Inspiration, perspiration and mud

Despite a deep-seated and entirely pagan attachment to the festival of New Year (or Ne'er Day as it's known in Scotland) I rarely make resolutions as such, but that's not to say it isn't a good time to make a few plans and set a few targets (especially as the weather is too foul to play much actual golf). If, like me, you're in search of inspiration, look no further than the career of Richard Johnson, documented in today's Telegraph. At 35, Richard has finally got himself a tour card in the U.S. despite previous attempts getting him no further than a job in the fast-food restaurant outside August National. When David Duval, an old college friend, dropped in for a burger, Richard decided he was in the wrong job, and got 'back on the bike' for another go. Let's hope the season sees him established on the tour and not dropping out yet again.
Persistence and determination doesn't always pay, but as any aspiring golfer (or writer knows) you won't get far without it. Tim Henman has always been a hero of mine not just for his scholboy charm (?) but for the fact that as a teenager he wasn't regarded as the most talented player of his age-group. He simply wanted it more and worked harder as a result. On the days I lack inspiration of any kind, it actually comforts me to think persipration might get me there anyway!
Meanwhile, what music do you use to practise or play golf to? Golf Girl alerts me to Ian Poulter's favourite tunes, listed on the PGA website, and I have found that getting a tune fixed in your head can keep evil swing-thoughts and general mental melt-down at bay.
On Wednesday, on what I knew would be my only round of the week, I started out in an evil temper (not entirely golf-related, but it soon got that way). While trying to think of somethng other than my flunked approach shot on the fourth, Kirsty MacColl's version of the old Kinks hit 'Days', (heard on the radio the day before) drifted into my head and stayed there for quite some time. Things didn't improve straight away, but I gradually relaxed and eventually made some pars, and my final score was 90, well within my handicap. Not bad for a bad (and muddy) day.
Of course if music doesn't do it for you, Golf in London reports that swing -thoughts are best kept countered by 'naughty thoughts'. Golf in a state of (sexual) arousal is someting I admit I haven't tried. But then mud wrestling never really was my thing.
If anyone fancies a musical nostalgia trip, here's Ray Davies doing the original 'Days'.

Love is in the air

Next week Ian Poulter takes time off for a wedding, and next spring Colin Montgomerie is also tying the knot. I remember when Monty split with his first wife (which came surprisingly not long after a TV documentary their life together) and since then Monty has had a run of girl-friends. Seems he’s a guy who needs a woman in tow, so hope this one works out for him, and if his website's anything to go by, he's convinced Gaynor is going to get his game back in shape. Colin came to professional golf comparatively late, and it seems like he’s been around for a while, so I was surprised to read he’s only 42. Let’s hope his new partner will bring back the bloom of youth! By contrast Ian Poulter certainly looks no more than his 31 years. Despite his glamorous image it seems he’s no play-boy. He’s been with his girl-friend for 10 years and they already have two kids. He’s also having a pretty good season, so it looks like a stable home background can only be good for golf.

Cracking finish at Loch Lomond

What a a superb last day at the Scottish Open and a great run-up to Carnoustie. The weather and the golf at Loch Lomond really sparkled and made up for a drab Sunday down south. I would have been happy for either Mickelson or Havret to have won but was surprised that when it came to the play-off Mickelson's experience in big competitions failed to pay off. Well done to Havret for keeping his nerve. Good too that he doffed his hat and glasses on the eighteenth so that we could actually see his face and will recognise him when he gets his well-deserved place at The Big One.
Apart from the nail-biting climax, it was also great to see so many Brits come through, including Ian Poulter who finished at 10 under. Luke Donald, whom I recently accused of under-achieving, did even better at 11 under and only 3 strokes off the lead, and it was a great pity that he was missed from the final day T.V. sceduling.
To top it all, Ernie Els, a previous winner at Carnoustie, has suddenly regained his form. All in all, next week is a mouth-watering prospect.
Fashion foot-note? For once Ian Poulter's golf was as eyecatching as the gear, though I particularly like his more subdued Saturday outfit of blue, blue and blue. In any event, he was in the pink on Sunday in every respect.
Footnote to the footnote. Edberg's headband makes him look like a crash victim. Is there a story behind it?