her opponent’s short-game. “She was terrific around the greens and one of the best putters I ever saw,” said the Scot. “Compared to her, I barely had a short-game.”

Elizabeth’s diabetes, though problematic, was perhaps the making of her as a golfer. She had to leave boarding school because of it and was thereafter educated at home. With Farnham GC through the garden gate, she started playing golf and, before too long, her daily practice sessions became serious affairs watched over by her father. He would sit on a shooting stick issuing instructions. Elizabeth could never remember whether she liked or disliked the mounting hard work. “Since I was at home when all my friends were at school, I think I took it that there was not much else to do,” she said.

When her playing days were done, Elizabeth worked for a time as a representative for Dunlop before following Enid Wilson in writing on women’s golf in the Daily Telegraph. With no professional tour, she covered the national and British championship scene, while she also gave plenty of space to the girls’ arena. She was always interested in the play of others and it was typical of her that she seldom mentioned her own triumphs.

Gordon Simpson

Gordon Simpson writes: “My thanks to all friends and colleagues in the AGW for their kindness in sending a basket of fruit to Simpson Towers recently. The gesture is much appreciated. My gall bladder operation has been successful – including a doing a hernia at the same time in a 2-for-1 deal – and I will undergo the heart surgery once I have fully recovered from this one, most likely around the end of June. Thanks to all who have phoned, emailed, texted or passed on their best wishes.” Gordon says he should have a better idea later this week when the heart operation will take place.

Norman Dabell

Good news to report: Norman Dabell was back in action in Wales after being taken ill at the Italian Open. Norman returned early and was then hospitalised when he got home with internal bleeding. He writes: “Thank you all so much for your kind emails and cards and your concern during my recent, unexpected, illness. I was moved greatly (pun unintended) by such a show of friendship. I shall always be indebted to my wife Sharon for liaising with medical services back home to diagnose my problem and if it were not for her, friends in Italy, and Scott Crockett of the European Tour, I might not be writing this now. But what made recovery easier was the well-wishing from you all.”

New members

Following the committee meeting at Wentworth, we are delighted to welcome Jamie Corrigan, of The Independent, Tony Jimenez, of Reuters, Brian Keogh, of the Irish Sun, and freelancer Paul Mahoney as Full members of the Association.

CORRIGAN, JAMES: The Independent, 191 Marsh Wall, South Quay, London E14 9RS (020 70052008; f: 020 70052894). Home: 47 Clive Road, Cardiff, CF5 1HG (02920 304484) m: 07717 303468; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

JIMENEZ, TONY: Reuters, 30 South Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 5EP (020 75429465; f: 020 75424988). Home: 37 Hunters Way, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3BS (01634 850191; m: 07990 560035; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

KEOGH, BRIAN: The Irish Sun/Freelance, 38 Hansted Crescent, Finnstown, Lucan, Co Dublin, Ireland (00353 1 610 9597; m: 00353 86 811 4218; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

MAHONEY, PAUL: The Mount, 50 High Street, Ketton, Rutland PE9 3TE (01780 729591; m: 07732 777986; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Applications for membership have been accepted from the following and they been placed on the Supplementary List:

BABINEAU, JEFF: Golfweek, 1500 Park Centre Drive, Orlando, Florida 32835, USA (001 407 563 7000). Home: 3989 Carnaby drive, Oviedo, Florida 32765, USA (001 407 365 2705; m: 001 407 496 4956; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

BAYLY, NICK: Golf News, Gemini Business Centre, 136-140 Old Shoreham Road, Hove, East Sussex BN3 7BD (01273 772 752). Home: 64 Bedford Road, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 5BH (01403 218994; m: 07985 097589; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

CUMMINS, CARLY: Today’s Golfer, Bauer Active, Media House, Lynchwood Business Park, Peterborough PE2 6EA (01733 468469; f: 01733 468465). Home: 9 Lavender Close, Yaxley, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire PE7 3YR (01733 702743; m: 07989 729360; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

DYE, NICK: European Tour Radio, 31 Kiln Bank Road, Market Drayton, Shropshire TF9 1LB (01630 656182; m: 07713 081586; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GREEN, RICHARD: Golf World, Media House, Lynchwood, Peterborough PE2 6EA (01733 468186; f: 01733 288025). Home: 83 Cambridge Road, St Albans, Herts AL1 5LF (01727 850919; m: 07980 903955; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

RUSSELL, GEOFF: E.GolfBusiness.Com, 5-7 High Street, Dorchester-on-Thames, Oxfordshire OX10 7HH (01865 340759; m: 0775 2900716; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Changes of address, etc

Len Shapiro’s e-mail address is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Lawrence Donegan, of The Guardian, has relocated to: 10 Heuters Lane, Mill Valley, California 94941, USA (001 415 380 1922; m: 001 415 408 8699).

Andrew Cotter, of the BBC, has moved to: 66A Second Avenue, Mortlake, Surrey SW14 8QE.

Karen Earl Ltd has now become Synergy: Stephanie Branston, Fiona Foster, 60 Great Portland Street, London, W1W 7RT (0203 128 6800; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required or email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Open accommodation

Petra Himmel asks if anyone has a spare room for the week of the Open at Birkdale to please get in touch: 0049 89 84102216; m: 0049 151 17403908; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Bob Torrance

Bob Torrance, the 2007 recipient of our Michael Williams Outstanding Services to Golf Award, writes: “Just a short note to once again thank you for honouring me with the Michael Williams award at the Association of Golf Writers Dinner at last year’s Open. I have had more than a few proud moments in golf but that was one of the best. I would like to express my deep gratitude to every involved, especially Michael’s widow, Judy, for presenting the award.”

Pick Your Pro 2008

Sergio Garcia’s victory at the Players Championship was celebrated by more than Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo. Scotland’s Jim Black was spot on with the Spanish star at Sawgrass and established a healthy lead over Mark Lamport-Stokes at the top of the table. Garcia also did the business for Jock Howard and Paul Trow, while Garcia’s cigar-chomping, Rioja-guzzling compatriot Miguel Angel Jimenez brought joy to the irrepressible Tony Stenson, who moved up into third place.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions – provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) BA-CA Open 1700; BMW International 1800; French Open 1700; European Open 1800; Scottish Open 1800; TBA 1700; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1800; Scandinavian Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1730; British Masters 1800; Dunhill Links 1730; World Match Play 1700; Portugal Masters 1800; Mallorca Masters 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; World Cup 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Robertson wins Michael Williams title

Bill Robertson became the third AGW winner of the season when he claimed a narrow one point victory at the Michael Williams Hogget over the Edinburgh course at Wentworth.

Robertson joins David Facey (Henry Cotton Salver) and Trevor Peake (Ron Moseley Trophy) in the winner’s circle after posting 31 points to finish one point ahead of Tony Stenson and Graham Otway. Stenson took second place thanks to a better inward half.

The trio will receive their prizes, kindly donated by the European Tour, at the lunch that follows the AGW Championship at Wentworth Club on November 12 (see below). We did manage (finally) to present prizes to David and Trevor for their wins earlier in the season at the lunch at Wentworth during the BMW PGA. It was good to see Renton Laidlaw, Alan Booth and John Fenton at the lunch, which was preceded by a wonderful tribute from chairman Lewine Mair to Dai Davies. George O’Grady, of the European Tour, and Peter Dawson, of the R and A, popped in especially to join in the minute’s silence for Dai.

Forthcoming Fixtures

I am within a day or two of finalising the date and venue for our annual match against the Golf Foundation but in the meantime am accepting entries for the following fixtures.

I can be contacted via e-mail or on any of the numbers below. Please note spots in the matches are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

AGW v The Broadcasters (The Grove, Monday 6 October)

We meet for lunch and then play 18 holes 4BBB in the afternoon. Places will go to the first 10 members who apply.

President’s Putter (Edinburgh Course at Wentworth Club, Tuesday 7 October)

18 hole Stableford. Tee times start at 7.30 am to allow us to finish ahead of the World Match Play press conferences scheduled for that afternoon.

AGW v Wilson (New Zealand Club, Thursday 6 November)

We meet at around 8.00 am, play 4BBB and then have lunch. A couple of places are still available. Additional entries will be placed on the waiting list.

AGW Championship (East Course at Wentworth Club, Wednesday 12 November)

The season concludes with an 18 hole Stableford over the East course. The tee is booked from 9.10 to 10.30 and lunch is followed by golf. In all likelihood our Player of the Year award will also be settled on the day.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf

July 2008

Annual General Meeting

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION WILL BE HELD IN THE PRESS TENT AT ROYAL BIRKDALE ON WEDNESDAY 16 JULY AT 10am.

Annual Dinner – Tuesday 15 July at Royal Birkdale

The deadline for ticket applications has now passed for the Association’s annual dinner, which will take place on Tuesday 15 July in the R and A tent at Royal Birkdale (drinks from 6.30pm, dinner 7.30pm). Places are virtually full but if you still require a ticket, get in touch with dinner secretary Dave Hamilton immediately to go on the waiting list – do not leave it until the last minute. At this stage, however, nothing can be guaranteed. Also, should you be left with a spare ticket because a guest becomes unavailable please inform the dinner secretary who will be able to dispose of the ticket for you.

Should a guest of yours not already have a pass or a ticket to get into the Open itself, and they are only coming in for the dinner, there will be a supply of daily guest tickets available from Malcolm Booth, the R and A press officer, on the Tuesday afternoon. Please do not abuse this facility for other purposes, otherwise it will be withdrawn.

Raymond Jacobs

After more than a fortnight in a high dependency unit following his operation for a perforated ulcer, Raymond Jacobs is now recovering well. He is currently in Ward 4a (Room 10), Gartnaval Royal Hospital, Great Western Road, Glasgow but may be home in the next week or two. Jock MacVicar visited him last weekend: “He is much better, no longer has any tubes attached and also has his appetite back. He is seeing someone on Wednesday re what happens regarding home care when he gets out. He was much chirpier, although the ulcers in his legs, which are unrelated to the original ulcer, are still a problem. But he is now getting around with the help of a walking aid.”

Pick Your Pro 2008

No fewer than 20 contestants gave thanks to Tiger Woods for ignoring medical advice and standing upright long enough, when not doubled up in agony, to win an incredible US Open at Torrey Pines. Not such good news for the five who had him down for the Open and will miss out on the big cheque that their positions in the table cry out for. Titleist’s Jonathan Loosemore went to the top of the leaderboard thanks to Tiger with Mark Lamport-Stokes now in second. Martin Kaymer at the BMW International and Ross Fisher at the European Open brought home predicted winners, with Philip Reid having a startling month by picking both. Four of the top-seven on the table are on Garcia for the Open.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions – provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Scottish Open 1800; Russian Open 1700; WGC Bridgestone Invitational 1800; SAS Masters 1700; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1730; British Masters 1800; Dunhill Links 1730; World Match Play 1700; Portugal Masters 1800; Mallorca Masters 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; World Cup 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

August 2008

BOB SOMMERS

I regret to announce the death of Bob Sommers in late July following complications from a brain tumour.

