Inspiration from kids, not Tiger

OPINION: I'm sitting in the office at Drummond Golf Club watching the kids do some of the events in the Moonlight farms final on a beautiful day, writes Anthony Barkley in this week's Golf Pro.

About 120 children are out there playing and it kind of makes you want to get out there and play yourself.

This time of year all the clubs' Christmas Hampers take place and this weekend is no exception.

Everyone is vying for a ham or a hamper to use over the festive period. I know I try and tee it up in Invercargill's own hampers. I cleaned up in the mixed greensome last year (due to a very good partner).

They are always a fun event so if you haven't entered in your own club's tournament, get yourselves there.

I'm not even going to comment on the Tiger Woods "transgressions". In the next few weeks the story will unfold more, I am sure, and we will be exposed to another side of Tiger. Who would have thought this would happen as he has come across as being perfect in all aspects. It's a real shame as he has been the golfing role model for so long.

It's great to see Phil Tataurangi and Bradley Iles make it through to the final qualifying of the PGA Tour. By today we may know if they have made it, but it would be great to see them through as they are both so talented.

Phil has been plagued with so many injuries but he has the potential to win on tour. Bradley has talent to burn and has such a good attitude.

Wouldn't it be great to get five or more playing on the main tour? Australia have so many out there, so our location is not the problem. Some think it takes longer for Kiwis as our courses are not demanding enough and in some ways I agree.

We have so many courses in New Zealand that many can't afford upgrades and most don't have good practice areas.

The idea of amalgamation often causes controversy but we may eventually have no choice.

» Anthony Barkley is a New Zealand PGA qualified golf coach based at the Invercargill Golf Club at Otatara.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Newest First

Oldest First