THE CLARET JUG - GOLF

Hi,

The Golf Aficionado


The 'Open Championship' or the 'British Open' as it is called started today, on 16th July 2009. With four days of golf, 18 rounds everyday over a par 70, 7000+yards course this is one of the four majors in the Golfing world. Add to it the picturesque setting of Turnberry and 100+ top golfers trying to lay their hands on the 'Claret Jug' and you have the concoctions for one of the biggest sporting events. The British Open was first played in 1860. 17 October and is the oldest of the four majors.

Turning round the clock is Tom Watson. The grand old man of Golf is 59 and had a score of 65 and currently shares the lead with Ben Curtis, another veteran on the tour. It is however likely that this lead will be short lived as Soren Hansen has tied them at 65 on his 15th hole.

If you have been following golf for long there is no need to introduce Tom Watson. One part of the 'Duel in the Sun' the epic battle for supremacy with the 'Golden Bear', Jack Nicklaus in 1977 at the same venue, Tom Watson has won the British Open five times and another victory here will tie him for the maximum number of wins with Harry Vardon (remember him - his last win was in 1914). Incidentally Tom Watson won the open on debut.

But Tom Watson is not the only one who is special this time.

Padraig Harrington will be trying to be the first golfer since 1956 to be the winner three times in a row.

Tiger Woods is trying to get his 15th Major. The great man Jack Nicklaus holds the record of maximum Masters at 18. Although he has had several victories in recent times Tiger is going through a Masters slump.

The Ignoramus

If you do not follow Golf and the names Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer mean nothing to you it is time you visited a golf course.

The game will mesmerize you and once you have the putter, iron or the wood in your hand with the ball on the green, fairway or the tee, you will understand the skills needed to play the game.

No my dear it is not a game for the oldies and the retired. It is a level playing field there and tests not only your strength but also your endurance, stamina, patience and intelligence.

No my dear it is not an elitist sport either. The records speak for themselves and all around the world we have examples of caddies learning the game to become champions.

The Rambagh Golf Club in Jaipur is a visitors delight. Located in the heart of the city almost every tee off has a view or the backdrop of one of the several historical and architectural wonders that make Jaipur a wonderful tourist destination. Visit it to get hooked to the game.

Best wishes,
Manoj