United Kingdom

USA win 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla, Kentucky

admin — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:49:00 +0000

The result of the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla Course, Kentucky:
USA 16½ Europe 11½

Paul Azinger done a first class job as USA Team Captain in bonding a team of underdogs as they squared up and ultimately beat a very strong 12 man European team.

Azinger had requested that the Valhalla course in Kentucky be ‘easy to play’, allowing for high quality golf and plenty of birdies. Prasie should be given for this move as it certainly allowed for golf of the highest quality to be played by both sides.

USA led from day one and as with recent Ryder Cup matches, the crowd were “up for it”. Football-style chanting, a bit of sledging and a little over excitement from certain players helped create a magnificent sporting event. I was on the edge of my seat for most of the three day event and absolutely gobsmacked at the sublime level of the golf played by both sides.

The first two days included Foursome and Fourball matches, and for me it was Phil Mickelson for the USA and Ian Poulter for Europe that stood out above the rest.

At one point Mickleson played an absolutely peach of a shot from the edge of a green when he took a full swing with a lob wedge. The ball just rolled past the hole after hurtling towards space for what seemed like a shocking 10 minutes or so. And Ian Poulter silenced any critics over his captain’s pick by winning 4 points in 5 matches, and in doing so being the best European player throughout the entire weekend.

Local Kentucky heroes J.B. Holmes and veteran Kenny Perry received fanatical support playing in their first Ryder Cup, but it was the country boy from Florida, Boo Weekley who got the most rauchous cheers of “Booooo” and “Boo S A!”.

Weekely started in high spirits, riding his club down the 1st fairway in a mock Kentucky Derby fashion to stir up the USA support got things off to a great start, though Lee Westwood suggested this was disrespectful and earned an apology from Weekley the following day. This outburst may well have been the reason for Lee Westwood suffering personal abuse all the way round the course. Westwood said after the defeat that the excitement of the crowd adds to the Ryder Cup but personal insults directed at his mother are not acceptable.

The European team trailed by just two points heading into the third and final day with 12 Singles matches to make up the deficit and set a new record of four Ryder Cup wins in a row. Eyebrows were raised when the European Singles order was announced as Europe Captain Nick Faldo was criticised for supposedly sending his ‘big guns’ out last.

Afterwards Nick Faldo was gratious in defeat and said the plan had failed by one match. He felt if Europe could go into the last four games level, then Europe would finish the stronger; and I agree. But for everyone to challenge Faldo when he sent Sergio Garcia out first is over the top. The truth of the matter is that Europe’s so-called ‘big guns’ - Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington and Lee Westwood simply didn’t perform over the whole three days; and it was left to Ian Poulter and rookies such as Graeme McDowell and Justin Rose to fight the European challenge.

In fact, if Sergio Garcia had beaten Anthony Kim in the opening match, then things would have certainly panned out completely differently. As it was, Garcia had his ass whipped by young rookie Anthony Kim in a match that saw heated debate on the first green as to who should hole first, and at one stage a referee called in to separate the caddies!

Sergio attempted to play mind games with Kim which only upset the crowd and ultimately affected Garcia’s game.

With the tension building my favourite shot was local boy J.B.Holmes’ tee shot on the 17th. Pumped up and playing to win the match Holmes, ready to shoot deer, took a quick look down the fairway and slugged the most awesome drive in a baseball-cum-Happy Gilmore-fashion. The drive was perfect, hitting the centre of the fairway and leaving only a wedge to the green.

J.B. Holmes and Boo Weekley may have looked like extras from The Hills Have Eyes, but they sure know how to play golf!

Ryder Cup 2010

The Celtic Manor Golf Course in Newport, Wales - home to the Ryder Cup 2010 - was criticsed earlier this year for being too easy to play. I hope the course and the European Ryder Cup Captain, whoever that may be, considers how entertaining this years’ Ryder Cup was, due in part to the set up of the course itself.