He was 81 and had been a member of the Association since 1983. Bob worked for the USGA for 25 years as editor of Golf Journal and was the author of The US Open: Golf’s Ultimate Challenge, as well as many other titles such as Golf Anecdotes. A member of the R and A, he wrote the main text of the Open Annual for 14 years until 2005. In 2001 he received the Memorial Golf Journalism Award at the Memorial Tournament. He is survived by his wife, Helen, in Port St. Lucie, Florida, where they moved in retirement after 1991.

Michael McDonnell, our former president, writes:

Throughout his distinguished career Bob Sommers remained a staunch traditionalist who first played golf at the age of six and when, in his own words, he realised he couldn’t beat anybody at it, made a living from writing about it which he did for many years on several US newspapers and then as Editor and Publisher of Golf Journal ,the official publication of the United States Golf Association.

As such, he had an insider’s view of all the great events in the United States and I urged him to put his reminiscences in book form. Indeed he had started the project when illness halted his efforts and he confessed wryly: “I have trouble writing and indeed thinking which, as you know, was never my strong suit.”

But his opening words in the prologue of the book that sadly will never be completed summed up his attitude to the modern game. He happened to be watching television and saw Tiger Woods play his approach to the seventh green at Augusta during the Masters.

“Now Augusta’s seventh,” he wrote, “never struck fear into the hearts of competent tour players but nonetheless here was Woods playing little more than a flick wedge. Woods’ casual pitch struck me as absurd and upsetting. Our heroes of earlier years had to play SOME kind of shot and certainly more than an effortless lob. Then I realised once again that the game I enjoy watching- and playing- exists no more. Golf, as I knew it, is gone.”

He blamed manufacturers and “timid governing bodies” for what he regarded as its decline. He was a regular competitor at the Autumn Meeting in St Andrews and once captured the Dundee Courier headlines with his partner ahead of Sir Sean Connery but only because the pair had been beaten in the first round by the defending champions.

Some personal memories. I invited him to play Royal St David’s in Harlech but when he looked at the map, this man who was accustomed to multi-lane American highways, growled: “How in hell d’you get there? I can’t see any roads.”

Once when we played at Ballybunion in a fierce storm he asked me to watch his shots because the rain drops on his spectacles blurred his vision. I obliged and thus he was able to focus solely on hitting the ball and not surprisingly beat me comfortably. To this day, I am not sure whether it was a tactical ploy or a genuine request but it certainly worked.

Moreover he was a qualified and strict rules referee who would argue points of golf law for hours. When I partnered him in an invitational event on his home course at Port St Lucie in Florida and found trouble in a bush, the drop he gave me made the next shot even more impossible.

He was a golf nut. He parked his golf buggy in his garage with the clubs loaded and ready for action then set off each morning for the course telling his wife Helen: “I’m off to do God’s work.” Just some of the moments that made it a joy to have known Bob. – MMcD

For a tribute from Marty Parkes, the former director of communications of the USGA, please see: http://www.usga.org/news/2008/july/sommers_tribute.html. In Forgive us our Press Passes, Bob Sommers wrote of meeting the British press for the first time at the 1965 Walker Cup in Baltimore: “My imagination ran wild. I pictured a stately, well-bred troupe who had the manners of Gielgud and spoke the language of Shakespeare like Olivier. I trembled at how these models of decorum must feel about our working quarters in a dark basement usually reserved for mowers and carts. Timidly I crept to the door and stepped through. Then I froze. There, inside, I watched, stunned, as a moustachioed madman in scarlet slacks, navy blue blazer bearing a crimson British lion, and wearing a cowboy hat prowled the room dousing his countrymen with a water pistol. May I introduce Leonard Crawley. Thus, there went preconceived illusions. At the same time, here came a bundle of friends.”

Life Membership

At the AGM the following were elected as Life Members: Mike Britten, Bob Davies, David Hamilton, Raymond Jacobs, Gordon Richardson and Colm Smith. Each was nominated by the committee for their services to the Association as committee members or office holders over the years. Just a couple of the notes received:

Dave Hamilton writes: “Can I express my delight at being elected a Life Member of the Association at the AGM. It came as a complete surprise to be nominated and I must thank the committee for the honour. I never expected to reach such dizzy heights especially as it was so difficult to join in the ‘old days’. Then you couldn’t apply, you had to be invited, and the late Tom Scott, former editor of Golf Illustrated when I joined the magazine in 1978, was reluctant to enrol new members. However, he did put my name forward in 1986 and I was elected. Since then it has been a pleasure to serve on the committee, as golf captain, and now as dinner secretary. I suppose many people regard Life Members as Old Farts, so I must now regard myself as one.”

Gordon Richardson writes: “So very sorry for not responding with a most joyous “J’accept” much, much sooner to the news of the gift of life membership of the AGW bestowed by my colleagues during the Open Championship. I have been away for a week or two with Louisette, the new lady in my life and I’m ashamed (not really) to say I didn’t make any connections, via “ordinateur”, pigeon, phone or anything else with the world of work. It doesn’t seem so long ago that Ron Heager proposed me for membership and Bob Rodney seconded back in l966 – the year England won the World Cup and four years after I launched a marriage that lasted 43 years with my beloved Anne. I don’t feel I’ve given service, rather that the AGW and its members, many of whom, so sadly, are now gone, have helped provide me with a memorable working life in golf. It always felt very special to be one of the elite wearing my tin star (it has the number 87 on the back) when I turned up at tournaments. What respect the AGW earned its members in those formative years. These days it all seems a bit distant, I guess its a testament to how astonishingly golf has grown that we have to go through a process of getting accredited for media passes and stickers instead of just gliding into the club car park in our Rolls Royces with the likes of Leonard Crawley, Peter Ryde, Pat Ward-Thomas and dear old Betty Debenham. Although I’m done for this summer I’m keeping my options open for next year. But I can say I’m sorely tempted by a lovely little golf and country club near Bergerac called Chateau les Merles. Only nine rural holes through the woods and glades but all the red wine and truffles you can scoff (I hope). Can I say again how greatly I value the gift of Life Membership of unarguably the greatest group of sporting scribes on earth. Many, many thanks to all my successors on the committee and to all my fellow members home and abroad.”

Annual Dinner

This year’s dinner was a star-studded affair with both Peter Alliss and Padraig Harrington receiving awards. Peter received the Michael Williams Trophy for Outstanding Services to Golf, while Harrington collected the Golf Writers Trophy. It was the second year in a row Harrington has spoken at the dinner and clearly the formula is working so hopefully we can expect him back next year. A number of players attended and Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo spoke on behalf of the guests, while Tony Stenson gave a splendid address welcoming our guests. Congratulations also to Lewine Mair for her debut as MC, while many, many thanks go to Dave Hamilton and Bob Davies for all their organisation, especially liaising with new caterers Sodexo. From the highly complimentary thank you letters from many of the official guests it proved a successful evening.

Annual General Meeting

Many thanks to everyone who was able to spare the time to attend the AGM during the Open. Issues discussed included the facilities at the Open, while Peter Dixon was elected to the committee. Chairman Lewine Mair announced the committee were preparing a memento for those who had reached 50 years of membership and this would be finalised in the next few months. Treasurer Bob Davies reported a strong financial position had enabled to us to maintain subscriptions and the dinner ticket price at the same levels for some time. Bob said it was our aim to maintain our subs at £25 for as long as we could but that once a rise was deemed necessary, it might have to jump substantially but this was preferable to small regular increases which would mean everyone constantly changing their standing orders. Bob also urged everyone to make arrangements to pay their subs within the three-month grace period at the start of each year. Jane Carter said the website was under development and a template has now been set up. It was lovely to see Patricia Davies at the Open and at the AGM she thanked everyone for their generous tributes to Dai which had been much appreciated by the family.

Open Championship and other tournament reports

Thanks and congratulations go to R and A communications manager Malcolm Booth on his debut as press officer at this year’s Open. Overall things went pretty smoothly, despite the weather, at what was a superb championship. One issue was the wifi which was finally resolved at the weekend. BT had failed to inform anyone with an automatic pop-up blocker that a small pop-up window had to be open otherwise the system automatically logged you off after 15 minutes. Hence all the logging back on. This was eventually rectified and will be something to look out for in the future.

If there are any issues from the Open not discussed at the AGM, please inform me or Peter Dixon. Since being elected to the committee at the Open, Peter has agreed to coordinate our tournament report letters from the European Tour. So if you have any issues to raise please let Peter know: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Ryder Cup

Lewine Mair was informed at the USPGA that some of those booked into the Clarion Hotel will be moved. Clearly those concerned have or will be informed but if anyone has any queries over Ryder Cup accreditation or accommodation, please contact Una Jones asap: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Masters

Glenn Greenspan is leaving Augusta National this month to become vice-president of communication for Tiger Woods and his companies. Thanks to Glenn for all his efforts on our behalf at the Masters, culminating in the new computer system and the improved canteen this year. Buzzy Johnson will take care of communication issues until a replacement is confirmed.

Barry Willett

Our sympathies and best wishes go to the family of Barry Willett, who died in July at the age of 70 after a long illness. Barry, who ran a hugely successful club-making business at St George’s Hill for 35 years, then masterminded the Mizuno Workshop that toured the European Tour following a trial at the 1984 Open. Much respected on tour and a friend to many members of the Association, he retired in 1998 and leaves a widow, Barbara, and a daughter, Kim. Neil Coles, chairman of the European Tour, said: “Barry was a very special person, loved by all professional golfers who met him. He was a master of his craft with the unique gift of understanding what the professional wanted out of his clubs. He will be impossible to replace and we feel for Barbara and the family at this very difficult time.” For a full obituary and tributes from Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo please see the news section (for the week of July 21) of the European Tour website.

Best wishes

Best wishes go to Raymond Jacobs, after an operation for a perforated ulcer, and Gordon Simpson, following his surgery to repair a mitral valve in the heart, who are both now back at home and recovering well. Gordon says he is progressing well, following doctor’s orders and will meet with his surgeon next month to plan his return to work. Meanwhile, he thanks everyone for all those messages of support.

Press4golf

Neil Aitken, deputy editor of Press4golf, writes: “Press4golf is a unique web-based tool for professional golf journalists wishing to research stories and receive golf news from around the world as well as press trips. The site is completely free for registered journalists and was launched late last year after the success of our sister site, Press4travel. Peter Ellegard, a leading member of IGTWA, is the consultant editorial director. Registered journalists are not inundated with emails; we send a press release summary a couple of times a week. Other benefits include press trip invites; Press4golf members have recently been invited to attend the Scottsdale Media Classic in Arizona for example. To register simply go to www.press4golf.com and click on “Register Now” on the left of the homepage.” Neil’s contact details are: tel: 0845 602 5090; from overseas: +44 1603 612 851; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Pick Your Pro 2008

Forget Tiger Woods or Lorena Ochoa, hopes of a Grand Slam this season rested with Norman Dabell and Mike Harris. Remarkably, both triumphed at the first three majors of the year with Immelman, Woods and Harrington. Alas it was not to be at the USPGA with Vijay Singh missing the cut for Harris and Phil Mickelson finishing seven adrift at Oakland Hills. Harrington also came up trumps for Paul Trow at the Open and John Huggan, fearless in the face of 78 years of hurt, at the USPGA. Trow also picked Singh at the Bridgestone to trail Dabell only narrowly in what is proving a fierce competition.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions – provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes-Benz Champs 1730; British Masters 1830; Dunhill Links 1730; Madrid Masters 1800; Portugal Masters 1800; Castello Masters 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Australian Masters 1730; World Cup 1630; Alfred Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Fixture Changes

Due to a Race to Dubai Media Day on October 5-7 we have rearranged a couple of our fixtures originally scheduled for those dates.

