Social media, and specifically Twitter, has been one of the great revolutionary developments of the first decade of the 21st century. Bringing the world together in one platform, with people connected through their interests and opinions, making the planet feel deceptively smaller than it is.
Almost five years ago now, I took the plunge and opened my first Twitter account. I wasn't sure quite what to expect, but found that it was a useful tool to keep track of my interests. I was merely an observer during this period, but in early 2011 I decided to become a more active user, focusing specifically on my most treasured interest, golf, and regularly presented my views and knowledge to a fledgling audience.
Soon, that audience increased to include a whole variety of interesting people, who I happily discovered loved the game just as much as me. The humorous and insightful interactions enhanced the whole experience of playing and watching the game, and brightened up many a dark and damp night in Scotland.
Over time, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that people were interested in what I thought about the game, so I began to write about it. Some of my early efforts were extremely flawed, but I improved over time having sought the advice of professional golf journalists.
Two years ago, the writing would become somewhat more formal, when I was offered the opportunity to write for a number of different websites. I did for a time, before joining the newly launched eDraft.Com in October 2012 on a full-time basis. That gave me the platform to cover the professional game on a regular basis, with the opportunity to broadcast on online radio another thrill. (Other media opportunities would also be offered - both accepted and declined).
With all of these things coming together, it should have been a really exciting and joyous period for me. However, it wasn't.
A dark cloud began to descend over me in the spring of last year. For a time I tried to ignore it, and progress along as normally as possible. However, it all came to a head on the 16th of June. I know the date, as it was the Sunday of the U.S. Open - when Justin Rose claimed his first major title.
Earlier that day, I was out playing at my home club, King James VI in Perth. As I approached the 12th green, I suddenly broke down in tears for no discernible reason. I hastily departed from the course, and lay in my bed for the rest of the day, emerging only towards the end of the final round at Merion. I publicly blamed my absence from Twitter that day on a "headache".
The overwhelming blanket of depression (that has infrequently afflicted me since my teenage years) covered me all throughout the summer, and into the autumn, with my output on Twitter (and on eDraft) becoming ever more sporadic. There was even a period when suicide was considered, and I had it all planned out - before deciding that my scheduled method of killing myself was a little too much of a cliche. You've got to try and be original, right?
However, despite all of the treatments and counselling, it was Twitter that contributed hugely to getting me through it. People (complete strangers in the all too-bewildering 'real life') regularly asked how I was doing. Of course, they had no idea what was actually wrong with me. (I frequently said that I was feeling "under the weather", which was in a way true, but it is a mysterious epithet).
I was touched by people taking the time to wish me well and encouraging me on my golf related endeavors, and it gave me a purpose to fight on. I've long-pondered about putting this into substantive words, but I felt it was important to hopefully let you (the merry band on Twitter) know just how grateful I am for firstly your acquaintance, but also for unknowingly helping me through some of my darkest days.
Whether Golf and Twitter actually helped to save my life or not is difficult to say definitively, but it certainly feels like it.
Thank you,
Kieran.
Monday, 10 March 2014
Friday, 5 July 2013
Fabrizio Zanotti leads the Open de France at the halfway stage.
Fabrizio Zanotti leads the Open de France after 36-holes, as
he seeks his first victory on the European Tour. Zanotti, the 30-year-old from
Paraguay, followed his round of 68 from Thursday, with another on Friday in the
sunshine that adorned Le Golf National. The Paraguayan has finished second on
three occasions on the Tour, with the most recent coming at the 2012 Irish
Open. However, he hopes that he can convert his slender advantage into that
maiden victory, as he takes a one-shot lead from Thomas Bjorn, Richard Sterne
and Soren Kjeldson into Saturday.
“I’m very happy,” said Zanotti, reflecting on his round. “I
struggled a little from the tee but I putted very well during the day and
pretty happy with the round. It was pretty tough out there, and the course is
playing very hard, so very happy.”
He completed his front-nine in 33 strokes, before
successfully navigating Le Golf National’s fearsome finish in level par: “I
think it's a very good score, so I will try to keep playing like this and just
have fun.”
He looked impeccably relaxed throughout his round, on a
course that provides a strict test on all facets of your game; not leas the
mental side. However, it has been a positive two days for Zanotti, in a season
that has thus far been devoid of much positivity: “I haven’t played very well
during the year, but I'm working very hard and I think this is because of all
the work; I am always positive.”
Zanotti came into this week ranked 131st on the
Race to Dubai. So a 36-hole performance of this calibre was not widely
expected, particularly on one of the Tour’s most revered venues. He reflected
on the challenges of playing through his difficult run of form:
“It's pretty tough to keep working when you are not playing good, but that is the way all the guys play good, so you have to keep working to get where you want.