Random Posts

June 16, 2008 -- Rocco Mediate & Tiger Woods play-off for US Open
March 26, 2008 -- Weekly Head Golf Coach Coaching Tip
May 11, 2008 -- Funky Cool Golf Clothes

European Ryder Cup Pairings Leaked

admin — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 08:25:00 +0000

On the eve of the much anticipated Ryder Cup between America & Europe, a photo has been taken of Nick Faldo holding a piece of paper with a list of pairings.

Dismissing the importance of the list, European Team Captain Nick Faldo said at a press conference yesterday that it was a parings list at all, just a lunch list of who wanted tuna, ham or beef sandwiches. A brilliant, and for that I love the man!

Quite obviously the list is the European pairings, and as such we will see Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia be first out, followed Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson.

The next line shows the initials of Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, Graeme McDowell and Paul Casey, then on the next line Oliver Wilson, Soren Hansen and Miguel Angel Jimenez. Henrik Stenson’s name was missing.

My guess is that Faldo has grouped Rose, Poulter, Casey and McDowell and has yet to decide the final pairings. Similarly, a choice is to be made between Wilson, Hansen, Jimenez and Stenson.

On further questioning Faldo almost conceded to it being an important list by saying:

“I haven’t put numbers next to them yet, have I? We don’t know what order they will go out, so some are safe.”

As European Team Captain Nick Faldo has continued to rub some people up the wrong way, as he did as a player. But I like Faldo’s attitude, and so will many others across Europe when the European Team come home with the Ryder Cup once again.

Random Posts

September 22, 2008 -- USA win 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla, Kentucky
June 19, 2008 -- Tiger Woods to miss the rest of 2008
March 5, 2008 -- Free Nike Golf Balls

Improve Your Putting #3

admin — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:09:00 +0000

Once you are confident your putting technique includes a good follow through then you may need to concentrate more on your accuracy. This is an excellent tip to cure putting accuracy caused by too much backswing.

Improve Your Putting

I have read, for an accurate putt you need to swing your putter one-third in the backswing and two-thirds forward. This will give your stroke a smooth, positive swing motion. But to make sure you are not pulling the puuter too far back, or losing the line, place a 5p coin on the back of the putter blade. Unfortunately this putting exercise doesn’t work as well with two-ball putters.

To gauge the right distance and smoothness when pulling the putter back, the 5p coin should remain on the back of the putter, and only slip off as the the putter connects with the ball or in the follow through.

Try it, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Furthermore, I saw a real improvement in my putting when I was able to manage the length and steadiness of my backswing and follow-thorugh.

Random Posts

September 10, 2008 -- Improve Your Putting #2
August 12, 2008 -- Padraig Harrington secures his second consecutive major
June 2, 2008 -- Carly Booth - the future of women’s golf

Improve Your Putting #2

admin — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 +0000

Another exercise that has helped me with my putting is to concentrate on following through with your stroke. Like many beginners / high handicappers I found it difficult to commit to a putting stroke; and the consequence is that I was not stroking the ball firmly or accurately enough. The result of this lack of confidence is leaving the putt short of the hole.

Improve Your Putting

To improve your putting, try pushing the ball with the putter with no backswing. Line your putter up against the back of the ball and simply push the ball forward to the hole. This exercise taught me to follow through, resulting in a more confident, positive swing motion.

Random Posts

June 10, 2008 -- European Tour to start drug testing
April 15, 2008 -- Trevor Immelman first South African since Gary Player to win US Masters
October 14, 2007 -- Ernie Els wins the World Match Play at Wentworth

Lee Westwood’s Fitness Concerns Played Down By Agent

admin — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 19:49:00 +0000

Despite recently suffering with tonsillitis, Lee Westwood will still be available to represent Europe in this month’s Ryder Cup according to his agent Chubby Chandler. The English golfer missed last week’s European Open and will also miss the Mercedes-Benz Championship that starts in Germany on Thursday.

However, Chubby Chandler is insisting that Lee Westwood is ‘slowly recovering’ from the illness and that there is ‘no concern’ as to whether he will be fit enough to take part in the Ryder Cup. One thing that was admitted by Chandler though and something that will concern all European Golf fans, is that Lee Westwood is by no means 100% fit.