We are currently endeavouring to reschedule our annual match against the Broadcasters which was to be staged at The Grove on Monday 6 October and anticipate we will have agreed a new date and venue in the next couple of days. Once the new date is announced I would be obliged if members who had entered for the original date could reconfirm they wish to play on the rearranged date. Entries to date had come from Andy Farrell, Mark Garrod, Bill Elliott, Mark Reason, Bryan Potter, Peter Godsiff, Mike Blair, Steve Newell, Brian Creighton and Tony Stenson (who indicated he would play if we were short of players). I can also accept entries for members who could not make the original date but who can play now.

Our friends at Wentworth Club have been very accommodating where it comes to rearranging the President’s Putter which was to be played on the Edinburgh course on Tuesday 7 October. They have now found us alternative tee times on the Edinburgh course between 8.40 and 11.00 on Thursday 9 October and I would like to put on record my own thanks for their help in making these new arrangements. Andy Farrell, Mark Garrod, Bill Elliott, Jeremy Chapman, Mike Harris, Robin Barwick, Bryan Potter, Peter Godsiff, John Whitbread, Tony Stenson and Brian Creighton all indicated they wished to play on the original date and I need them to reconfirm the new date is suitable for them. I can also accept additional entries from members who wish to take part on the new date. Golf with be followed by lunch in the Ballroom as our usual venue, the Ryder Cup Room, is being used for another function.

Ryder Cup Media Match

Mark Garrod has passed on to me the details of a Rolex Media Cup to be staged at The Big Spring Country Club in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday 6 September.

Many of you might recall that a European team won a similar match staged in Ireland before the 2006 Ryder Cup.

Rolex is looking for 20 media (12 journalists and 8 photographers) to represent Europe in this precursor to this year’s Ryder Cup. I can confirm that team members will be expected to arrive at the club at 12.15 in time for a 13.15 shotgun start. There will be a buffet and a presentation ceremony at around 17.45. Directions to the club and transportation details will be announced once the teams have been finalised.

Members who are to be in the Louisville area on September 16 and wish to play in the match should contact Mark Garrod on email hidden; JavaScript is required. He will need to know your handicap, your sweater/polo shirt size and whether or not you will want to obtain a set of hire clubs (stating whether you need left or right hand).

I understand that further information about the Rolex Media Cup is available from Greg West at Juniper PR. He can be contacted on email hidden; JavaScript is required or on 0207 735 2970 or mobile 07870 685559.

Members are urged to sign up promptly as the organisers are keen to sort out the composition of the teams well ahead of the match.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf email hidden; JavaScript is required; 01438 718399 (Office); 01438 717878 (Home); 07788 443995 (Mobile)

September 2009

Diaries

The 2009 diaries have now arrived and will be sent out over the next couple of weeks. Should you not receive one, please let me know.

World Cup accreditation

Accreditation for the World Cup (Missions Hills, November 27-30) is now open at http://media.europeantour.com as usual. But please be advised to apply as soon as possible to assist with applications for visas. Similarly, those travelling to the HSBC Champions (November 6-9) will also need visas and, having got accreditation through the European Tour website, applications for visas should be directed to Kate Bartley at IMG (email hidden; JavaScript is required) by October 1.

Handbook information

As last year, our superb executive assistant Paula Benn will be contacting all members over the next couple of months by e-mail (or letter in some cases) to check your contact information for next year’s handbook. A prompt acknowledgement is kindly requested so we can cross you off the list. This replaces the need to have to fill in a new form every year and return it. This information will also be used on the website, which is now under construction, so the accuracy of our database is doubly important.

Changes of address, etc

Robert Green’s home e-mail is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Mel Webb has moved house and has a new e-mail address: Primrose Farm Bungalow, East Stoke, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6AN (01929 401669; m: 07880 505582; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Raymond Jacobs

Jock MacVicar wrote last week: “Jacky Robertson, Ian Wood and myself visited Raymond in hospital today, and there is much improvement since Jacky saw him a week ago. He has pneumonia, but is progressing well, and looking and sounding much better than the last time I saw him (out of hospital) three weeks ago. A touch of the old spiky humour was back! However, it is likely he will be in hospital for some time yet.

“Meantime, Raymond told us he is very honoured to have been made a Life Member of the AGW, an organisation of which he has been a member, and committee member, for so many years. He apologizes for not responding some time ago, explaining that, but for his illness and the restrictions in hospital regarding communication, he would have done so immediately.

“He also is most appreciative of the support he has had from both sides of the Atlantic, from AGW members and non members alike. We will keep you in touch over the next week or two. He is in the Brownlea Unit, next door to the Garnavel General Hospital in Glasgow (Room 18). Contact telephone number: 0141 211 1062.”

Pick Your Pro 2008

Paul Trow, thanks to Nick Dougherty’s second place at the SAS Masters, clings to the top of the table just ahead of Norman Dabell in what is proving a close contest. Mike Harris and Jonathan Loosemore and in third and fourth respectively. Three of the top four go for the USA in this week’s Ryder Cup, with Harris on Europe, but Trow’s bid for the highest scoring performer has faltered with Zach Johnson, while Dabell and Harris are on Garcia with Loosemore on Hunter Mahan.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions – provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) British Masters 1830; Dunhill Links 1730; Madrid Masters 1800; Portugal Masters 1800; Castello Masters 1630; Volvo Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Australian Masters 1730; World Cup 1630; Alfred Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Dunhill Links Championship

A note from Helen McDonnell says that anyone wishing to play at the Duke’s Course at St Andrews during the week of the Dunhill Links Championship should contact Alan McColm or David Scott on 01334 470214.

Rearranged Date and Venue for Broadcasters Match

This year’s match against the Broadcasters is to be played at the splendid Bearwood Lakes Golf Club near Wokingham, Berkshire, on Tuesday 14 October. The match was to have been played at The Grove the previous week but has been re-scheduled.

I am looking for a team of 12 golfers to take part in this popular annual fixture and will give precedence to the following members who indicated they wished to play on the original day: Andy Farrell, Mark Garrod, Bill Elliott, Mark Reason, Bryan Potter, Peter Godsiff, Mike Blair, Steve Newell, Tony Stenson and Brian Creighton.

I would be obliged if all the above would contact me to confirm they still wish to play and in the meantime will also accept entries (on a first come, first served basis) from other members.

We are scheduled to meet for a light lunch at about 11.30-12.00 with the golf starting at 1pm. There will be a brief prize giving ceremony at the end of play.

President’s Putter at Wentworth Club

Last month we announced that the President’s Putter which had been scheduled for Tuesday 7 October (over the Edinburgh course at Wentworth Club) was being moved to Thursday 9 October and subsequently a number of members have contacted me to say they can/cannot play in the rearranged fixture.

To date I have received entries for the revised date from: Jeremy Chapman, Mark Garrod, Andy Farrell, Tony Adamson, Bill Robertson, Robin Barwick and John Whitbread but have not heard from Bryan Potter, Peter Godsiff, Tony Stenson and Brian Creighton who entered for original date but have not said whether they can/cannot play on October 9.

I would be obliged if the above could let me know if they are still available and in the meantime will also be accepting entries from other members. I can reiterate that the Edinburgh course is booked from 08.40 and that golf is to be followed by lunch in the Ballroom. I’m afraid I cannot attend that day and am indebted to our Secretary Andy Farrell who has agreed to officiate on my behalf.

AGW Fall Finish

The Broadcasters match and the President’s Putter are just two of a number of events we still have to play before the 2008 season draws to a close.

I am still looking for a suitable venue for the Golf Foundation match (suggestions would be most welcome) but can confirm our annual match against Wilson is to be played at the New Zealand Club on Thursday 6 November and it is to be followed by the AGW Championship over the East Course at Wentworth Club on Wednesday 12 November.

The Wilson fixture is proving as popular as ever but I am still accepting entries for the reserve list.

Entries for the AGW Championship have also been encouraging and to date I have the following on the list: Andy Farrell, Mark Garrod, Bill Elliott, Jeremy Chapman, Mike Harris, Robin Barwick, Bryan Potter, Scott McCallum, Dave Hamilton, John Whitbread, Tony Stenson and Brian Creighton.

Other members who wish to play in this (or any other fixture) should contact me on any of the numbers below. In the meantime I should stress the AGW Championship also sees the conclusion of the AGW’s De Vere Golfer of the Year Award which to date looks likely to have a much closer finish that the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour. This year David Facey, Trevor Peake and Bill Robertson have all started promisingly with victories in our first three Majors but can still be overtaken by a number of other members if they do not consolidate their positions.

Tee times for the AGW Championship start at about 7.45-8.00 with golf being followed by lunch in the Ryder Cup Room. We will be inviting a number of guests who have aided the Association over the course of the season.

Thursday 9 October – President’s Putter, Wentworth Edinburgh (first tee 8.40am)

Tuesday 14 October – Broadcasters match, Bearwood Lakes (lunch 11.30am)

Thursday 6 November – Wilson match, New Zealand (first tee approx 8am)

Wednesday 12 November – AGW Championship, Wentworth East, first tee approx 8am)

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf

October 2008

Dai Davies

Many thanks go to Julius Mason and Joe Steranka at the PGA of America for arranging a most touching tribute to the late Dai Davies. The ceremony took place on the Sunday morning of the Ryder Cup at Valhalla when Dai’s widow Patricia was presented with a magnificent gold plaque featuring a replica of the Ryder Cup and an extract from Dai and Patricia’s book Beyond the Fairways. The inscription stated: “In memory of Dai Davies: For his professionalism and commitment to covering the greatest spectacle in golf, the Ryder Cup.”

Steranka, the CEO of the PGA of America, made the presentation and said: “I got to know Dai well over the years and as well as our shared love of golf we also shared a love of jazz music. We cannot help but think how much he would have enjoyed this week so much as well as looking forward to the next Ryder Cup in his beloved Wales. We all miss him very much.”

Doug Ferguson, President of the Golf Writers Association of America, said: “We recognised Dai as much as one of ours as one of yours. We loved his passion for the game and his personality, something we will all cherish.”

Our chairman, Lewine Mair, also spoke in tribute to Dai and said: “Nothing is more certain than the fact that, of all the thousands of words written this week, we will all miss his.”

Patricia admitted she was “stunned” by the fantastic gesture. “Dai loved his work and he took it very seriously,” she said. “He hated to see people squander talent they had and he was certainly never guilty of that. He also loved his golf and understood the intensity of the Ryder Cup as only a man who had an uphill two-footer to win the Golf Writers Home Internationals for Wales… and left it short, could!”

Seve Ballesteros

Clearly all our prayers and best wishes go to our vice-president Seve Ballesteros and his family as he undergoes ongoing treatment for the brain tumour diagnosed after he recently collapsed at Madrid Airport. Chairman Lewine Mair has been in touch with the family to convey these sentiments on our behalf.

