Q&A:DARRAGH Ó SÉ (Former Kerry footballer)
Club:Tralee GC
Handicap: 19
1 What’s your favourite golf tournament (amateur or professional) and why?
It has to be the Masters, purely for the familiarity of the place. Everyone knows the course as it’s always played at Augusta. It’s unique and a real spectator event; even watching on TV you recognise Amen Corner and all the other holes. Never been to Augusta but one of those places everyone would love to play.
2 Best TV golf memory?Pádraig Harrington's fairway wood into the 17th at Birkdale. Tiger's famous chip-in from the back of the green at the 16th in the Masters. But one of the better ones from a pure emotional point of view would be Christy (O'Connor) Jnr's two-iron into the 18th during the Ryder Cup at the Belfry. You could see how proud he was of the shot and what he achieved.
3 Parkland or links? Why?I'd have to say links on the basis I'm a bit of a heat-seeking missile for finding trees on parklands, always find myself behind bloody trees on parklands! Definitely links from that point of view. We are spoiled for choice with great courses here in Kerry and I'm a member of one of the finest links in the country at Tralee. It has the lot; spectacular scenery, super holes and all are a challenge. Then 20 minutes out the road you're at Ballybunion. Or there's Waterville, Dooks and the like. We're blessed, we really are.
4 What's your hidden gem of a course and why?I'd say Ceann Sibéal back in Dingle. Another links with some great holes, it's got the scenery once more, plus you can get round it reasonably quickly. Dingle is a great spot to stay over, have a few beers and a bit of craic too.
5 How would you deal with someone you suspected of cheating? Would you sign their card?Thankfully the situation hasn't arisen. It's the one thing I was told from a young age, don't cheat, just a no-go area. I'd have to be very sure before pulling someone on it because it's a very serious accusation.
6 If you could introduce one rule, how would you combat slow play?I don't like slow play, maybe it's just me but I enjoy getting around in good time. Some players could do well to be more aware and pick up their pace. On the flip side, if visitors are paying big money to play then it's very difficult to hurry them along. Green fees are what's keeping some courses going at the moment. It's a fine balance.
7 Has equipment technology had a detrimental effect on genuine golfing talent/ability?If so, what changes would you make? Advances are happening in every sport. Look at soccer, they were playing with a big heavy leather ball and boots 40-50 years ago. You have to go with the flow. No matter what the equipment, the better players are always going to be there. Cream will always come to the top – in every sport.
8 What's in the bag?TaylorMade woods and irons and a Ping putter. Think the driver I have is a bit crooked for it never hits the fairway.
9 150 yards from the hole, what's in your hands?Looking at a seven or eight-iron depending on the wind.
10 Playing among friends, would you play for a wager or what type of match?We usually play for pints in the clubhouse or maybe a €5 or €10 bet. We have a good competitive fourball and the team format keeps the likes of me involved!
11 Who is the greatest – Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods? Other?You'd have to say Tiger, hope he comes back and wins a few more Majors. I was too young to see Nicklaus in his prime. No question he was something else, but Tiger, despite his recent problems, has changed the face of golf all over the world. I think single-handedly he globalised the game. He plays a great flamboyant game too, he goes for it when he's on form and great value to watch. He's still box office.
12 If you had one final round, who would be in your fourball and where?It would be Augusta. I'll pick a few former Kerry players. Mickey Sheehy and myself would take on Tomás, my brother, and Éamonn Fitzmaurice. I'd probably be on the outside looking in for most of this match but it'd be good craic.