Going into the Ryder Cup without much recent playing time behind you is a big risk and it could affect the way Lee Westwood performs for Nick Faldo’s team. It is even more frustrating when you consider the form he was in before being struck down with the illness. Arguably in the best shape of his life, Lee Westwood finished 3rd in the US Open, climbing to number 12 in the world. I just hope that he can recapture this form when called upon by Team Europe. I’d be a lot happier placing my golf betting money on a European win if Lee Westwood is firing on all cylinders – that’s for sure.

Something that cannot be doubted is Lee Westwood’s record in the Ryder Cup. The 35-year-old has secured 15 ½ points for his team during his five appearances and has been Europe’s leading scorer – along with Spain’s Sergio Garcia – in the last two Ryder Cups. These type of statistics show why it is so important that Lee Westwood is available come next Friday.

Looking at Team Europe, he is one of the more experienced members of the side and his presence would be greatly missed. Along with Lee Westwood, the likes of Padgraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Miguel Angel Jimenez bring with them a lot of Ryder Cup experience and the loss of any of them would certainly affect Europe’s chances of making it four wins in a row.

Like Lee Westwood’s agent though, we must remain positive. If he says that Lee Westwood is going to be fit, why shouldn’t we believe him? Keeping my optimistic hat on, I would say that Lee Westwood will simply be refreshed and raring to go as he looks to close the gap on Nick Faldo’s Ryder Cup record of 25 points.

Random Posts

May 19, 2008 -- Richard Finch falls into water at the Irish Open
November 20, 2007 -- Dom Joly - Letters to my golf club
November 29, 2007 -- Reduced Green Fees for 100’s of golf courses

Improve Your Putting #1

admin — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 18:19:00 +0000

Once you start playing golf it doesn’t take you too long to realise your putting is the most important part of your game. I’m sure most high handicappers have a similar problem as myself. I can now confidently hit a ball some distance, and more often then not, hit the fairways. But getting onto the greens in two or three strokes is pointless if it then takes you three strokes to get the ball in the hole.

So I am going to share with you some of the tips I have been given over the past few months or so; and it would be great if you had other tips to share with me.

It’s an old cliche in golf, but its true to say - putting is a game within a game!

Improve Your Putting

This tip might sound odd, but believe me it works. It will help you gauge the power of your stroke and also gain confidence in your ability to judge how hard to hit the ball.

I read that when Tiger Woods was very young, his father used to tell him to pick the ball up and roll it towards the hole. If you are throwing a ball to someone else to catch you don’t fill your head with complicated sums trying to workout the distance, you simply look at your target and gauge the amount of power you need to apply to send the ball to the recipient.

By rolling the ball to the hole you are using those same instincts. Try it, if it works then attempt to hit the ball with equal power using your putter.

Trust me, it works; and by doing this exercise you will gain confidence in your own ability to judge the distance and power required to send the ball to the hole without worrying too much about techniques.

Random Posts

May 5, 2008 -- Peter Lawrie wins the European PGA Spanish Open
October 14, 2007 -- Ernie Els wins the World Match Play at Wentworth
September 3, 2008 -- Golf Trousers Comedy Sketch

Improve Your Short Game

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 09:06:00 +0000

Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect by Bob Rotella

I’m currently reading another book by well respected sports psychologist, Bob Rotella, Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect.

In Chapter 9: Let The Short Game Flow, Rotella places similar importance on routines and clearing the mind of any distractions in the same way as for other parts of the game. But helping me make my short game better is Rotella’s focus on three words - trust, feel and confidence.

Like many aspects of psychology, when I read it I can’t help thinking it is nothing more than common sense. But to read it and then keep it in mind the next time I find myself around the green with a wedge & putter to make an impressive par, is when I really appreciate how simple Rotella keeps his writing.

Rotella suggests any golf pro should be thinking of getting the ball in the hole, not near the pin, from 180 yards. For an amateur he suggests the yardage to be more like 60 - 90 depending on the handicap.

Most important he suggests is, when you find yourself around the edge of the green with a wedge in hand, you will need to losen your grip and feel the shot. Take more practice shots and when it feels right, trust your judgment and be confident of your ability to succeed.