Changes of address, etc

Many thanks to everyone who have responded to the e-mails from Paula Benn requesting contact information updates. We have had a high response rate but if you are still to be contacted or to reply (even if it is just to say everything is correct) then please act promptly. This is in order to update the 2009 handbook.

Teresa Bagaria has moved to: Modolell 26, 08021 Barcelona, Spain (0034 93 2093629).

Chris Bartlett’s details should read: Zone Golf Magazine/Vision Media, Merlin House, 1 Langstone Business Park, Priory Drive, Newport NP18 2HJ (01633 415331; m: 07737 222902; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Mike Britten’s home phone number is now: 0034 952 887007.

Paul Forsyth’s mobile is now: 07599 289031.

Jock Howard’s e-mail address has changed to: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Martin Hardy has moved to: Garden Flat, 99 Hamilton Terrace, St John’s Wood, London NW8 9QY (m: 077477 68118; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Dan Jenkins has moved to: 1600 Texas Street, PH 21503, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, USA.

Derek Lawrenson’s home number is now: 0151 3484167.

Michael McDonnell has moved to: Kimberley House, The Common, West Runton, Cromer, Norfolk NR27 9QE (01263 837351).

James Mossop has a new e-mail address: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Nuria Pastor has moved to: Passatge Pins Melis, 7. 3º4ª. 08860 Les Botigues de Sitges, Barcelona. Spain.

Trevor Peake’s new mobile number is: 07903 178621.

George Peper’s e-mail is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Lorne Rubenstein’s mobile is now: 001 561 6761145.

Chris Smart has moved to: 4 Fitzhamon Road,Porthcawl CF36 3AJ (phone numbers etc unchanged).

Alex Spink’s home telephone number is now: 01892 529232.

Geoff Sweet’s sports desk number at the NoW should read: 020 7782 4372

Tom Ramsey’s new e-mail is: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

AGW website

Our website is currently in development and should be up and running in the near future. More details to follow. In the meantime, there is a gallery section and if any members have digital pictures from AGW occasions or the like that they would like to share with everyone then please e-mail them to me.

Pick Your Pro 2008

A playoff defeat for Lee Westwood at the British Masters was good enough for Norman Dabell to retake the top spot in this year’s competition just ahead of Paul Trow. The two will be battling all the way to the Volvo Masters, with Dabell on Paul Casey and Trow on Martin Kaymer. Jonathan Loosemore claimed the biggest bonus for the player performances at the Ryder Cup thanks Hunter Mahan but all those on Garcia and Westwood were disappointed.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions – provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Masters 1700; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Australian Masters 1730; World Cup 1630; Alfred Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

AGW v The Golf Foundation

It is with some relief that I can report that our annual match against the Golf Foundation has finally been arranged and is to be staged at Chelmsford Golf Club, Essex, on Monday 24 November.

We are scheduled to meet at around 9.00 in time for a bacon roll, with the golf starting at 10.00. Lunch will be served thereafter.

Due to the short time span between now and then, it has been suggested that, for this year only, the match should be limited to 8-a-side, so I would be obliged if members could contact me as soon as possible if they wish to play.

Unusually, given our extraordinary propensity to grab defeat from the jaws of victory, the AGW goes into the match as holders. Paul Trow, in fact, has been on the winning side for the last three years in-a-row, representing us twice and the opposition once.

AGW Match Against Wilson at the New Zealand Club

The above annual match against Wilson, to be played at the New Zealand Club on Thursday 6 November is, as usual, over-subscribed.

I will be finalising the team the week before but, in the meantime, if anyone who has entered now cannot make it, please let me know asap. Thanks very much.

AGW Championship at Wentworth Club

I can confirm the following members have entered the AGW Championship to be staged over the East Course at Wentworth Club on Wednesday 12 November.

Our numbers will be augmented by a number of guests from Wentworth Club, the European Tour and elsewhere.

Entries to date have come from Andy Farrell, Mark Garrod, Bill Elliott, Jeremy Chapman, Mike Harris, Robin Barwick, Scott MacCallum, Dave Hamilton, John Whitbread, Tony Stenson, Brian Creighton, Mike Blair, John Barton, Iain Carter, Mitchell Platts and Peter Dixon.

I will make making the draw on Friday 7 November and would be obliged if all additional entries were sent in before then. I can confirm the tee is booked between 08.40 and 11.00 and that golf will be followed by Wentworth Club’s usual sumptuous lunch in the Ryder Cup Room. There will also a Prize Presentation ceremony during which the winners of the AGW Championship and the AGW De Vere Player of the Year Award will receive their trophies. Currently contesting the top of the leaderboard in the latter are David Facey, Bill Robertson and Trevor Peake but with none of them having so far entered the AGW Championship the outcome looks like being more open than it has been for several years.

AGW Loses to the Broadcasters

A mixed team comprising AGW members, a travel writer, a SKY producer and one of my colleagues at GMS went down 4-2 in our annual match against the Broadcasters at the superb Bearwood Lakes Golf Club near Wokingham.

It was the third year in a row the Broadcasters, led by Rob Bonnet, had emerged victorious and was this year they were always ahead after Russell Fuller and AGW member Iain Carter got the better of Brian Creighton and your Captain of Golf in the opening match. Nine-handicap Carter actually played the opening nine holes in level par and so could well be installed as the favourite to win the forthcoming AGW Championship at Wentworth Club (see below).

The first of the AGW’s two points came from Bill Elliott and National Club Golfer Editor, Dan Murphy, who played some excellent golf in their 4 & 3 defeat of James Porter and Matt Smith. James Lovett and Daniel Self were five under par through one six hole stretch while defeating Andrew Cotter and Johnny Bramley, which only goes to prove they were merely masquerading under the AGW banner.

My thanks go to four individuals who made up the numbers on our behalf.

Results: Colin Callander and Brian Creighton lost to Iain Carter and Russell Fuller 4 & 3, Dan Murphy and Bill Elliott beat James Porter and Matt Smith 4 & 3, Mark Garrod and Andy Farrell lost to Mike Pierce and Rob Bonnet 3 & 2, Tony Adamson and Minty Clinch lost to Gill Clark and Sue Thearle 3 & 2, Peter Godsiff and Peter Higgs lost to Dan Walker and Paul Davies, James Lovett and Daniel Self beat Andrew Cotter and Johnny Bramley 4 & 2.

Colin Callander, Captain of Golf

November 2008

Golf Writers’ Trophy 2008

Please find enclosed (or attached) the voting form for the Golf Writers’ Trophy and Outstanding Services Award. The Golf Writers’ Trophy shall be awarded to the person or persons, born or resident in Europe, who in the opinion of a majority of Full and Life members has made the most outstanding contribution to golf in 2008. The committee has drawn up a shortlist but this is for guidance only and you may vote for whomever you wish. At the time of writing there are still events, such as the World Cup, which are still to be decided.

The winner will be the candidate with the highest number of first places. In the result of a tie, the higher number of second or third place votes will be decisive. Please list your 1-2-3 and return to me by post, fax or e-mail to email hidden; JavaScript is required. (If replying by e-mail please make sure to state YOUR name clearly, otherwise the entry cannot be accepted). The ballot will close on Friday 12 December and the result will be announced early the following week.

The shortlist is as follows: Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Robert Karlsson, Gwladys Nocera, Ian Poulter, Scotland Eisenhower team, Annika Sorenstam, Sweden Espirito Santo team, Chris Wood

Nominations for the Outstanding Services Award, be they local, national or international figures, players or administrators, will be gratefully received by the Committee who will review all submissions before selecting the recipient for 2009.

John Ingham

Many thanks go to European Tour executive director George O’Grady for helping with the presentation to John Ingham to mark his 50 years as a member of the Association. This was the first opportunity to present one of our mementoes – created by our jeweller John Bowles – to those who have reached this magnificent landmark. John, the founding editor of Golf International magazine, joined us for lunch at Wentworth during the AGW Championship and it was wonderful to see him looking in such good form.

John writes: “Representing more senior and literate colleagues who also achieved 50 years membership of the AGW was a thrill, and collecting a silver platter something special. My thanks to five-star Wentworth, to George O’Grady and Lewine Mair for saying such kind, but over-egged things. I sometimes wonder if scribes and TV folk realise their luck in being part of today’s incredible golf business, built by professional golfers hitting thousands of balls, day after day. Do I miss the scene? Most of the time.”

Herb Warren Wind

Herb Warren Wind, a long-standing member of the Association until his death in 2005, has been posthumously inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame under the lifetime achievement category. Wind, the author of The Story of American Golf and ghost for Ben Hogan’s The Modern Fundamentals of Golf, wrote mainly for The New Yorker but during a brief stint at Sports Illustrated coined the term “Amen Corner” for holes 11-13 at Augusta National. At the induction ceremony he was acclaimed by Jerry Tarde, editor of Golf Digest, as the “most important golf writer of the 20^th century”.

Mark Garrod

Mark writes: “Many, many thanks for the wonderful response to my appeal for donations following my daughter’s loss of her baby, Rafaella. The money is being given to Nottingham City Hospital and the medical facility in Africa with which it is ‘twinned’. Anyone else who wants to contribute can do so by sending a cheque to me at my home address. It has been of great comfort to know we are doing something to help others.”

Captain of Golf

Lewine Mair presented Colin Callander with a bottle of Wentworth bubbly and thanked him for four years of dedicated service as captain of golf. The committee is delighted to announce that Mike Harris, of Golf Monthly, has accepted their invitation to succeed Colin, while Iain Carter has offered to assist in a vice-captain role.

Judy Williams

Last month Judy Williams, the widow of Michael Williams of the Daily Telegraph, underwent an emergency triple heart bypass. The operation went well and Judy was soon home and recovering well but was sorry not to be able to join us as planned for the lunch at Wentworth.

Judy writes: “Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers and the many cards and messages that I have received from you. I have been quite overwhelmed by the kindness you have shown me. It’s so good to know that I have so many friends. I hope it won’t be too long before I meet up with everyone again, but it seems that recuperation is going to be a long haul. Thank you again. Love and best wishes to everyone.”

Bunny Scott

Ella Scott, widow of Tom Scott, president of the Association in 1981-84, has died in Scotland. Ella, who was better known as Bunny to everyone, especially AGW members, passed away aged 90 in a nursing home in Kirriemuir after a short illness.

Dave Hamilton writes: “In the days of Golf Illustrated magazine, Tom and Bunny used to arrange our house at the Open Championship every year and Bunny looked after the cooking, cleaning and any washing that was required for ‘her boys’. After Tom died in 1986, I kept in touch with her with Christmas cards and I used to visit her whenever I was in the north east of Scotland.

“A few years ago I sent her a copy of Michael McDonnell’s superb AGW book Forgive us Our Press Passes which she was delighted to receive. She was also appreciative of the Christmas hamper she received every year. They underlined the fact that she wasn’t forgotten.”

Changes of address, etc

Please let me know any other changes asap as the handbook will be going to the printers next week.

