COMMENT
Well, European Golf’s four minute mile has now been achieved. It was a long time coming. Some poor statistician worked out that it was more than 620,000 rounds but when Oliver Fisher two putted the 18th green at Villamoura, he became the first European player to break 60. It has happened many times in the States but, let’s face it, they’ve been better than us for many years. It started with Al Geiberger, who was known as Mr 59, but a few players have done it since. Jim
82 | Turf Matters | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2018
Furyk actually shot a 58, but rather than become Mr 58 he is still known as the bloke with the funny swing! It shows how important breaking an established barrier can be. Sir Roger Bannister was much better known than John Landy, who knocked a significant chunk out of the four minute mile a short time after Sir Roger and held the record for a considerable time. So what is golf’s next significant milestone? Might it be Tiger surpassing Jack Nicklaus’ Major record and, with his recent return to form, bookies who thought they could breathe again on wagers from 15 years ago are once again experiencing sweaty palms? Other than that, I can offer an alternative. It’s me to break 90. I have come close on numerous occasions. There was that four putt from 20 feet in the Wednesday Medal. That time I was out in 40 and back in 52 and that forgettable time I was so excited about achieving my personal Everest that I forgot to sign my card, after a 89. I now have it as a real goal for my golfing life. I’ve even bought myself a new putter and introduced a left below right putting grip. Used to be known as the bastion of the lousy putter but now with every conceivable grip being employed
by reasonably good putters I feel vindicated with my new approach. What is it with these grips? Some look like a technique better equipped to milk a cow or provide a splint for a broken arm, but if it works – as long as you’re not anchoring… But that’s another story! I haven’t yet used it in anger but I don’t see how I can miss with my new putter. It’s got all the new technology – hinges on the face to promote topspin, perfectly balanced with heel and toe weighting, a line to assist with alignment and a thick grip. In the shop I didn’t miss although I suspect the “putting green” was designed to funnel into the hole. It’s just a case of bringing it to the course and I can immediately drop six shots and get myself within striking distance of that elusive 89. Next, and this is the clever bit, I’ve been scouring the golf guides and Trip Advisor reports to find words like “golfer friendly”, “fun” and even “great for beginners” and avoiding words like “challenging” and “memorable”. What I want to find is the easiest course in the area. Something around 5400 yards, with no real hazards and no holes where I can come a cropper. If I can find that course, and I’ve seen some from the motorway which managed to squeeze 18 holes into a standard sized field with arrow straight holes, no bunkers and plenty of par-3s, and bring my newfound putting game I think 89 or even an 88 is there for the taking. Just a case of alerting a local photographer to be on the 18th green to record the event and I can then retire my clubs – or rather put them on eBay as that new putter didn’t come cheap – and take up bowls and dominoes. *As told to Scott MacCallum