“On a course like this, I think that you have to accept everything. It's playing very tough and the greens are getting hard, so it's going to be very hard. Like I said, keep patient and have fun - there is no other way.”
“It's pretty tough to keep working when you are not playing good, but that is the way all the guys play good, so you have to keep working to get where you want.
“On a course like this, I think that you have to accept everything. It's playing very tough and the greens are getting hard, so it's going to be very hard. Like I said, keep patient and have fun - there is no other way.”
With overnight leader Anders Hansen falling away with a
round of 78, it was up to his compatriots Thomas Bjorn and Soren Kjeldson to
fly the Danish flag. The 42-year-old Bjorn, who is attempting to ensure of his
qualification for The Open Championship through the Tour’s mini order of merit,
had held the outright lead before dropped shots at the 8th and 9th
to fall back to 5-under. A frustrating finish for the popular Dane, who many
believe could be the European Ryder Cup captain when the biennial event is
staged at Le Golf National in five years time.
However, much like Zanotti, Soren Kjeldson could only view
his day in a positive manner, after a half-season that has lacked much in the
way of genuine contention. The three-time winner on the European Tour reflected
on his day and his relaxed approach to the weekend: “I haven't really been in
contention in any tournaments this year, so this is a massive bonus,” he said.
“You're not going to get me to talk about winning and stuff like that, certainly not now. I'm just enjoying playing good golf, and hopefully I can keep going.”
“You're not going to get me to talk about winning and stuff like that, certainly not now. I'm just enjoying playing good golf, and hopefully I can keep going.”
Kjeldson may not be thinking of a potential victory, but
former U.S. Open champion Graeme McDowell certainly is. The Northern Irishman
has had a disappointing few weeks, missing his last four cuts, but he finds
himself just two shots off the lead at 4-under as he prepares his game for
Muirfield: "I'm playing this golf course the way it's supposed to be
played - fairways and greens. Once you start hitting it off line it will punish
you.
"I just have not got the putter revved up but I am well in touch and right where I need to be. It's been a rough couple of months for me. I've not been playing the kind of golf I'd like to and the key to this week was to come and get myself in the mix for the weekend and get some of the juices flowing again.
"I'm excited for the weekend and to make a cut really. It feels like a step in the right direction.
"I certainly know what to do when I put myself in these positions. I just have not had the opportunity to do it lately. I'm probably on one of my worst missed cut runs in a while. It's nice to break that, first and foremost, and be on the leaderboard."
"I just have not got the putter revved up but I am well in touch and right where I need to be. It's been a rough couple of months for me. I've not been playing the kind of golf I'd like to and the key to this week was to come and get myself in the mix for the weekend and get some of the juices flowing again.
"I'm excited for the weekend and to make a cut really. It feels like a step in the right direction.
"I certainly know what to do when I put myself in these positions. I just have not had the opportunity to do it lately. I'm probably on one of my worst missed cut runs in a while. It's nice to break that, first and foremost, and be on the leaderboard."
McDowell is on the leaderboard, but dozens of players remain
in contention. With the cut falling at three-over, the remaining field are
separated by just nine shots. On a course of this nature, anything can happen
over 36-holes.
In the sunshine of Paris, it’s going to be a weekend to
savour.
Thursday, 4 July 2013
Anders Hansen leads after the opening round of the Open de France.
Fairly overcast conditions welcomed the players onto Le Golf
National on Thursday at the 97th Open de France. The revered course,
which is hosting the event for a 21st occasion, was presented in
immaculate condition. With just enough breeze to keep the test reasonably stern
for the best players on the European Tour, there was a significant variation in
scoring, which is natural on a course with such severe penalties. However,
birdies were possible, and it was Anders Hansen who profited the best of the
field at the end of this opening round.
Hansen, the 42-year-old from Denmark, defied a troublesome
hand injury to post an opening round of 66. Starting at the 10th, he
played his opening seven holes in four-under, with a second-nine of 35
completing an opening five-under round. The two-time winner of the BMW PGA
Championship reflected on his day’s work and the challenges of the Le Golf
National layout, that will host the Ryder Cup in 2018:
“I'm telling you, it's a great venue for The Ryder Cup,”
Hansen said. “The course is set up perfect for it. The spectators get such a
good view and it's such a great finish to the round - I think it's going to be
a great venue.
“It is a tough course - the greens are pretty firm and it's tight out there. There's hardly any wind, and you see the scores aren't that great.
“I played actually really solid from tee to green - I think I only missed two or three greens. I putted quite well, so just sort of all came together. At some stage it seemed a bit easy, but this course gets your attention and next thing you know, you're making bogeys.”
“It is a tough course - the greens are pretty firm and it's tight out there. There's hardly any wind, and you see the scores aren't that great.
“I played actually really solid from tee to green - I think I only missed two or three greens. I putted quite well, so just sort of all came together. At some stage it seemed a bit easy, but this course gets your attention and next thing you know, you're making bogeys.”