Steve Ethun is the new director of communications at Augusta National Golf Club. Ethun was vice-president of communications for the American Junior Golf Association for seven years. Tel: 001 706 667 6705; f: 001 706 731 0611; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Dixon Blackstock’s e-mail address is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Martin Dempster’s e-mail is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Peter Masters’s e-mail has changed to: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Bernie McGuire’s e-mail address is: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Jock MacVicar’s new e-mail address is: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Jock Howard’s home e-mail is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required

Paul Forsyth’s mobile has changed again to: 07876 484349

New members

At the autumn membership meeting, Jeremy Ellwood, Maria Pia Gennaro and Nick Rodger were elected to the Association. Congratulations and welcome to them all. Ged Scott, who has left the Birmingham Post and joined BBC Interactive, was retained on the Supplementary List at this stage while his golfing activities become clearer. Applications from Neil Tappin and Fergus Bisset were accepted and they have been placed on the Supplementary List.

ELLWOOD, JEREMY: Golf Monthly, IPC Media, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU (020 3148 4533). Home: 4 Belmont Cottages, Lower Road, Forest Row, East Sussex RH18 5HE (01342 826995; m: 07952 370175; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GENNARO, MARIA PIA: Golf e Turismo, Via Winckelmann 2, 20146 Milano, Italy (0039 0242419219; f: 0030 0248953252). Home: Via Moscova 46/3, 20121 Milano, Italy (0039 026575646; f: 0039026592048; m: 00393356186642; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

RODGER, NICK: Flat 2-2, 30 Garry Street, Cathcart, Glasgow G44 4AX (T/f: 0141 6379771; m: 07811 541982; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

BISSET, FERGUS: Golf Monthly, IPC Media, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU (020 3148 4530). Home: Rowan Cottage, Dess, By Aboyne, Aberdeenshire AB34 5BA (m: 07720 057451; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

TAPPIN, NEIL: Golf Monthly, IPC Media, Blue Fin Building, 110 Southwark Street, London SE1 0SU (020 3148 4530). Home: Flat 1, 13 Wickham Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 5JS (m: 07867 784573; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required)

Pick Your Pro 2008

Congratulations to Paul Trow for winning this year’s Pick Your Pro and commiserations to Norman Dabell who was pipped at Valderrama. In a dramatic finale, Martin Kaymer’s joint second place was enough for Trow to leapfrog to the top of the table while Dabell’s Casey finished down the leaderboard. Victory for Soren Kjeldsen was also good news for Mark Lamport-Stokes and Tony Garnett who jumped into the prizes in third and fourth positions respectively. Jock Howard was fifth.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2008

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions – provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) World Cup 1630; Alfred Dunhill Champs 1630; SA Open 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Barton and Harris Emerge as the Big Winners at Wentworth

Youth prevailed over experience when John Barton and Mike Harris won the silverware in our last major of the season over the East Course at Wentworth Club.

Barton, making a rare appearance in an AGW event, won the AGW Championship, posting 36 points to finish three points ahead of Bill Robertson and four in front of Mike Blair, with all collecting prizes kindly donated by the European Tour.

Meanwhile, Harris claimed a creditable 31 points which was enough to win the De Vere Golfer of the Year Award after a countback with Bill Elliott. (For the record, the Golfer of the Year Award is decided by the best three Stableford scores of the season. In the event of a tie, the number of victories is taken into account, then the individual best score.)

Harris might well consider that he won the award 12 months early because, during the subsequent lunch, Wentworth managing director Julian Small announced that in the future Wentworth would be putting up a case of fine claret for the winner. For obvious reasons, the Golfer of the Year award will be known as the Race to Wentworth. Many thanks go to the club not just for this terrific gesture but another wonderful occasion.

AGW Loses to Strong Wilson Side

Thanks to the exploits of a certain Padraig Harrington, Wilson has had much to celebrate over the last few months and the company’s run of good fortune continued when their representatives trounced the Golf Writers in our annual match at the New Zealand Club.

If truth be told, luck had very little to do with it because, after opening with a victory, courtesy of Patricia Davies and your Captain of Golf, we then went down in the next four games in-a-row to lose by a comfortable 4-1 margin.

Nevertheless, it would be remiss not to mention the sterling efforts made by Iain Carter and Bill Elliott who only lost by one hole in a match in which the two sides shared no less than 12 birdies – 12 birdies in a Golf Writers match? I’m not sure I believe it, but that is what I was told.

Our special thanks go to John Collard who puts the match together on Wilson’s behalf. To say that it has developed into one of our most popular events of the year would be no exaggeration and much of that is down to John’s tireless work on everyone’s behalf.

Results: Colin Callander and Patricia Davies beat Keith Perry and John Collard 4 & 3; Andy Farrell and Mike Harris lost to Chris Jones and Rick Hazelden 2 holes; Mark Reason and Robin Barwick lost to Peter Masters and Andy Smith 3 & 2; Mark Garrod and John Whitbread lost to Malcolm Booth and Phil Smith 6 & 5; Iain Carter and Bill Elliott lost to Adrian Mitchell and Doug Wright 1 hole.

Golf Foundation Match Postponed

Unfortunately, due to a spate of late call-offs, the annual Golf Foundation match, scheduled to be played at Chelmsford Golf Club on November 24, had to be called off at the last minute. My successor (see below) will be endeavouring to re-arrange it for some time early next year, not that he knows that yet.

And it’s Goodbye from Me…

Finally, all that remains is for me to thank all AGW members for the support you have given me over the last four years while I have been Captain of Golf. It’s a shame that it had to finish on a low note with the cancellation of the Chelmsford fixture although, in hindsight at least, that might be an appropriate way for my Captaincy to peter out given our dismal recent record in matches against the likes of the Golf Foundation, the Broadcasters and Wilson.

Now I plan to retreat to the back benches and to start enjoying my golf again. Good luck to my successor, the aforementioned Mike Harris, who, I have no doubt, will do a much better job than me.

December 2008

Harrington wins 2008 Golf Writers’ Trophy

Padraig Harrington has won the Golf Writers’ Trophy for the second year in succession. The 37-year-old Irishman, who retained his Open crown and then added the USPGA Championship within three magical weeks in the summer, achieved an overwhelming victory ahead of Sweden’s Robert Karlsson and Annika Sorenstam.

Harrington, who typically is not resting on his laurels and is already working towards his 2009 campaign, becomes only the third player to win the Golf Writers’ Trophy in consecutive years, following Tony Jacklin in 1969 and ’70 and Peter Oosterhuis in 1973 and ’74. Jacklin won the Open in ’69 and the US Open the following year while Oosterhuis was in the process of winning the European Order of Merit four years in a row.

“It just shows how rare it is to peak two years running,” Harrington said. “To have one great year and win a major is fantastic but to follow it up by winning another two majors this year was beyond anything you could have hoped for.

“What is so satisfying is that in years to come people will look at the trophy and ask, ‘What did he do to win it twice in succession?’ and remember your achievements, just as you look at Tony Jacklin’s name twice and recall his majors or Peter Oosterhuis and his order of merit wins.

“There will be a time I can sit back and enjoy it all but this is not that time. I have really appreciated all the accolades that I have received, especially at this time of year, but I am already back in work mode. I am back in the gym and I had my coach over last week so I am working hard again.”

Harrington has already been named the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year as well as collecting the Shot of the Year award for his five-wood to three feet at the 71^st hole of the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Three weeks later the Dubliner became the first European for 78 years to win the Wanamaker Trophy at the USPGA.

Only Colin Montgomerie in 1996 has previously won the triple crown of the Golf Writers’ Trophy, the Golfer of the Year and Shot of the Year awards.

One of the hardest working professionals in the game, Harrington says he has come to accept that things outside of his control have played a vital role in his success. “In each of my three major wins something happened that I could not have bargained for,” he explained.

“At Carnoustie it was my son running onto the green on the 72^nd hole and taking my mind off what had just happened. At Birkdale it was the wrist injury taking the stress out of defending my title, while at the USPGA I got dehydrated but the rain delay on the Saturday gave me a chance to recover.

“Expectations for next year are going to be higher than ever and that is something I have to manage. In the past I never believed the expectations people had for me and my way of managing that was to underplay them.

“Yet when you become a major champion you put yourself under pressure to play to a higher standard. It was something I struggled with in the first half of the year. Knowing you are doing it is one thing, avoiding it is another.

“My problem is that I can end up being too committed and working too hard, which led to the injury before the Open. But you cannot control everything. You need to find the routine that works for you but know when you have done everything you can. After that you have to go with the flow.

“Next year there is going to be even more attention at the Masters and with the ‘Paddy Slam’. But to go into any tournament and win on demand is very special, let alone at a major.

“You cannot judge yourself by results in the short term. What if someone else has the week of their life? As long as I stick to the same processes and keep getting myself into contention I am happy to see how it works out.”

The Golf Writers’ Trophy was first awarded in 1951 and honours the individual, born or resident in Europe, or team deemed to have made the most outstanding contribution to golf each year. Harrington took over 90 per cent of first-place votes, with Karlsson, the first Swede to win the European Order of Merit, in second place and Sorenstam, in her last season of full-time competition, in third place. Also featuring in the poll were the Scotland team which won the Eisenhower Trophy, Spain’s world No.2 Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter, the leading point-scorer at the Ryder Cup and runner-up at the Open.

Bill Johnson Trophy

Mel Reid has won the Bill Johnson Trophy as the Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year on the Ladies European Tour. Reid was presented with the trophy by Annika Sorenstam in Dubai. The trophy is named after our late member who was a long-term chronicler of the women’s tour.

Subscriptions

Notice is given that the annual subscriptions (£25 for full members, £10 for associates) are due on January 1 2009. Any UK resident who does not have a standing order in place may contact the Treasurer for a form.

Badges

A new supply of badges has arrived so any new members of recent vintage who have not received a badge – or indeed a tie – please let me know and I will get them sent out.

R and A media day

Date for the diary: the R and A Open Championship media day is set for Monday 20 April at Turnberry with the press conference at 9am on the following morning. Although the hotel itself will be closed, Malcolm Booth is putting together a rate for the lodges. Also, early warning that there will almost certainly be golf available on the previous Sunday and on the Tuesday after the press conference. Details still to be confirmed but the aim is to try to get everything arranged early in the year so invitations can be co-ordinated and members can plan their trip accordingly.

Christmas Hampers

It remains a great pleasure to receive the thank you notes from recipients of the Christmas hampers and there have been lovely notes from Betty Dobereiner, Margaret Dodd, Joan Moody, Peter Haslam, Patricia Davies and Judy Williams. Bob Ferrier, just out of hospital after an operation to remove a lung tumour, summed up the mood by writing that it was a “particular pleasure to receive your lovely hamper – most considerate of the Association. Please pass on my best to all the troops.” Some further messages to share:

Mark Wilson: “Dear Andy and all AGW colleagues: For the first time in my 44 AGW years I am short of words when wanting to properly express my appreciation and considerable surprise on receiving your kind present of a Christmas Hamper. You will never know what good it has done for me and Joan to be remembered in this way. I had a stroke on November 20 and have just escaped hospital (Stalag 42?) ranting and raving about the injustice of it all when I should have been enjoying my good fortune in emerging with nothing more than a slightly dodgy left arm which is meaningless because Icarry my wallet and mobile in a right-sided pocket. Then came the AGW Christmas hamper and the totally healing experience of realising I still have many friends.”

