YAS ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, is home to Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros World, Ferrari World and a multitude of five star hotels. Ferrari World is the largest indoor theme park in the world, shaped like a massive three-pointed star. Visitors can see an operating Ferrari factory, take a spin on a real Ferrari, or bring up their breakfast on the “Formula Rossa,” a thrill ride that sets the world record for roller coaster rides.
Nearby is the Yas Golf links, venue for the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on the 19-22nd of this month. If the DP World Tour players get knocked out early at least there will be plenty to amuse them.
NO-ONE EVER FINISHED more under par in PGA TOUR history than Cameron Smith at Kapalua in 2022, with Jon Rahm on his heels all the way and Matt Jones making a pair of eagles and a 50 ft birdie. Smith was relentless all the final day in the Tournament of Champions down to the 3 ft birdie putt he made on the 18th for an 8 under 65 and a one shot victory over Rahm, jumping 30 spots to No. 3 in the Fedex Cup standings while finishing at 34 under 258.
Only three players in Tour history had finished at 30 under or lower. Ernie Els set the record at 31 under at Kapalua in 2003, winning by eight shots. Jordan Spieth shot 30 under in 2016, also winning by eight. Dustin Johnson shot 30 under at TPC Boston in 2020 and won by 11.
I wonder if, alone in those 5 star hotel suites, Cameron looks back nostalgically to those halcyon days downing a Fosters with his mates on the Tour. Will the $4 million he won with LIV in Chicago in September make up for it? Probably.
THE 2023 EUROPEAN PRO GOLF Tour commences in Murcia Jan 23-25th with the HDA Masters, then the Roda Open on February 1-3rd, the Lo Romero Open on February 6-8th and the La Serena Classic on February 13-15th. The advertising blurb says: ‘European Pro Golf Tour offers an incredible platform for aspiring golfers. They will use this unique opportunity at these top venues to REACH THEIR DREAMS!’ Make a note, we’ll have to leave the top venues to the aspiring McIlroys on those days.
FOR YOUR TV DIARY (Best ask your relatives not to come out for a visit on these dates:)
The Masters, 6-9th April, Augusta National.
PGA Championship, 18-21st May, Oak Hill Country Club. New York.
US Open, 15-18th June , Los Angeles Country Club, California.
The Open, 20-23rd July, Royal Liverpool. Hoylake, Wirral.
WHOEVER WINS the Sony Open in Hawaii on 9th January will have a job to beat last year’s winner Hideki Matsuyama for a dramatic finish. Hideki made up a five shot deficit on the back nine and then won in a playoff with one of the best shots he never saw: a 3 wood into the sun to three feet for an eagle to beat Russell Henley.
TODAYS GOLFER TIP for more distance: Address the ball as normal, draw right foot back 3 or 4 inches and then align hips and shoulders with feet. This will have the effect of creating more launch angle, and will give you that extra distance. I’ll try anything once.
JAZZ GREATS such as Duke Ellington will put harmony into your putting stroke, according to new research. Male players are 17% and ladies 10% more accurate when listening to jazz while practising. Country music improves baseball performance and rap raised basketball skills but jazz does it for golfers. It is supposed to help them calm down, concentrate and improvise on the green. So on with the headphones: “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!”
UNWRITTEN LAWS: If you ever par the first three holes you’ll have a twenty minute wait on the next tee.
Until next time: Happy Golfing in 2023.
Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475 or visit https://mickthegrip.blogspot.com