Hansen hasn’t won since 2009 in South Africa at the Joburg
Open, and he will be travelling to Zurich on Tuesday for an operation to remove
a cyst from his hand. It’s an operation that will likely end his season, and a
victory in France would be the perfect tonic during his recovery. Hansen
reflected on the necessity of the operation:
“I'm having my operation on Tuesday, so I'm looking forward
to get that out of the way and hopefully be ready for the end of the season.
It's not far away, so I'm looking forward to get that done.
“I've had it for years and years and years - they are going in three different places and they are going to remove a cyst I have here and clean this up and hopefully there's a 50/50 chance it's going to be okay. The other thing is to take the whole bone out and cut it a bit, but that's a big operation and I would be out for six months, so we are hoping to do that and it's going to be good enough. It’s just wear and tear from hitting too many golf balls.”
“I've had it for years and years and years - they are going in three different places and they are going to remove a cyst I have here and clean this up and hopefully there's a 50/50 chance it's going to be okay. The other thing is to take the whole bone out and cut it a bit, but that's a big operation and I would be out for six months, so we are hoping to do that and it's going to be good enough. It’s just wear and tear from hitting too many golf balls.”
The old adage “beware of the injured” golfer may be
appropriate for the remainder of the week. However, a home favourite is right
behind the Dane. Romain Wattel, the 22-year-old from Montpellier, thrilled the
French fans after an opening round of 67 has him just one back of the lead.
Wattel, who will be hoping to become the eighth French
winner of the event, looked back at the experience of playing in front of a
passionate home crowd:
“You are in front of the French crowds, so you want to be
good, you want to play great golf and so there is pressure on me,” said Wattel,
who is ranked 75th on the Race to Dubai.
“I'm trying to play my best and just focus on the shot I have to play - that's the only thing I can do.”
“I'm trying to play my best and just focus on the shot I have to play - that's the only thing I can do.”
An impressive group is at 3-under, and it includes Thomas
Bjorn, who has finished second in two of his last three starts, and the 2009
champion Martin Kaymer. Bjorn required another good week to ensure of his
participation in the 142nd Open Championship, which is now just two
weeks away. At the end of the Open de France, the top five ranked players on
the Race to Dubai, who are not already in the field at Muirfield, will earn a
place into golf’s greatest championship. Bjorn is currently fifth on the projected
list, so he has another goal to strive for this week, in addition to the
prestigious title on offer.
Former world number one Luke Donald remains in touch, after
an opening round of 71, despite a triple-bogey on the 18th. Fellow
Ryder Cup hero, Ian Poulter struggled to a 73, and will need an improvement on
that tomorrow if he wishes to make the cut. Graeme McDowell was the best of the
three after posting 69 and is just three shots off the lead, while American
Matt Kuchar is at 1-under.
A compelling days play in the outskirts of Paris. For some,
the French capital is the City of Love, while the French like to refer to it as
the City of Light. Today, the light shone down upon Anders Hansen, and it will
be fascinating to see where this 97th Open de France stands at the
halfway mark.
Saturday, 6 April 2013
77th Masters Tournament Sweepstake
How to Play & 'Terms and Conditions' (I've always wanted to write that).
1. Select a Random Number between 1-93.
2. On Wednesday, at 5pm GMT (12pm ET) the Draw will be made to pair your number with a random player
3. Should your drawn player win the 77th Masters, you will win the prestigious trophy, AND a 2013 Masters Journal sent directly from Augusta, Georgia.