Gordon Simpson: “I would also like to thank the AGW for their generosity in sending a Hamper to help me celebrate my return to health after a pretty miserable year. It is very much appreciated by Belinda and me. I am looking forward to catching up with many of my colleagues in the AGW soon and am aiming to resume travelling early in 2009. Thanks again and have a merry Xmas everyone.”

John Fenton: “I am absolutely knocked out at receiving the big red box which was delivered to my door last night. It is so kind and thoughtful of the AGW to remember an old fool like me. It has done my morale no end of good. I was elected to the AGW at Lee Trevino’s Open in 1971. I was there looking after the great Tom Scott who provided BBC’s Radio coverage from Royal Birkdale. On the Tuesday (Saturday finish in those days) I was in the area of the Press tent, when treasurer Charles Scatchard approached me: ‘Congratulations, you’ve just been elected an honorary member of the AGW. Give me a fiver, here’s your tie.’ It was a huge honour and a complete surprise. I hadn’t even had the temerity to apply for membership! The many benefits conveyed by possession of that little enamelled badge would be impossible to calculate. The greatest of them all has been the comradeship and the feeling of ‘belonging’. This was never more evident than after my heart operation just over a year ago. I was overwhelmed by the number of kind messages received from fellow members of the Association of Golf Writers.”

Alan Booth: “Christmas for me no longer holds the same magic as of yore, for now being on one’s own there is not much to look forward to, and while friends are kind the season of good cheer can never be the same again. That’s why a hamper of goodies from one’s colleagues means so much. We often hear the comment ‘it’s the thought that counts’ and it is that and the knowledge that you are not forgotten that lifts your spirits – apart from the anticipation of getting stuck into the contents of a wonderful box of goodies, opening a bottle and drinking a toast to colleagues everywhere. My grateful thanks to all. I wish everyone a happy Christmas and a splendid New Year.”

Renton Laidlaw, our president: “The idea of sending out AGW hampers at Christmas time was always a good and thoughtful one and I was delighted that one arrived at my door this year. I have had my problems over the past three years but thought that my qualification might have run out! I’m glad it hasn’t and I should just like to thank you, the committee and the members for their generosity towards me at this time. Have a great Christmas and all the best for the New Year.”

On a related theme, a note from Furmer Bisher arrives from across the pond: “Andy, several of us over here have often remarked on the closeness of the AGW members Over There. We have nothing of that kind of spirit among the US golf disciples, probably because we are so scattered about. But the spirit of AGW heartens us, and Lynda and I just spoke of it, leading to this. A Good Christmas to you all.”

Congratulations

To Paul Trow, and fellow organisers, on raising over £16,000 for cancer-related charities at the Swing for Sammy event at Muswell Hill in August. The day, which attracted 172 golfers, was arranged in memory of Paul’s daughter-in-law Samantha, who died aged 26 earlier this year. Ben, Paul’s son, said: “When we started planning this event, we thought we were being a bit ambitious saying we hoped to raise £5,000. In the end, we were stunned by the generosity of so many people and companies. All we can say is a heartfelt thanks to everyone who provided their support. Sam would have been very proud of the day’s success.” A second Swing for Sammy golf day will be held at Muswell Hill on Friday 24 July 2009. For information about entries or to make pledges, email email hidden; JavaScript is required or call 07973 862747.

To Gordon Richardson, who joined the Association in 1966, on receiving a special presentation from George O’Grady for his contribution to the game at the European Tour’s Golfer of the Year lunch at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. Gordon almost did not make the trip due to the protest sit-in at Stanstead but it was terrific to see him and for him to be honoured in this way.

To Martin Dempster, the editor of bunkered as well as the Scottish, English and Welsh Club Golfer magazines, who has been named Consumer Magazine Editor of the Year at the Scottish Magazine Awards. There was also a Best Brand Development award for bunkered, which currently has a campaign to get Sandy Lyle selected as the next Ryder Cup captain.

To Laura and Jamie Corrigan on their recent wedding. Best wishes from all.

Commiserations

To Lewine Mair after the chairman’s shockingly precipitous departure from the Daily Telegraph. Lewine, who started working for the paper in 1984, joined the staff in the early 1990s and became golf correspondent in 1997, writes: “Please thank everyone for their messages of support, all of which have been hugely appreciated and done much to make up for the manner in which the Telegraph went about its business. I have never previously been in the kind of situation where the camaraderie among our members and friends has hit home to such a degree. It’s been terrific.”

European Club Library

Pat Rudy writes: “I am pleased to report that construction has commenced this week on a clubhouse extension at the European Club, Brittas Bay, Ireland with the central feature being a library to house what may be the biggest collection of golf books housed at any golf club. As some of you know, I have been collecting golf books since 1958 and have decided to give the 3,000-plus volume collection a permanent home in a specially built library within the 2.700 sq. foot new extension at the European Club. The intent is to continue collecting and to make this a valuable international golf archive through the decades ahead. The library will be known as the Golf Writers’ Room in honour of a noble profession! I look forward to seeing you there sometime after June 2009 by which time everything should be ship-shape.”

Merry Christmas…

…and a happy, healthy and peaceful new year to all members and their families.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

January 2009

Website

As you may have seen from the handbooks, the address for our new website will be: www.agwgolf.org. This will be going live in the next few weeks. The site is password protected so members will have to register. Details of how to do this will be sent out shortly. For this to happen smoothly it is essential we have the correct e-mail addresses for everyone so if yours has changed recently, please let us know.

Handbooks/Changes of address etc

You should have received the 2009 handbook. If you have not or yours is in any way deficient, please let me know and I can send one out. Also, if there are any details that are incorrect, either yours or anyone else’s, please get in touch. One update: PROTRAVEL: Cathy Longhurst, Managing Director, 6 Little Green Lane, Farnham, Surrey GU9 8TE (01252 725258; f: 01252 725280; m: 07973 285854)

Accommodation

US Masters: There is a spare room in the Golf Monthly house in Augusta. The house is a 10-minute walk from the course (Glenwood Drive) and would be available for from the Sunday before until the following Monday. Cost would be around the £700-800 mark. Anyone interested should e-mail GM editor Mike Harris for more details: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

BMW PGA Championship: The European Tour has secured 10-15 rooms at the Runnymede: £137 per night from Tuesday to Thursday and £75 from Friday to Sunday. This works out at an average of £103 per night for a full term stay. There is no problem for someone to take alternative accommodation until Friday then book for two or three nights at the cheaper rate. No deposit required, simply written confirmation on a first come, first served basis to Mark Watson: email hidden; JavaScript is required. Please note the rooms cannot be held indefinitely so please act as soon as possible.

BMW and MINI offer

Through their Park Lane outlet, BMW, the sponsors of the PGA Championship, have kindly offered members of the Association privileged VIP status on the same basis as the staff and players of the European Tour. All models in the BMW and MINI ranges are available. Promotions vary throughout the year but I am led to believe there are some excellent offers to be had, especially with leasing arrangements. For further details, look at the website: http://www.bmwvip.co.uk/golf/golf.html. The contacts at BMW Park Lane to speak to are: Katy McGhee (020 7318 9406; email hidden; JavaScript is required) and Steve Dalton (020 7318 9406; email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Subscriptions

Just a reminder that the annual subscriptions (£25 for full members, £10 for associates) were due on January 1. Any UK resident who does not have a standing order in place may contact the Treasurer for a form. It is also possible to pay via electronic transfer using these details: BANK: LLOYDS TSB;SORT CODE: 309762;ACCOUNT NUMBER: 02796359;CUSTOMER BIC: LOYDGB21301; CUSTOMER IBAN: GB97 LOYD 3097 6202 7963 59.

Christmas Hampers

Judy Williams: “Many thanks for the Christmas Hamper you sent to me. It arrived on a day I needed something cheery to happen, so was perfectly timed. It’s so lovely to know that the AGW still think of me, and of course remember Michael, and your gift is appreciated more than I can say. My thanks also go to the many members who sent me “Get Well” cards which have helped a great deal with my recovery. I try and keep abreast of the news in the golf journalism world, and I know there are lots of problems. Times I know, are changing, and for some of you are difficult, but my wish for 2009 is for members of the AGW to have a happy, healthy, peaceful, and if possible, prosperous year. I look forward to seeing some of you during the forthcoming season.”

Lindy Johnson: “Please would you thank the members of the AGW once again for the splendid hamper. It’s always so lovely to receive – what wonderful treats! Please wish everyone a very Happy New Year, I’m off to NZ again where there will be a new baby, due any minute, very exciting.”

Mel Webb: “I was only going to the back door to fetch in a large carton of Diet Coke (our tipple of choice these days) when I found a large red box sitting there. To cut short what could become a long and rambling saga from an old fart, can I just express enormous gratitude from Yvonne and me for your generosity. It really is good to know that we are not forgotten.”

On a related theme, congratulations to Jean and Dixon Blackstock on their recent golden wedding anniversary. Dixon writes: “Jean and myself were surprised at the unexpected, but totally appreciated, bouquet of flowers sent to us by the Association to mark our Golden Wedding celebrations. The flowers were magnificent and were a feature display in our home for days and days – impressing every one of our visitors over the hectic days involved in the celebrations. Mind you, Jean says that anyone married to a golf writer deserves at least a medal from the Queen. I’ve told her the only medal she can expect will be from the front tees at the next competition at the local course. Thanks again to everyone.”

Pick Your Pro

This year’s competition will run from the WGC Accenture Matchplay. I will send out forms to the usual players in the next few weeks but if you have not played recently (or at all) and would like to take part this year please let me know.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2009

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions – provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Malaysian Open 1630; Johnnie Walker Classic 1400; WGC Matchplay 1600; Indonesia Open 1600; WGC CA Champs 1900; Andalucia Open 1800; Portugal Open 1800; China Open 1700; Ballantines Champs 1730; Spanish Open 1730; Italian Open 1730; Irish Open 1730; BMW PGA 1730; European Open 1800; Wales Open 1700; Austrian Open 1700; BMW International 1800; French Open 1700; Scottish Open 1730; SAS Masters 1700; Czech Open TBC; WGC Bridgestone 1800; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes Champs 1730; British Masters 1800; Volvo WMP 1700; Canal+ Trophy TBC; Dunhill Links 1730; Seve Trophy 1700; Madrid Masters 1800; Portugal Masters 1800; Castello Masters 1630; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Dubai World Champs 1700; World Cup 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

February 2009

Website

The website is now live at: www.agwgolf.org. The site is password-protected so you will have to register to be able to go through to the members’ area. Details of how to do this, I understand, will be sent out by e-mail imminently.

Bill Hodge

Bill Hodge, who died on February 7 at the age of 93, was an invaluable source of both information and friendship for many members of the Association in his 24 years as statistician to the PGA European Tour. Bill, who first attended the Ryder Cup at Ganton in 1949, joined the tour in 1977 following a successful career as administrative manager with IPC magazines. Before the age of computers, he would write out longhand the results and order of merit in his elegant script. Following his retirement in 2001 Bill was presented with an AGW quiach as a mark of our thanks for all his help over the years.

