Tips and tuition
If you had one tip to give a 20 handicap golfer, what would it be?
“Take lessons on your short game. Good technique is needed for chipping, pitching and bunker shots.”
What’s the best advice you’ve been given by anyone on tour, and by whom?
“Seiki Okuda from Japan told me ‘just enjoy yourself and relax’. It’s easier said than done!”
What’s your last thought before you hit a driver?
“A picture of a nice green fairway, with my ball sitting in the middle of it.”
Favourites
Favourite course and why?
“West Sussex Golf Club, where I worked as an assistant to Geoff Gledhill. It’s a great course with great practice facilities. The Summer evenings were great because about six of us used to meet up at 6pm for a round. The last hole was usually played in darkness with the clubhouse lights giving us the line for our second shots.”
Favourite hole and why?
“The fourth hole at Pevero Golf Club in Costa Smeralda, Italy. It’s a beautiful hole, as long as the wind is not blowing.”
Favourite club in the bag?
“It has to be an eight iron. It’s the first club that I started with.”
What is your favourite Ryder Cup moment?
“There are no particular moments that stand out, but I enjoyed watching the passion of Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal in thei fourball and foursomes matches. That was inspiring.”
What has been your favourite tournament to compete in over your career?
“The US Senior PGA Championship at Harbor Shore in 2014, because it was my first Major tournament.”
Who would make up your dream fourball?
“It could only be Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan – all in their heydays.”
Personal highlights
If you had to pick the greatest shot from your career, when and where would it have been?
“The second shot into the 18th hole of the Russian Senior Open. It finished just two inches away.”
When was your first hole-in-one? (As a pro or amateur)
“It was the fifth hole, par three at Hill Barn Golf Club in Worthing. I was 12 years old and had only been playing for a few months.”
Memories from the Tour
Most unusual thing that has ever happened to you on the golf course?
“Playing with Lewis Watchman at Pinheiros Altos. He shot holes-in-one on the ninth and 11th holes in the same round.”
Can you describe the greatest round you’ve ever personally witnessed?
“I played with John Daly in South Africa on the Sunshine Tour at Humewood Golf Club in Port Elizabeth. He hit it so far, and everyone forgets his short game was also brilliant.”
What’s the most nervous you’ve ever felt on the golf course?
“Playing for the first time with Colin Montgomerie. After a couple of holes I had calmed down. He was great to play with.”
The state of the Game
If you could change one rule of golf, what would it be?
“We should be allowed 16 clubs in the bag. An extra wedge or wood can come in handy.”
What has been golf’s best technological improvement?
“The size of the driver heads, combined with ball performance.”
Can you suggest one idea to combat slow play?
What we didn’t know
What we didn’t know
Do you have any superstitions?
“Not particularly, but I like the number five on golf balls.”
If you weren’t a professional golfer, what would you be doing?
“I’d like to be 007 as I would get to drive my Aston Martin around and use the MOD’s money in a casino.”
Away from the fairways
Outside of golf, who’s your sporting hero?
“Nigel Mansell.”
Give us your best travel tip
“Don’t forget your passport and driving licence.”
What was the first album you bought?
“Elton John – Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.”
What’s your favourite type of food?
“Indian cuisine and home cooking.”
What’s your favourite film?
“True Grit, with John Wayne.”
What was your first car?
“A bright yellow Fiat 128.”
Senior Tour does Desert Island Discs – one song, book and luxury item to have when stranded on a desert island?
“Elton John & George Michael’s version of ‘Don’t let the sun go down on me’, Bear Gryll’s Survival Book, and a Bentley sports car – because I always wanted one.”
