golfweloveit

Today would have been the birthday of Payne Stewart. It is hard to believe that this year, on October 25, it will be 20 years since he was lost in the plane crash. His legacy includes two fine children Chelsea and Aaron, who are both doing well now in their thirties, the Payne Stewart Award which last year was given to his friend Bernhard Langer, and is awarded to a player whose “values align with the character, charity and sportsmanship that Stewart showed”. This includes respect for the traditions of the game, commitment to uphold the game’s heritage of charitable support and professional and meticulous presentation of himself and the sport through his dress and conduct. His legacy is also in remembering not only his three major championships, but the way he treated people. He always made them feel good about themselves, he was a special person.

Whistling Straits in January, extreme weather

Please visit Jumblebee.co.uk/matthewkempSAT and have a look at the lots in the silent auction to be held in aid if Sebastian’s Action Trust for seriously ill children. Bidding opens soon up to the charity golf day on May 26.

Lots to bid on include a Ryder Cup shirt signed by Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood,  cap signed by Rory McIlroy, Ryder Cup flag signed by Ian Poulter, Gary Player signed hat, Justin Rose signed shirt, and Georgia Hall’s golf bag amongst others.

So the debate about whether the European Tour should be holding a golf tournament in Saudi Arabia is hotting up. Tiger Woods turned down the appearance money and stayed away, as did Paul Casey who is an Ambassador for UNICEF. But of those top players who are at the Royal Greens Club

Justin Rose “I’m not a politician, I’m a pro golfer”

Dustin Johnson: “I’m not a politician, I play golf”.

Brooks Kopeka: “I’m not going to get into it”.

The most pragmatic argument came from Eddie Pepperell, who is not receiving an appearance fee. He said

Responding to Brooks Koepka’s criticism this week of his slow play DeChambeau said  that he’s put on the clock almost every week but he’s “used to it now.” He spends so much time discussing with his caddie all the elements affecting every shot including air density.

“It’s actually quite impressive that we’re able to get all that stuff done in 45 seconds; people don’t realize that it’s very difficult to do everything we do in 45 seconds,” DeChambeau told reporters Tuesday at the inaugural Saudi International. “I think that anybody that has an issue with it, I understand, but we’re playing for our livelihoods out here, and this is what we want to do. If we want to provide the best entertainment for you, it’s part of our process, or it’s part of my process, at least.”

“Trust me, we do our due diligence to speed up and do our best,” he said. “We’re not trying to slow anyone down. I’m not trying to slow anyone down. It’s just a part of the process, and unfortunately the Rules of Golf allow for a certain amount of time, and we’re used it to our fullest potential.”