Numbers
1. Laura Johnston
T.J. Vogel
2. Odette Lattimer
Y.E Yang
3. Chuck Hilliard
David Toms
4. Alan Grant
Matt Kuchar
5. Paulie Kaufmann
Jamie Donaldson
6. Roger Hill
Nathan Smith
7. Ron Lewis
Lee Westwood
8. Margaret Culbster
Bo Van Pelt
9. Rick Palmer
Jason
Dufner
10. Dawn Mannix Jose Maria Olazabal
11. Nik Procter
Kevin Na
12. GolfProTalk
Branden Grace
13. Brian Johnston
Thaworn Wiratchant
14. Stewart Armstrong
Matteo Manassero
15. Steve Power
Ian Poulter
16. Paul Kelly
Marc Leishman
17. Scott Bar
Bubba Watson
18. Kevin Markham
Richard Sterne
19. Mike Williams
Sandy Lyle
20. Anthony Scorcia
Ian Woosnam
21. Karl Brophy
Ryan Moore
22. Donna Brookes
Vijay Singh
23. Tom Kennedy
Guan Tianlang
24.Charles Amen Corner 2009
Ryo Ishikawa
25. Andrew Smith
Stewart Cink
26. Mauro Gudpis
Craig Stadler
27. Courtney Capps
Padraig Harrington
28. Scott Schultz
Robert Garrigus
29. Ross Webster
Phil Mickelson
30. Shelley H
Michael Weaver
31. Roland Paterson
Francesco Molinari
32. Chi-Town Mo
Louis Oosthuizen
33. Ken Sanford
Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano
34. Grant Cowie
Scott Piercy
35. Courtney (GolfinBetty)
David Lynn
36. Dan Greenslade
KJ Choi
37. Ched Harrison
Ted Potter, Jr
38. Michael de Jonge
Thomas Bjorn
39. Nick Wilkins
Webb Simpson
40. Dave (Pugwash99)
John Senden
41. Lisa Pfeiffer
Tiger Woods
42. Sean Tracey
Jim Furyk
43. Ian Irving-Smith
Kevin Streelman
44. Patrick McLaughlin
Mike Weir
45. Brendan Gogan
Ben Curtis
46. Jays Golf
Nick Watney
47. Alan Chairman
Henrik Stenson
48. Kent Bruce
Rickie Fowler
49. Josh Weinstein
Trevor Immleman
50. Tony Horan
Charl Schwartzel
51. Mike (Stankbeezy)
John Merrick
52. Teresa Browne
Luke Donald
53. Matt Holbrook
Lucas Glover
54. Doulikefish
Tom Watson
55. Christopher M. Hansen
Thorbjorn Olesen
56. Shaun McVean
Brandt Snedeker
57. Craig Bardsley
Graeme McDowell
58. Chris Colville
John Peterson
59. Jonathon Hansen
Larry Mize
60. Fred Neergaard.
Nicolas Colsaerts
61. Peter Leijsten
Steven Fox
62. Paul Beyer
Carl Pettersson
63. Jackie Smith
D.A. Points
64. Leslie Calderwood
Martin Kaymer
65. Peter Doggett
Michael Thompson
66. Stephen Hanley
Dustin Johnson
67. Derek Normand
Rory McIlroy
68. Michele Zoli
Hunter Mahan
69. Putty
Freddie Jacobson
70. The Part Time Golfer
Fred Couples
71. Dan Gordon
Adam Scott
72. Billy Horan
Brian Gay
73. Laurus Golf
Steve Stricker
74. Mark Bardsley
Paul Lawrie
75. Jack Crawford
George Coetzee
76. Mas Igo
Ben Crenshaw
77. Colm Ahern
Justin Rose
78. Neal Gladwin
Ernie Els
79. Alex McN
Angel Cabrera
80. John Hamilton
Zach Johnson
81. One Putt Blunder
Sergio Garcia
82. Alex Perry
Tim Clark
83. Caoimhin MacGilliosa
Jason Day
84. Gordon Snedden
Russell Henley
85. David Morgan
John Huh
86. James Lees
Peter Hanson
87. John McL
Alan Dunbar
88. Barry Johnston
Hiroyuki Fujita
89. Chris Rae
Mark O’Meara
90. Guy Wood
Keegan Bradley
91. Matt Dart
Bernhard Langer
92. Damien Ahern
Bill
Hass
93. Hipster Dufus Martin Laird
Saturday, 16 February 2013
25 Greatest Male Golfers of All-Time - The Top 10
TEN
Severiano Ballesteros
Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (1979, 1984, 1989)
Two-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1980, 1983)
91 Professional Wins
50 Wins on the European Tour
Six-time European Order of Merit Winner
World Number One (61 Weeks)
Eight Ryder Cup Appearances (1997 European Ryder Cup Captain)
Seve Ballesteros. Quite simply, for Europe, he was what Arnold Palmer was to the United States. A swashbuckling imaginative player, whose creativity and skill thrilled, and inspired, millions. He learned the game on a beach, near his hometown of Pedrena. Still in his teens, he became an international star, at Royal Birkdale, in 1976. He led by two shots after the third round, of the 1976 Open, but a final round 74 saw him tie with Jack Nicklaus, six shots behind the winner Johnny Miller. Seve would go on to win The Open on three occasions, at Lytham (1979, 1989), and iconically at St Andrews. He described his winning putt, in 1984, as being "the happiest moment of my whole sporting life." He also became the first European to win The Masters. Perhaps no one had a greater impact in the growth of the Ryder Cup, than Seve, who won 22.5 points in 37 matches. His passion, and incredible partnership alongside Jose Maria Olazabal, inspired the European to victory. As back trouble took its toll, Seve didn't win a Major after 1988, but he continued to lead Europe, and Captained the team to victory in 1997. Tragically Seve's life was cut short, in 2011, after passing away from brain cancer. His courage during his final years continued to inspire, just as he had done on the golf course. No one has done had a greater impact, in the growth of the European Tour, and the Ryder Cup. His charisma, smile, and passion, and aggressive style of play, made him one of the most thrilling, and popular, players of the modern era. Every player in Europe should thank Seve. As they are privileged, just as we were as viewers. Seveeriano Ballesteros: Truly the Greatest European of All-Time.
