Just a few news items before the Ryder Cup gets underway later this week.
‘Tony Jacklin: My Ryder Cup Journey’
Getting straight into the Ryder Cup theme, and AGW member Tony Jimenez teamed with his long-time good friend and three-time European Team winning captain Tony Jacklin to write: “Tony Jacklin: My Ryder Cup Journey”.
One tale among so many great tales is Jacklin revealing how Europe’s historic 1987 win at Muirfield Village, Ohio almost did not happen. Jacklin lifts the lid on how a cash row threatened to strip Europe of some of their biggest names and how he threatened to quit as captain as the Americans, still smarting from their defeat at The Belfry, tried to tweak the tournament format in their favour.
You can purchase a copy by clicking on: https://pegasuspublishers.com/books/latest-releases/tony-jacklin_-my-ryder-cup-journey
Goran Zachrisson – Rest in Peace
Goran Zachrisson’s funeral took place on Friday 10th September, and from what I gather, a number of members joined the funeral service ‘link’ from Stockholm.
Goran’s love of Scotland was emotionally evident when a piper stepped forward to play ‘Amazing Grace’ as the coffin of our dear friend and former AGW President was led from the church.
For those wishing to see the service please click on: https://twitter.com/AGWgolfwriters/status/1436363717265006592
And then click on the You Tube link
As well, there was an emotional minute’s silence during the second round of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Henrik Stenson had asked to join the AGW in the media centre and with the tribute put back so as to allow Henrik to finish his round.
Henrik, naturally was very emotional speaking of his long-time friend and had indicated a week or so earlier he would dedicate his next victory to the memory of Goran.
Thank you to Andy Reddington at Getty for the images below.
Ben Wright
The AGW also lost one of our two longest-serving members with the passing of legendary Ben Wright on 29th August, 2021.
Ben joined the AGW in 1958 and was a member for 63-years. He was included in the minute silence during the second round at the BMW PGA Championship.
Ben passed away a dozen days shy of his 89th birthday and with his wife, Helen in the above photograph taken on his 88th birthday. Note the great message on his golf-theme birthday cake.
I compiled a tribute to Ben that includes just a few tributes to Ben from his fellow AGW members and you can read them by clicking on the following link to the AGW website: https://www.agwgolf.org/ben-wright-tributes-agw-member-1958-2021/
AGW Meeting with R & A
Members of the AGW committee will meet next week during the Dunhill Links with the R & As Communications team following the hosting of the Open Championship and the AIG Women’s Open.
I asked some time ago for member feedback following The Open however if there are members who have not contacted me and wish for any issue to be raised at the meeting then please email me.
Also, I have been approached by a number of members regarding the issue of an AGW guest ticket/s from the 2022 Open onwards and this is on my list of matters to raise.
AGW Golf – 11th October (Delamere Forest) & 12th October (Royal Liverpool)
AGW Golf Captain Peter Dixon advises there are a couple of places remaining for the final two events of the AGW’s 2020/21 ETIQUS Race to Hoylake.
Monday 11th October – Delamere Forest GC – Ron Moseley Trophy
Tuesday 12th October – Royal Liverpool GC – AGW Golf Writers Championship.
It goes without saying if you wish to join the outings then contact Peter asap!
And Peter indicates arrangements have been made to have all five AGW trophies present for what will be for a first occasion. It should make for a great photograph.
Jock’s Graveside Visit
AGW member Norman Dabell and his wife, Sharon paid an emotional visit to the gravesight of friend, colleague and past AGW President Jock MacVicar after missing the funeral given the lockdown measures in place earlier in the year when Jock passed away.
Norman kindly indicated for me to share his message and photographs with the members
Sharon and I yesterday (September 16) made the 500-mile round trip to Southend, Mull of Kintyre to say our final farewell to Jock.
We left a bouquet and remembrance card and a Motherwell scarf, after a few words at his family graveside on a beautiful day.
Mind you, it was not without a little hiccough, which Jock would have enjoyed. When we got to the cemetery we couldn’t locate the grave. After wandering around all three areas, we were at a loss. So, we called in at Dunaverty Golf Club and asked for their help. Eilidh, the secretary wasn’t sure but she phoned Belle Robertson in Campbelltown and she gave me the exact location.
It was lovely to talk to Belle, who invited us to visit for a cup of tea. Sadly, with Gordon our cat to think about, we didn’t have time and had to head back home. We were delighted to see Jock’s picture of him, Belle and Paul Lawrie in the clubhouse, though.
The whole day was memorable and will live on for us.
All the best. Norman.
New contact details
Please note in your AGW handbook a new mobile number for Rob Perkins: 07704 606151
Also, it will not be long before we begin to arrange for the printing of the 2022 AGW Handbook so if any member has a change in contact details now’s the time to drop me an email.
Good Ryder Cup viewing.
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