Former chairman Mark Wilson represented the Association at Bill’s funeral. He writes: “During 24 years as the PGA European Tour statistician and historian, Bill enjoyed nothing more than the countless research challenges given him by AGW members to establish and verify new records. By the time he retired in 2001, his dedication had greatly helped Pro-Golf, the Tour Media Guide, gain world-wide recognition as an invaluable work of reference for all writers, broadcasters and administrators. Fittingly, as a gesture of gratitude, a copy of the 2009 edition just published was buried with Bill at the woodland funeral near to his Brockenhurst home in the New Forest on February 18. There was a marvellously large gathering of family members, friends and Wentworth staff colleagues including John Jacobs, the “father” of the Tour. In a moving tribute, the Tour’s chief executive George O’Grady, said Bill would be greatly missed not simply as ‘our statistician for so many years, but as someone who had become a friend of everyone he met, always eager to help’.”

Mike Britten writes: “I am very sorry to learn Bill has gone. He was a very good friend to us scribes on the Tour. Nothing was ever too much trouble. He was very good company too, when he tore himself away from his statistics and relaxed with a tipple.”

Bill is survived by his wife Jess, whose 90th birthday was on February 24, two sons, a daughter, five grand-children and a great-granddaughter.

Accommodation, etc

US Masters: Anyone still looking for a room at Augusta should contact John Hopkins (07770381922; email hidden; JavaScript is required) as there may be a spare room in The Times house.

Jock Howard is looking for a lift from Atlanta to Augusta on Sunday 5 April and for the return journey on Monday 13. If anyone can help please contact him on: 0770 4567 800 or email hidden; JavaScript is required.

BMW PGA Championship: The European Tour has secured 10-15 rooms at the Runnymede: £137 per night from Tuesday to Thursday and £75 from Friday to Sunday. This works out at an average of £103 per night for a full term stay. There is no problem for someone to take alternative accommodation until Friday then book for two or three nights at the cheaper rate. No deposit required, simply written confirmation on a first come, first served basis to Mark Watson: email hidden; JavaScript is required. Please note the rooms cannot be held indefinitely so please act as soon as possible.

Raymond Jacobs

Raymond Jacobs writes: “It seems light years since I had word of my election as a Life Member of the Association. My thanks and appreciation of that honour have been expressed, but for medical and other reasons have, until now, been overly difficult to acknowledge in personal terms. First, I should recognise the importance to me of being able to serve on the committee from time to time and I hope I was able to contribute something of value to their deliberations. I was also asked on several occasions to speak at the annual dinner – a stomach-churning experience indeed.

“Second, as I think I also have previously acknowledged, my everlasting thanks go to the AGW members who offered messages of support during the past few months of my various afflictions. Jack Robertson and Jock MacVicar have in particular been towers of strength. Thirdly, it was most gratifying to join the distinguished list of those members who have been chosen to receive a Christmas hamper. I have much enjoyed dipping into the contents and look forward to further opportunities for pure self-indulgence.

“I have been through, and am still not entirely clear of, what I may best describe by adopting the Monarch’s phrase my ‘annus horribilis’. I have no intention, members will be relieved to learn, of inflicting on them a litany of my various sufferings – except to say that a perforated ulcer, shingles, pneumonia and leg ulcers surely justify the motto ‘Per Ardua ad Nauseam’.

“I would prefer instead to reflect on some of the memories which the job of golf writing have left with me – especially when they involve colleagues no longer with us. They go back, in fact, to 1964, the first year I covered the Open Championship – which also happened to be the baptism of fire for George Simms as press officer. In that year, at St Andrews, the press tent could be comfortably accommodated on the grass space immediately behind the 18^th green. This gave the highly informal opportunity for the Hong Kong professional, Lee Lu, to pop his head through the tent doorway to announce affably: ‘Am available for interview.’

“Pat Ward-Thomas had a famously testy way with him. When a late finisher’s score dictated Pat had to amend his finely-crafted intro accordingly, he cried out: ‘Doesn’t the man realise he’s spoiled the symmetry of my writing?’ And when Doug Sanders seemed about to win that 1964 Open, Pat exploded: ‘If Sanders wins this, he’ll set golf back 50 years!’

“Other great memories flood in, but I will mention only one more – of having afternoon tea in the grandeur of none other than the Ritz Hotel, while I wrote up my report for The Herald after a mid-day press conference – those agreeable surroundings having been suggested to me by – who else – Peter Ryde, unmistakeably the representative of The Times. On reflection, then, I can’t think of a sport I would rather have covered during the years that I did or in the company of colleagues other than those I was fortunate to have as my contemporaries. It was perhaps a typical quirk of human nature that I failed to realise it at the time just how lucky I was.”

Art Spander

Congratulations to Art Spander, who is to receive the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award in Journalism from the PGA of America at the GWAA dinner in Augusta during the Masters. Art has been attending all sport’s greatest events for almost 50 years since he started as a news reporter for UPI in Los Angeles. He has covered 120 major championships in golf, almost 60 events at Pebble Beach and is a longtime visitor to the Open Championship – it was said of Art that he would “swim to the Open if he had to”, no mean feat from his home in Oakland, California. He became a member of the Association in 1983 and is a past president of the GWAA.

“Art Spander’s presence at a sporting event adds just a dose more of spice to the commentary, the right pitch to describing the competition, and leaves us with thought-provoking messages that have been his signature to for nearly a half century,” said PGA of America president Jim Remy. “Art’s coverage has never failed to deliver the goods to his readers. For a lifetime of outstanding service that includes his sincere love of golf, the PGA of America is proud to present him with this award.”

“When I view the list of honourees on a wall at a PGA Championship, all I can say is ‘wow!’ To me this is our profession’s hall of fame,” said Spander. “What we do in this business is so fulfilling. I’ve always liked to see the event and then sit down and describe just what went on to the reader. Awards are secondary when you are given the opportunity to be able to be at the great events. I am very honoured to be recognised by my peers.”

Congratulations also to John Barton, Golf Digest’s man in London, who has scooped two awards in the annual GWAA writing contests.

Pick Your Pro – New prize on offer!

Mark Garrod has kindly donated a new prize for this year’s competition for the leader after the Open Championship – a trip for two to Finca Cortesin, the new home of the Volvo World Matchplay, with flights, hotel accommodation, dinner and golf all included. “This prize was offered in aid of Rafaella’s Boxes, the charity we set up after my daughter lost her baby last year,” Mark writes. “The response has been fantastic, especially from within the golf writing community, so we wanted to offer this as a thank you and as a way of spicing up our weekly competition.” The idea is that anyone who makes a small donation, “anything, £5 or £10, would be great,” will be eligible for the prize. Please get in touch with Mark directly as this is separate from the normal entry fee. Anyone who has already made a donation will be automatically eligible.

This year’s competition starts with the WGC Accenture Matchplay so you’ll need to be quick off the mark but if you miss this week the next event is not until the WGC CA Championship. Entry forms available from the secretary.

Tribute to Dai

The St Giles Hospice Golf Day at Moor Hall on Tuesday 28 April is being billed as a “tribute to Dai Davies – gifted and prolific golf correspondent of The Guardian for more than 20 years”. There is a shotgun start at 1pm with a meal to follow. The entry fee for teams of four is £300. For further details please contact Anne Arnott on 01543 432538 or email hidden; JavaScript is required.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2009

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions – provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) WGC Matchplay 1600; Indonesia Open 1600; WGC CA Champs 1900; Andalucia Open 1800; Portugal Open 1800; China Open 1700; Ballantines Champs 1730; Spanish Open 1730; Italian Open 1730; Irish Open 1730; BMW PGA 1730; European Open 1800; Wales Open 1700; Austrian Open 1700; BMW International 1800; French Open 1700; Scottish Open 1730; SAS Masters 1700; Czech Open TBC; WGC Bridgestone 1800; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes Champs 1730; British Masters 1800; Volvo WMP 1700; Canal+ Trophy TBC; Dunhill Links 1730; Seve Trophy 1700; Madrid Masters 1800; Portugal Masters 1800; Castello Masters 1630; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Dubai World Champs 1700; World Cup 1630.

ANDY FARRELL – (01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

With the snow (hopefully) behind us and the longer days to look forward to the AGW’s 2009 fixture list is beginning to take shape and as the new captain of golf, I look forward to teeing it up with members old and new during the course of the year. This year members have the added incentive to play as scores in our majors count towards the inaugural “Race To Wentworth” that will see the golfer of the year presented with a case of fine wine (just coming in under the amateur status threshold for prize value!) which has generously been put up by Julian Small of the Wentworth Club… reason enough to dust off the sticks and head to the range.

AGW v Golf Foundation

This year’s match is being held at Merrist Wood GC (Surrey) on Monday 23 March with a 1st tee time of 11.04 am (bacon rolls prior, a meal to follow). To date the following members are confirmed: Paul Trow, Andy Farrell, Malcolm Campbell, Bill Elliott, David Hamilton, Tony Stenson and myself leaving three spots on the team bidding to retain the trophy we won in 2007 (and get my captaincy off to a winning start). Please drop me a line if you would like to take one of the remaining berths.

April

Those members who are attending the R&A Open Championship media days at Turnberry should also have had an e-mail from Helena Kopecka at VisitScotland inviting them to play golf at Dundonald Links on Sunday 19 April and Prestwick GC on Tuesday 21 April. At present the plan is to play for the Ron Moseley Memorial Trophy on the Sunday at Dundonald and for the golf at Prestwick to be a more informal gathering although this may change depending on entries! Grateful thanks are due to Helena for making all the arrangements for the additional events and to Malcolm Booth and the R&A for kindly allowing us to play for the Sir Henry Cotton Salver within the media competition at Turnberry.

Ron Moseley Memorial Trophy over the Dundonald Links on Sunday 19 April (1st tee at 1pm).

Sir Henry Cotton Salver over the Ailsa Course at Turnberry on Monday 20 April.

AGW meeting at Prestwick on Tuesday 21 April (1st tee at 1pm).

May

Spring Medal for the Michael Williams Hogget over the Edinburgh Course at Wentworth on Tuesday 19 May (1st tee 7.30am – maximum field 24). The annual lunch for the Golf Writers will be on the following day Wednesday 20 May in the Ryder Cup Room (all welcome).

President’s Putter over the International Course at the London Club on Wednesday 27 May, preview day of the European Open (1st tee 8.00am – maximum field 40).

November

Golf Writers Championship over the East Course at Wentworth on Wednesday 11 November (1st tee 9.10am – maximum field 28) with lunch in the Ryder Cup Room afterwards.

Other fixtures

Exact dates still are to be confirmed for the match against the Broadcasters at Bearwood Lakes GC (likely to be September) and the fixture against Wilson at New Zealand GC (likely to be November). I will confirm these and any other fixtures in due course. If you would like to enter any of the above events please let me know.

