Wentworth changes under fire.

I thought it was a great PGA Championship at Wentworth, unlike one or two leading players. Notable names such as Ian Poulter and Paul Casey were critical of the layout changes, in particular at the 18th. I heard little moaning from Luke Donald or Lee Westwood though, maybe they were focused on winning and settling the battle for World no 1 spot.

For my money the Championship needs to be on a really tough track, and Wentworth was much in need of the makeover. Ernie Els ,who oversaw the changes, is still open minded as to more changes, and pointed out that a stern test was what the top players needed with so many major events just around the corner.

Poulter and Casey may well be better placed to comment than the likes of me, but they should remember that hearing a couple of millionaires, whingeing about the course, is not what we want from our superstars. Those of us who have to get our own yardages (gps devices do help !) and have to use trolleys rather than caddies are right to think that they are a touch pampered and should just get on with the job.

Whatever your opinion the cream rose to the top, and to have English players at 1&2 in the World is something few of us could have dreamed of.

Electric Trolleys Rule !!

I cleared out the garage the other day and unearthed an old pull trolley and it reminded me of how much I used to struggle before I got an electric trolley from Protrolley. Nowadays I can stroll the fairways without the exertions of pulling of all that kit around, which weighed heaven only knows how much?  Add in the use of my Golf Buddy GPS, and I now have all the advantages that used to be only available to the Pro’s, and those who could get, or afford a caddy.

The game , like life, is constantly changing and evolving, and nowadays to play without these aids, is to give away a huge advantage to my opponent .

Maybe one day something will replace this kit , but  for now I am not teeing off without it !

Open Qualifier topped by Davis

England’s Brian Davis topped the qualifiers for the Open Championship after a six under par round of 64 at the Gleneagles Club in Plano, Texas as Sergio Garcia was forced out with an infected fingernail.

Davis finished one shot ahead of American Chad Campbell as heavy rain forced the qualifier to be reduced from 36 holes to 18.

Garcia is no longer exempt after falling out of the world’s top 50, he was  level par when he quit after four holes.

Garcia then explained on his Twitter site: “Unfortunately had to wd from qualifier this morning because of an infected fingernail in my left hand. Couldn’t hold the club comfortably.”

Runner-up to Padraig Harrington at Carnoustie four years ago after bogeying the final hole and then losing a play-off, the 31-year-old Spaniard could still make it to the Championship at Sandwich in July , through upcoming events.

But now 73rd in the world – he was second behind Tiger Woods just over two years ago – he has also entered a qualifying event in Memphis on June 6 for the US Open the following week.

Joining Davis and Campbell in July will be Australia’s Nathan Green who shot a 66, a score matched by Americans Davis Love III, Spencer Levin, Chris Tidland and Bob Estes.

The final spot on offer went to a play-off between Americans Justin Hicks and Jerry Kelly who both shot 67s.

Kelly later won the play-off to take the final spot.