NINE
Sam Snead
Three-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1949, 1952, 1954)
Winner of the 1946 Open Championship
Three-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1942, 1949, 1952)
165 Professional Wins
82 Wins on the PGA Tour
Oldest Winner on the PGA Tour
Eight Ryder Cup Appearances
"Slammin' Sammy" Snead. One of the finest players to have ever played the game. Possessing one of the smoothest, and most technically sound swings of all-time, Snead achieved remarkable success over five decades. Winning 82 times on the PGA Tour, more than any other player in history, Snead's status in the game is forever guaranteed. Alongside Ben Hogan, and Byron Nelson, Snead generated increasing popularity for the game, as their rivalry inspired millions to get involved with the sport. Snead's most remarkable feat was his longevity. Winning at the age of 52 on the PGA Tour, Snead continued to have success in his 60s, finishing; 3rd at the 1974 PGA, at the age of 62. He is the only player to have posted a top-ten finish, in majors, in five different decades. He is also the oldest player to make the cut in a major (67 at the 1979 PGA). Snead later became an honorary start at the Masters, a position he held to 2002, just prior to his death. There have been few better players than Sam Snead, one of the most recognisable, and iconic, players of the 20th century.
EIGHT
Tom Watson
Five-time Winner of The Open Championship (1975, 1977, 1980, 1982, 1983)
Two-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1977, 1981)
Winner of the 1982 U.S. Open
39 Wins on the PGA Tour
14 Wins on the Champions Tour (Including Six Majors)
Four Ryder Cup Appearances (1993, 2014 USA Captain)
In the late 1970s, and early 80s, there was no better player than Tom Watson. Between 1977, and 1983, he won seven major championships, and 30 PGA Tour events. An astonishing record, which would surely have been extended, had Watson's putting, once clinical, not deteriorated. Arguably the greatest links player of the modern era, Watson has continued to carry the values and traditions of the game. A tough competitor, but possessing a gentlemanly nature, Watson trancends transcends what makes Golf great. For that, in addition to his incredible talent, Watson is universally respected. 32 years after, arguably his greatest victory, Tom Watson returned to Turnberry, as a 59 year-old former champion, playing out, what, would have been, his penultimate Open. However, Watson rolled back the generations, thrilling his beloved Scottish fans, and creating one of the greatest stories in the history of the game. He found himself on the 72nd hole, with one-shot lead, for victory, to tie Harry Vardon's record six-wins. Ultimately, it slipped from his grasp, and he lost the subsequent playoff. Watson left Turnberry with a whole new generation of admirers, who will have now reviewed his status as one of the game's greatest ever players. Tom Watson represents everything that we, as golfers, love about this wonderful game. For that alone, Watson is one of the true Greats.
SEVEN
Walter Hagen
Four-time Winner of The Open Championship (1922, 1924, 1928, 1929)
Five-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1921, 1924, 1925, 1926, 1927)
Two-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1914, 1919)
45 Wins on the PGA Tour
Fie-time Winner of the Western Open
Six-time Ryder Cup Captain
Walter Hagen was the most successful player of his generation. A tremendous player, who dominated throughout the 1920s, winning eleven major championships, in addition to five Western Opens, which held similar status at that time. However, it was also Hagen's impact to the growth of professional golf, that deserves significant recognition. Assertively promoting the status of professional golfers, and the business of golf, through endorsements. Throughout his career, he played hundreds of exhibition matches, all
across the United States and around the world; these tours popularised
golf to an immense degree. Gene Sarazen, ten years Hagen's junior, once remarked: "All the professionals ... should say a silent thanks to Walter Hagen
each time they stretch a check between their fingers. It was Walter who
made professional golf what it is." Walter Hagen, one of the most successful, important, and Greatest Golfers of All-Time.
SIX
Gary Player
Winner of the Career Grand Slam
Three-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1961, 1974, 1978)
Winner of the 1965 U.S. Open
Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (1959, 1968, 1974)
Two-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1962, 1972)
165 Professional Wins
Played in 52 Masters Tournaments
Truly an international player. Winning 165 titles on six continents, over six decades. No player has worked hard for his success. Travelling all over the world, ammassing 15 million miles of flying, Player set a precedent for foreign players to achieve significant success in the United States. He is the only non-American to achieve the Grand Slam, and, as a result, he became one of Golf's "Big Three" of the 1960s, alongside Arnold Palmer, and Jack Nicklaus, who carried, and grew, the popularity of the game. A fitness fanatic, Player set a precedent for players to condition themselves, to achieve maximum performance, and career longevity. Player certainly achieved that, by playing in, a remarkable, 52 Masters Tournaments (over a 53 year period). To put that into perspective, think of it this way; Gary Player spent one full year of his life playing in The Masters. Few have done more to promote the game, and as he enters his late 70s, continues to do so. An inspiration to golfers worldwide, he proved that with hard work, and dedication, you can achieve anything. For that, and more, Gary Player is truly one of the Greatest player of all-time.
