Corky's Golf review

SLOW PLAY!

It is funny how some people react. If you accuse a man of sleeping with your wife he will blush if guilty and look rather sheepish. Accuse a man of being drunk and he will smile and probably fall over. But, accuse a golfer of slow play and he will react as if the insult is so great that he cannot catch his breath. He will go purple with rage, his eyes will pop out and steam can be seen rising from beneath his collar.

My article last month seems to have raised the hackles of many players. Strangely enough, it is only those players who are often pulled up for playing slowly that have written in. They say, 'it's not me, I am always helping others to look for their ball'. 'The group ahead were slowing us down', or, 'we were behind women golfers'.

Well, lets analyse these points. Starting with the ladies. In my experience most of the ladies, particularly at Baviera, will leave their male counterparts way behind. They play at a speed that the men do not seem able to match so accusing women golfers of being slow appears to be a stereotypical response. Sorry I don't buy that one. If the group ahead are slow then for Pete's sake tell them. You may well get the reaction mentioned in the first paragraph but at least they will be aware of you behind. So no excuse there either.

As for the searching for others golf balls excuse. This is how to handle the situation. If there are four of you and one of your group is always in the rough then let him or her search for their ball whilst the others play theirs. When you have hit, go and help. This will save you about three minutes per hole. I know that it does not seem much but over eighteen holes that is fifty-two minutes. So instead of a five hour round you can be down to four. It isn't rocket science it is common sense.

So, instead of getting hot under the collar try thinking logically and also have respect for those playing behind you.

IRISH OPEN

Shane Lowry, the Irish amateur has turned pro after his success in his national championship.

The 22-year-old Irishman had to forgo a £423,000 first prize when he triumphed at County Louth last month but, having earned a two-year exemption on the circuit, he will made his professional start at the European Open at The London Club.

"My Irish Open win has provided me with a unique opportunity to ease myself into the professional game by playing in some of the biggest tournaments in Europe over the coming months," Lowry said in a statement.

"I can now go out on Tour under no pressure and just concentrate on playing golf and enjoying the whole experience."

Lowry decided not to follow triple major winner Padraig Harrington and Dubai Desert Classic champion Rory McIlroy in postponing a professional career to represent Britain and Ireland in the Walker Cup.

The Irishman, who jumped into the world rankings at number 168 ahead of players such as Colin Montgomerie, Thomas Bjorn and compatriot Paul McGinley, will be ineligible to play in the amateur showpiece against the US in September.

"There is a tinge of sadness for me leaving my amateur career behind...as my goal had been to qualify for the Walker Cup team in September, and turn professional after that," he said.

"However, I have now decided to turn professional immediately, as I feel that this will give me the greatest chance of becoming the best player I can be in the future."

COMPETITIONS

Just to let you know that there is a 3-club competition at Antequera on the 28th of May starting at 5pm. should be good fun. Also, on Sunday the 28th of June at Antequera there is a Texas Scramble. All entrants welcome.

So, until next month, keep it straight.