This week's other golfing news
McIlroy in the fast lane with new Ferrari F430
RORY McIlroy has been moving in the fast lane ever since he joined the paid ranks and judging by his latest purchase he has every intention of staying there.
In a recent blog McIlroy spoke of his excitement as he and dad Gerry made the trip to Birmingham where the 20-year-old bought a Ferrari F430. “It’s gun-metal grey and it’s absolute class. We drove it up to Stranraer and then on the ferry to Belfast – seriously exciting day,” were Rory’s words.
McIlroy added that a “certain Mr D Clarke” had been an influence as the younger man decided to follow in the footsteps of the more senior player’s penchant for fast cars.
Perhaps it’s a Northern Ireland thing as Graeme McDowell is also a bit of a petrol-head and this time of year he generally takes the chance to drive to the Scottish Open, then on to the British Open. Last year he did it in his Porsche 911.
McIlroy, one of the youngest ever to break into the world’s top 20, has amassed over €1.5 million in the Race to Dubai this season so he can well afford it.
Hat-tricks up for grabs at Turnberry
PÁDRAIG Harrington isn’t the only one going for a three-timer at Turnberry this week. The Dubliner may be attempting to emulate the great Australian Peter Thomson and become only the second player to lift the Claret Jug three times in a row, but Martin Kaymer has bullied his way on to the stage. The German has his own three-timer in mind after landing the French and last week’s Scottish Open.
It may be a long shot for either to accomplish their feat in Ayrshire but if convinced then Harrington can be backed at 31 to 1 or Kaymer at 35 to 1. As expected the betting markets are headed by Tiger Woods with a general 5 to 2 available on the world’s best.
The home players will undoubtedly attract our attention but if you think Rory McIlroy is too tightly priced at 35 to 1 then Graeme McDowell’s 99 to 1 should be more appealing. Failing that, Ernie Els (64 to 1), Camilo Villegas (74 to 1) or David Duval (179 to 1) raise a curious interest and certain value.
(Prices quoted: Betfair)
Keeping it in the family
KEEP an eye out for the Saltman brothers, Lloyd and Elliot, at this week’s British Open. The Scottish pair both came through the RA’s local final qualifying last week. In an entirely family affair their brother Zack will caddy for Elliot while dad Jack is manager of all three.
Not many siblings have competed in the same British Open; Joe and Jumbo Ozaki did it at Muirfield in 1992, while Seve and Manuel Ballesteros both teed it up at Birkdale in 1983.
Poulter gets snappy
IAN Poulter, the self-professed style guru and not-so shy one of the fairways, gave a recent display of petulance that even Colin Montgomerie would have been proud off.
At the French Open “Poults” couldn’t wait to get in front of the TV camera to vent his spleen about another type of camera when a media photographer clicked at an inopportune time and seemingly ruined his life – or so he would lead you to believe.
“I won’t be back next year. It’s a shame because it’s a fabulous tournament, but that’s what happens when you let idiots come in and ruin our livelihoods,” said Poulter, blaming a photographer after hitting his ball into the water at the 15th at Le Golf National.
European Tour boss George O’Grady later tried to calm the waters by suggesting Poulter admitted his reaction “was hot-headed” and he would play in the French Open again. However, Poulter said: “We’ll see. But that’s not a commitment.”
Tiger to dress for victory
WE were reliably informed by Nike that Tiger Woods will wear “appropriately Scottish-themed Argyle Textured Dri-Fit Body Map Polo in Carmine Red, matched with black trousers and a black victory red cap” for the final day of this year’s British Open.
What struck us here at planet golf was the presumptive nature of this message. Sure, Woods is favourite to go on and collect his 15th major but did it ever occur to Nike that he might not make the cut?
Nah, don’t be silly.
20-foot birdie for victory
JI Eun-hee of South Korea rolled in a 20-foot birdie putt on the last hole to win the US Women’s Open for her maiden championship title on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Ji’s downhill putt completed an even-par 71 for a level-par 284 total which beat Candie Kung of Taiwan by one stroke.
Kung, who began the day five strokes behind overnight leader Cristie Kerr, fired a two-under-par 69 for 285.