FIVE
Arnold Palmer
Four-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1958, 1960, 1962, 1964)
Winner of the 1960 U.S. Open
Two-time Winner of The Open Championship (1961, 1962)
Winner of the 1954 U.S. Amateur
62 Wins on the PGA Tour
Six Ryder Cup Appearances (1975 Captain)
Host of the Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill
One of the most popular players of all-time. Palmer revolutionised the popularity of the professional game, as it entered the television age. With his charisma, good looks, and aggressive style of play, Palmer encapsulated the era, and was the perfect individual to carry the growing popularity of the game. Alongside Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus, Palmer was a member of the "Big Three", their competitive rivalry grew the game enormously, with Palmer as the crowd favourite. He was the hero of American golf, the superstar, and the King. As his playing career began to slide, his popularity did not, and he continued to be followed by his dedicated members of "Arnie's Army" around the fairways of Augusta National for decades to come. One of the most talented players ever, and arguably it's most important star. Without Arnold Palmer, the professional game would not have grown in the manner that it did. For that, everyone should be thankful, as those who were thrilled by his play were. Arnold Palmer truly is one of the greats, in every meaning of the word.
FOUR
Bobby Jones
Achieved the "old" Grand Slam (1930)
Four-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1923, 1926, 1929, 1930)
Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (1926, 1927, 1930)
Five-time Winner of the U.S. Amateur (1924, 1925, 1927, 1928, 1930)
Winner of the 1930 British Amateur
Founder of The Masters Tournament
One of the most remarkable players ever. As an amateur, he dominated the greatest Championships in the game, and did so until his retirement at the age of 28. Winning 13 of the "old" majors, including all four in one year, Jones was an astonishing talent. As a result of his success, Jones became one of the most well-known athletes in the world, and, with it, contributed greatly to the growth of golf in the 1920s, and 1930s. Every year, his legacy is celebrated, at Augusta Nationa; a course which he designed to be his private retreat, in The Masters Tournament. Jones set in place, arguably, golf's most magical event, and his memory will continue to live on through it. One of the most iconic, and infuential, players of all-time, Bobby Jones truly is one of the Greatest.
THREE
Ben Hogan
Winner of the Career Grand Slam
Four-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1948, 1950, 1951, 1953)
Two-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1951, 1953)
Winner of the 1953 Open Championship
Two-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1946, 1948)
64 Wins on the PGA Tour
Ben Hogan, possibly the greatest ball-striker in the history of the game, possessing arguably the most studied, and admired, swing of the 20th century. Hogan was truly one of the best players to have ever picked up a club. Recovering from a near-fatal car accident, after which, doctors told him he'd never walk, Hogan remarkably went on to achieve his greatest success. Promoting the notion of intense practice, Hogan was believed to have developed a "secret" to repeat his swing continuously. This astonishing consistency, led to Jack Nicklaus noting that Hogan was "easily" the best ball-striker he had ever seen. Arguably the best player in the game's history, Ben Hogan's astonishing ability, and continuing influence, places him firmly as one of the Greatest Golfers of All-Time.
TWO
Tiger Woods
Youngest Golfer to achieve the Career Grand Slam
Four-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005)
Three-time Winner of the U.S. Open (2000, 2002, 2008)
Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (2000, 2005, 2006)
Four-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1999, 2000, 2006, 2007)
Three-time Winner of the U.S. Amateur
World Number One (623 Weeks)
102 Professional Wins
75 Wins on the PGA Tour
Winner of 16 World Golf Championships
As great an influence Arnold Palmer had in the early 1960s, it is very arguable, that Tiger Woods was an even bigger entity, as time turned towards the 21st century. After a stunning amateur career, Woods turned professional to intense anticipation. He certainly lived up to it. Completely shattering all-records at the 1997 Masters Tournament, Tiger Woods changed the game forever. Demolishing fields, and making courses obsolete, Woods, for a period around 2000-2002, played a standard of golf that no one had ever played, and arguably ever will play. His importance on fitness, power, and putting, altered the manner in which the professional game was played, and courses were altered to match this growing phenomenon. Tiger Woods certainly is a phenomenon. His incredible profile, made him the first sportsman to earn over $1 Billion. His status has grown the professional game, doubling purses on the PGA Tour, and inspiring millions of people to take up the game. As Woods closes in on his 40th birthday, he is still chasing the last records he has yet to overcome. Most notably Jack Nicklaus' total of 18 majors. Whether he will or not, is another question, but, few, if anyone, has had a greater impact on the game of golf, as his astonishing talent, arguably the best in living memory, has thrilled millions. He is unprecedented. A phenomenon.
