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?

Scottish Open: Water, water everywhere ...

Oh yes, oh yes! There was always going to be someone who decided to play golf in Loch Lomond rather than at Loch Lomond, but two of them - and at once! Despite having nothing against either Westwood (top of the leader board at the time) or Thomas Bjorn, it definitely made my day to get in from a mediocre round (fifteen holes actually, thanks to a traffic jam on my way to the course) and see the two of them rolling up their trousers and paddling in a manner to more than rival our old and much-derided friend Jean Van der Veld.
Boys, boys, what were you thinking of? Presumably a place in the history books more than a sensible score, since Thomas whipped his water ball across the green and Lee splashed onto the bank, but only just. Neither made par, though Peter Aliss and the rest of us enjoyed it no end and you can already view the entire episode courtesy of the Beeb.
I'll leave you with a quote that may never before have been used in the context of tour golf:
'I grow old ...I grow old
I shall wear the bottom of my trousers rolled.'
(T.S. Eliot, just in case you didn't know).
Happy viewing.

Looking forward to Loch Lomond

I’ve decided to take a rest until the Scottish Open gets under way. I’ve given up on the high road and the low road and am planning my TV dinners already, so thanks to Golf in London for posting the schedules as well as his predictions. I’d completely forgotten Edfors who had a great run last summer but seems to have disappeared off the radar (or mine, anyway). Something I have heard is that Ernie Els is going to use a square driver of some kind, an item even uglier than the aforementioned belly putter. Seems like a desperate measure to me. (Though on my present form this probably means he will play a blinder).
So, may the best man win (but preferably a Brit) and 'haste ye back'.

French Open, Scottish Open

Tournament season in sunny Europe and the Brits are off to a great start with Graeme Storm’s win in Paris. Great performances too from Monty, Ian Poulter and Simon Khan, all in the top ten. Golf Girl was there and experienced the full force of Monty’s ill-temper, although according to the Daily Telegraph Colin had calmed down by the last day and is in confident mood for the weeks ahead. ‘I can win’ he is telling us.
Colin, we know that, and no one would like you to do so more than me, but why does this ebullience worry me? I think I’d be more comfortable if he were saying ‘Let’s face it, I haven’t a cat’s chance in hell.’ Then he could give us – and himself – the kind of surprise we’re waiting for.
Meanwhile I’ve just remembered that any day now we’ll have the Scottish Open on one of the most spectacularly beautiful golf courses in the country and possibly the world. Ticket prices are a snip at £25 and I’ve have been diverted from the task in hand into investigating hotels around Loch Lomond. Fat chance, I fear. If only I’d thought of it earlier. For photos of the location I can do no better than show you those taken last year and moon about saying ‘my heart’s in the highlands.’ Golf Girl should pack her bag again and try this side of the channel. It doesn’t always rain (honest).

More photos by John1710 on Flikr or or see Monty last year on a previous post.