Michael Harris, Captain of Golf – 020 3148 4530; 07956 877202; email hidden; JavaScript is required

April 2009

Jack Magowan

Jack Magowan, who died at the age of 79 on April 9, the first day of the Masters, after a short illness, was a member of the Association for 42 years and a sports writer for almost 60 years. He began as a copy boy at the now defunct Northern Whig but joined the Belfast Telegraph in 1950 where he was the boxing and golf correspondent. He continued to contribute weekly columns even after his retirement in 1991. He was a founder member of the Belfast Press Golf Society, a former chairman of the Irish Golf Writers Association and in February was made an honorary member of the Golfing Union of Ireland. Our sympathies go to Jack’s widow, Betty, and children Simon and Jane.

His obituary in the Belfast Telegraph stated: “Northern Ireland sports journalism has lost one of its acknowledged master craftsmen. Jack Magowan was the ultimate all-round journalist with a capacity to write entertainingly in a Damon Runyonesque lets-publish-and-be damned style, and he also possessed the technological ability to design and edit award winning pages. He was unquestionably the most accomplished Irish boxing writer of his generation — acerbic, fearless yet fair in his criticism, be they amateur or professional, competitor or official. Golf, his other addiction, held him in total esteem — so much so he was made an honorary member of many Northern Ireland clubs. He covered more than 30 Open Championships, Ryder Cups, United States and European tournaments and, unlike others, he walked round the course to get ‘the feel’, as he called it, instead of sitting in the media centre collecting data and the interviews.” The full obituary can be read in the Member News section on our website.

Dermot Gilleece writes: Jack’s funeral was at the Stormont Presbyterian Church in Belfast. John Redmond and I travelled up from Dublin. There was a strong turn-out of his Belfast journalistic colleagues. Jack’s son, Simon, a Commonwealth Games swimmer, was among those who spoke at the service. By way of emphasising his father’s versatility, he pointed to the fact that he covered sport on land, sea and air. Then, to some soft laughter, he explained that the air bit referred to darts. Norman Drew, the first player from these islands to gain both Walker Cup and Ryder Cup honours, was among the congregation.

Charlie Mulqueen writes: Jack was a great character and highly interesting and entertaining press box colleague. He loved boxing and golf but was into all sports and his son was a champion swimmer. He could have a short fuse… I remember being in the press room many years ago in Cork when Christy O’Connor Senior was in his prime and doing well in some tournament, perhaps the RTV Rentals. Anyway, he was phoning his copy to Belfast and the unfortunate girl at the other end had obviously never previously heard of the christian name Christy and as usual in those days, the telephone lines were pretty awful.

Anyway, after six or seven failed attempts to get the copy taker to understand what he was trying to say, Jack, in a typically booming voice that tended to boom ever louder the more frustrated he became, advised: “write down Christ and stick a y at the end”.

Politically, I’d say he was a middle of the road Unionist and hardly a supporter of Ian Paisley. However, he could take Paisley off strikingly well and he often had us rolling in the aisles imitating his accent while attributing words and deeds to the reverend gentleman that he would never have spoken or committed! Jack was a gentleman and a great journalist who was proud of his profession.

Darren Clarke said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of Jack’s passing. He was a very good man who knew the game inside out and knew what he was writing about. Everyone connected to the game here will be sad to hear this news.”

Ivor McCandless, chairman of the Ulster Branch of the GUI, said: “Jack was a great friend to the game of golf and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”

Website

The website is live at: www.agwgolf.org. Items such as Accreditation and Accommodation, and Changes of Address are updated regularly, as are the Pick Your Pro standings. If you have had any problems registering or have any other queries, please let me know. All contributions well.

Wentworth lunch

All members are welcome to the lunch in the Ryder Cup room at Wentworth on Wednesday 20 May during the BMW PGA Championship but if you wish to attend, please let Michael Harris know (email hidden; JavaScript is required) so he can confirm numbers with the club.

Accommodation, etc

European Open: The media hotel is the Thistle Brands Hatch, two miles from the London Club, £85 B&B single, £95 B&B double. Forms available from and should be returned to: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

French Open: A limited number of rooms are being held (June 29-July 5) at the usual Ibis until the end of May. Rates 109 euro weekdays, 75 euro weekend, breakfast 8 euro. Details: Hôtel Ibis Versailles Château, 4 avenue du Général de Gaulle, 78000 Versailles (+33 1 3953 0330; f: +33 1 3950 0631)

Accreditation and accommodation details for the US Open can be found at: http://mediacredentials.usga.org and for the USPGA at www.pgamediacenter.com.

Changes of address etc

Alan Campbell has taken voluntary redundancy from the Sunday Herald and is now freelance. Please note new mobile and e-mail: Flat 2/3, 69 Ashley Street, Glasgow G3 6HW; m: 07917-718248; e: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Peter Masters has left Golf World. His e-mail is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Michael McDonnell’s e-mail address is now: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Rand Jerris is the new director of communications for the USGA (email hidden; JavaScript is required).

Anneli Lort’s phone number at Nike Golf PR is 01252 793800. The fax number no longer applies.

John Hopkins

Congratulations to John Hopkins, author of the Spike Bar at timesonline.com, on becoming the Internet Sports Writer of the Year. “See, you can teach an old dog new tricks,” John writes. “I can’t work a BlackBerry. I don’t understand the internet. I am often in trouble with my computer. But writing online, which I thought was going to be a pain in the neck, has become a pleasure. I find myself thinking of ways of getting a story into the paper and up online without there being too much of a conflict. I don’t worry about scooping myself in the paper with a story online. I have worked out how to write an online piece that ideally whets the appetite for a longer more considered piece in the paper. And if the truth be told, I love it.” What next – Hoppy on Twitter?

Pick Your Pro

Bill Elliott has been making the early running after a brilliant start with victories at both the opening WGC events thanks to Geoff Ogilvy and Phil Mickelson. But Mickelson’s late fade after a stunning round-four rally at Augusta meant fifth place was the best Lefty’s backers could manage at the Masters, although nobody managed to get any of the top-four. Currently, Elliott leads from Colin Callander and Mark Lamport-Stokes.

European Tour Finishing Times for 2009

Sunday finishing times as advised by European Tour Productions – provisional and subject to change. (All times are local.) Spanish Open 1730; Italian Open 1730; Irish Open 1700; BMW PGA 1830; European Open 1800; Wales Open 1700; Austrian Open 1700; BMW International 1800; French Open 1700; Scottish Open 1730; SAS Masters 1700; Czech Open 1730; WGC Bridgestone 1800; KLM Open 1800; Johnnie Walker Champs 1700; European Masters 1700; Mercedes Champs 1730; British Masters 1800; Volvo WMP 1700; Canal+ Trophy 1730; Dunhill Links 1730; Seve Trophy 1700; Madrid Masters 1800; Portugal Masters 1800; Castello Masters 1630; HSBC Champions 1600; Hong Kong Open 1700; Dubai World Champs 1700; World Cup 1630.

ANDY FARRELL

(01227 732496; 07711 702907; email hidden; JavaScript is required)

GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS… GOLF NEWS…

Forthcoming fixtures

I still have starting slots for the Spring Medal (Michael Williams Hogget) and President’s Putter. If you have not already registered an interest and wish to play please e-mail me asap: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Monday 11 May – BMW PGA Championship Media Day

Wentworth – the 18-man team is complete and team members will be receiving final details in due course.

Tuesday 19 May – Spring Medal for the Michael Williams Hogget

Edinburgh Course at Wentworth (1st tee 7.30am – maximum field 24).

The annual lunch for the Golf Writers will be on the following day Wednesday 20 May in the Ryder Cup Room (all welcome).

Wednesday 27 May – President’s Putter

International Course at the London Club, preview day of the European Open (1st tee 8.00am – max field 40).

Scotland trip

The AGW’s ‘Spring Swing’ got underway at Dundonald Links on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast when 24 members teed it up in the Ron Moseley Trophy. Glorious sunshine and barely a breath of wind suggested ideal scoring conditions but the slick Augusta-esque greens and tricky flag positions saw a number of members struggle, none more so that the AGW’s new Captain of Golf, Mike Harris, who made the turn in just 6 points!

In the end it was home players who took the podium places with Martin Dempster 32 points edging Mike Aitken, 31, and Bill Robertson, 30. After a most enjoyable dinner hosted by VisitScotland at the Menzies Hotel in Ayr, members exchanged swing tips until the early hours in the hotel bar.

The following day brought with it more superb weather for the annual R&A Open Championship Media day at Turnberry. Links manager George Brown presented the Ailsa Course in magnificent condition and a large field once again enjoyed warm temperatures and only the hint of a breeze with scores counting towards the Sir Henry Cotton Salver. For the second year in succession the winner was decided on a count back with Douglas Lowe making it back-to-back major wins for the Scots when his better inward nine saw off Mike Harris and Lewine Mair after all three recorded 33 points.

The following day a hardy contingent headed up the coast to Prestwick to take part in a friendly fourball team competition over the famous links in which Mark Reason and Peter Dixon featured in the winning team. The AGW’s thanks go to the R&A and VisitScotland for their help and co-operation in organising a sensational three days that signalled the start to what is sure to be a hotly contested “Race To Wentworth”.

Golf Foundation match

The 2009 season began with a defeat for the AGW, as a 10-man team went down against the Golf Foundation in the match for the Chesterfield Trophy, staged this year at Merrist Wood in Surrey. The trophy was first contested in 1987 and the fixture always gives the writers to meet old friends from the Golf Foundation. With the match not played last year, the Golf Writers still held the trophy from the 2007 win at The Berkshire but with the Golf Foundation boasting some very fine players including PGA Captain elect, Eddie Bullock and former Ryder Cup caddie, Bob Smith, the AGW were always going to have their work cut out.

The AGW’s new captain of golf, Mike Harris, did his best to get his tenure off to a victory by drafting in some single figure golfers from his own office to fill the last two berths in the side, but it in the end it was to no avail. In the top match David Hamilton teamed up with Golf Monthly staff writer Paul O’Hagan but they were unable to fend off Eddie Bullock, playing on his own due to a late injury, who rolled back the years and playing exquisitely to win 3&1. The early signs appeared good in match two as Bill Elliott and Tony Stenson won the first three holes but a fight back from the Golf Foundation’s Alan Bough and Bill Bryce culminated in a 4&2 defeat for the AGW pair.

There was a glimmer of light as the AGW clawed back a point courtesy of a 5&4 victory by Alistair Tait and Mike Harris but hope was extinguished soon after when supplementary list member Neil Tappin and AGW secretary Andy Farrell succumbed at the 17th to scratch golfer Gareth Jenkins (who carded a level par round) and his partner Di Horsley. The bottom match saw a blend of youth and experience take another point as 2 handicapper Peter Milligan, a late replacement for his boss Paul Trow, dovetailed with old-hand John Whitbread to overcome Stephen Proctor and Ben Evans at the penultimate hole.

Final Results

Paul O’Hagan and David Hamilton lost 3 & 1 to Eddie Bullock; Bill Elliott and Tony Stenson lost 4 & 2 to Alan Bough and Bill Bryce; Neil Tappin and Andy Farrell lost 2&1 to Gareth Jenkins and Di Horsley; Mike Harris and Alistair Tait won 5 & 4 against Bob Smith and Kim Wild; Peter Milligan and John Whitbread won 2 & 1 against Stephen Proctor and Ben Evans

Michael Harris, Captain of Golf

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