ONE
Jack Nicklaus
Winner of 18 Professional Major Championships (In addition to 19 Runner-Ups)
Six-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1963, 1965, 1966, 1972, 1975, 1986)
Four-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1962, 1967, 1972, 1980)
Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (1966, 1970, 1978)
Five-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1963, 1971, 1973, 1975, 1980)
Two-time Winner of the U.S. Amateur
115 Professional Wins
73 Wins on the PGA Tour
Eight Champions Tour Majors
As a voting public, you, collectively named Jack Nicklaus as the Greatest Male Golfer of All-Time. For that reason, I feel it is appropriate that I leave it to you to submit your reasons why. What does Jack Nicklaus mean to you? What made you select him as Number One? Let me know, and I'll include it in the final, complete, Top 25 Article.
I thank you all so much for paticipating, and hope that you found it a worthwhile exercise.
25 - John Henry Taylor
24 - Rory McIlroy
23 - Tom Morris, Sr.
22 - Bobby Locke
21 - Raymond Floyd
20 - Peter Thomson
19 - Ernie Els
18 - Greg Norman
17 - Phil Mickelson
16 - Billy Casper
15 - Lee Trevino
14 - Gene Sarazen
13 - Harry Vardon
12 - Nick Faldo
11 - Byron Nelson
10 - Seve Ballesteros
9 - Sam Snead
8 - Tom Watson
7 - Walter Hagen
6 - Gary Player
5 - Arnold Palmer
4 - Bobby Jones
3 - Ben Hogan
2 - Tiger Woods
1 - Jack Nicklaus
Friday, 15 February 2013
25 Greatest Male Golfers of All-Time - The Results
19-11.
NINETEEN
Ernie Els
Two-time winner of The Open Championship (2002, 2012)
Two-time winner of the U.S. Open (1994, 1997)
Two-time winner of the WGC-Cadillac Championship (2004, 2010)
65 Professional titles
27 wins on the European Tour
19 wins on the PGA Tour
Career Money Leader on the European Tour
Seven appearances in the Presidents Cup (International Team)
With one of the most fluid and graceful swings in the modern game, Ernie Els is one of the greatest players of his generation. A four-time major champion, who has carried on the legacy of Gary Player, as being a truly international player, with victories in Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. As his dramatic victory at the 2012 Open Championship illustrated, there is still much potential left in the popular South Afican.
EIGHTEEN
Greg Norman
Two-time winner of The Open Championship (1986, 1993)
Spent 331 weeks as World Number One
89 Professional Wins
20 Wins on the PGA Tour
14 Wins on the European Tour
31 Wins on the PGA Tour of Australia
Three-time winner of the PGA Tour Money List
Eight runner-up finishes in Major Championships
Greg Norman is arguably the most recognisible golfer to emerge in the last two decades of the 20th century. Having taken up the game at the age of 15, he won his first professional title seven years later. A truly dominant world player, Norman led the World Golf Rankings for the second longest period, only behind Tiger Woods. Despite two Open victories, Norman suffered from heartache in the other majors. The latest of which came in 2008, at Royal Birkdale, when, at the age of 53, Norman finished 3rd in the Open Championship. Had he won more majors, Norman would have finished much higher on this list. However, at his best, he was one of the most impressive players ever seen, and certainly one of the greatest players of his generation.
SEVENTEEN
Phil Mickelson
Three-time winner of The Masters Tournament (2004, 2006, 2010)
Winner of the 2005 PGA Championship
Five-runner up finishes in the U.S. Open
41 Wins on the PGA Tour
Nine appearances in the Ryder Cup (Team USA)
Quite simply one of the most talented players of his generation. Mickelson has thrilled galleries for over 20 years, as his swashbuckling style has long seen him positioned as one of the most exciting players of the modern era. Major success came late, but since then he has one four majors, including three at Augusta National, a course which allows his incredibly creative short-game to flourish. One of the most popular players of the 21st century, Mickelson has the potential achieve much more, as he enters his 40s.
SIXTEEN
Billy Casper
Winner of the 1970 Masters Tournament
Two-time winner of the U.S Open (1959, 1966)
51 Wins on the PGA Tour
Five-time winner of the Vardon Trophy (Lowest Scoring Average on the PGA Tour)
Eight-time member of the USA Ryder Cup Team
Nine Wins on the Champions Tour
If there is an overlooked player in the history of the game, it is Billy Casper. Overshadowed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Gary Player, Casper won 27 PGA Tour events between 1964 and 1970 (More than Jack Nicklaus). One of the finest putters of all-time, Casper was a devastating player at his peak, winning in 16 consecutive seasons. Underrated, but worthy of every mention he has retrospectively received, Billy Casper is one of the all-time Greats.
FIFTEEN
Lee Trevino
Six-time Major Champion
Two-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1968, 1971)
Two-time Winner of The Open Championship (1971, 1972)
Two-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1974, 1984)
89 Professional Wins
29 Wins on the PGA Tour
29 Wins on the Champions Tour (Including Four Majors)
There have been few greater characters, or better players, than Lee Trevino. One of the most gifted shot-makers of all-time, Trevino was blessed with incredible talent, hidden behind an outgoing personality. Fans flocked to watch him all over the world, to be entertained, both by his game, and sense of humour. For all of these factors, Trevino is rightly regarded as one of the greatest golfers in the history of the game.
FOURTEEN
Gene Sarazen
Achieved the Career Grand Slam
Winner of the 1935 Masters Tournament
Two-time Winner of the U.S. Open (1922, 1932)
Winner of the 1932 Open Championship
Three-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1922, 1923, 1933)
39 Wins on the PGA Tour
Invented the Modern Sand Wedge
Honorary Starter at the Masters (1981-1999)
Commentator of Wonderful World of Golf
'The Squire', one of the greatest, most iconic, and influential, players of all-time. On the course, one of only five players to achieve the Career Grand Slam. Off the the course, a popular figure who helped grow the game, hosting the popular series 'Wonderful World of Golf'. He also invented the Modern Sand Wedge, which he first used to winning success at the 1932 Open Championship. Sarazen hit the 'shot heard round the world', at the 1935 Masters, as his 4-wood on the 15th found the hole for a rare albatross. Sarazen inspired many. An innovator, a legend, and one of the very greatest. Many will wonder why he didn't finish higher.
THIRTEEN
Harry Vardon
Six-time Winner of The Open Championship (1896, 1898, 1899, 1903, 1911, 1914)
Winner of the 1900 U.S. Open
Runner-up in the 1913, and 1920, U.S. Opens
Popularised the 'Vardon Grip' used by most Golfers to this day.
Harry Vardon, being winner of The Open on a record six times is enough to be considered one of the greatest. But his influence spread further. Travelling to the United States, he helped grow the popularity of the sport, losing to Francis Ouimet in 1913. Vardon popularised the overlapping grip, still the most common grip used by golfers of all-standards. Vardon was one of the most dominant players of his era, and a pionner in the early days of professional golf. Truly deserving of his place amongst the Greats.
TWELVE
Nick Faldo
Three-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1989, 1990, 1996)
Three-time Winner of The Open Championship (1987, 1990, 1992)
World Number One for 98 Weeks
40 Professional Titles
30 Wins on the European Tour
11 Appearances in the Ryder Cup (Record Points Winner)
Nick Faldo, an individual who polarised opinion, but his ability under pressure, and talent, were undisputed. Showing tremendous strength to rebuild his swing, in the mid-1980s, in order to become a successful player in major championships. A strategy that most certainly worked. One of Europe's greatest players, and remains the last Englishman to win a Major. Since the end of his playing career, Faldo set up the 'Faldo Series', which has provided opportunities for talented young golfers under the age of 21 from
around the world both male and female. There are over 7,000 participants
each year and there are 38 tournaments in 28 different countries. Rory McIlroy, and Yani Tseng, are amongst those who have participated. Since 2007, he has been CBS' lead Golf Analyst. A brilliant player, an author of influential instructional books, a broadcaster, and a promoter of youth golf worldwide. Faldo is one of the Greatest.
ELEVEN
Byron Nelson
Two-time Winner of The Masters Tournament (1937, 1942)
Winner of the 1939 U.S. Open
Two-time Winner of the PGA Championship (1940, 1945)
52 Wins on the PGA Tour
Winner of 18 Events in 1945 (Including 11 in a row)
Made 113 consecutive cuts on the PGA Tour
Host of the Byron Nelson Championship
Lord Byron Nelson. One of the finest players of all-time, in addition to being one of the most iconic, and influential. His achievements, over a short career, were astonishing. But his later legacy, in promoting the game, and acting as an elder statesmen; hosting the Byron Nelson Championship, and in his capacity as an honorary starter as the Masters; Nelson remained firmly in the public eye, and served as an icon to many. Any reasonable discussion on the Greatest Golfers of All-Time would have Byron Nelson firmlly in the forefront.
25 - John Henry Taylor
24 - Rory McIlroy
23 - Tom Morris, Sr.
22 - Bobby Locke
21 - Raymond Floyd
20 - Peter Thomson
19 - Ernie Els
18 - Greg Norman
17 - Phil Mickelson
16 - Billy Casper
15 - Lee Trevino
14 - Gene Sarazen
13 - Harry Vardon
12 - Nick Faldo
11 - Byron Nelson
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