Rotella states that the majority of my shots as a high handicapper are going to be made on or around the green, so it makes perfect sense to me when he says I should spend 70% of my practising with my short irons, wedges & putter.

If the three driving ranges I frequent are anything to go by, I meet very few golfers on the chipping green, putting greens and practising over or out of the bunker. Most are trying to hit the back fence with the oversized drivers!

Random Posts

February 20, 2008 -- Ernie Els is keen to improve match play
May 8, 2008 -- New Cutters Golf Gloves
March 21, 2008 -- Ogilvy & Jimenez lead CA Championship

Golf Trousers Comedy Sketch

admin — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:58:00 +0000

This classic comedy sketch was posted by John Williams on the British Comedy Classics blog last week. The clip is from the 1980’s sketch show Not The Nine O’ Clock News and has Rowan Atkinson introducing the contenders for the Pro Am Silly Trousers Tournament.

I think Ian Poulter could give all these old timers a good run for their money!

Random Posts

May 23, 2008 -- Paul McGinley Round 2 Leader at Wentworth
November 24, 2007 -- Donald Trump’s new proposed £1bn golf resort
February 27, 2008 -- Left-handers sign up for the Southpaw Open

European Ryder Cup Team includes Poulter & Casey

admin — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 11:44:00 +0000

European Ryder Cup Team includes wildcards Paul Casey & Ian Poulter

Oliver Wilson, Justin Rose and Soren Hansen qualified for the last three automatic Ryder Cup places yesterday with points gained in the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles. All three will make their Ryder Cup debuts alongside Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson, Robert Karlsson, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Graeme McDowell who together qualify as the top 10 European players in this year’s Order of Merit table.

As European Ryder Cup Captain for 2008, Nick Faldo has to pick two wildcards to add to the team. Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie are the two highest profile players to miss out. Darren Clarke has been is relatively good form recently including two European Tour wins this year, most recently the KLM Open in Holland two weeks ago.

Colin Montgomerie has not been in brilliant form but with eight previous appearances, has a wealth of Ryder Cup experience to offer any European team. Darren Clarke also has previous Ryder Cup experience, including good performances with the likes of Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia.

But Faldo has offered wildcards to Paul Casey and Ian Poulter. Critics of Faldo’s choices have focussed on Darren Clarke missing out in favour of Ian Poulter.

Ian Poulter decided to skip the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles this weekend & instead played a tournament in the United States.

Colin Montgomerie, who was targetted by American fans in the previous Ryder Cup to be held in the United States with the nickname Mrs Doubtfire, got wind of Ian Poulter being offered a wildcard last week and started a war of words with Poulter suggesting that he must have a hotline to Faldo.

Poulter has failed to make the last two cuts but Ryder Cup Captain Nick Faldo felt Poulter deserved to be picked over other more seasoned Ryder Cup players such as Darren Clarke & Colin Montgomery because of his fantastic last round at the recent British Open.

Personally I feel sorry for Darren Clarke but am a big Ian Poulter fan. I love his style, confidence, somewhat cocky arrogant approach to the game of golf. His flash personality, let alone his clothes, has been one of the reasons that golf has become more flamboyant and exciting to watch.

I hope Poulter, Casey, Rose and the other young guns from the UK help to thrash the Americans in this month’s Ryder Cup - I can’t wait!

Random Posts

July 28, 2008 -- Get a Free Golf Handicap Online
April 11, 2008 -- Justin Rose leads US Open
January 3, 2008 -- Three foot python eats golf balls!

The Rotary Swing by Chuck Quinton

admin — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 08:36:00 +0000

The Rotary Swing by Chuck Quinton

Book Review - The Rotary Swing by Chuck Quinton

The Rotary Swing is a trademarked name for what Chuck Quinton explains to be a simple approach to the basic golf swing, something he suggests in many cases is over complicated by too much analysis and staged management.

After an introductory explanation of the swing, this book breaks down each of the main components of a successful golf swing, at all times emphasising that many golfers and coaches alike lose sight of how simple this process is.

Through ten chapters Chuck Quinton discusses the role of the body as the “engine” of the swing movement, the forward tilt, and the “passive arms”. He then moves onto the grip, set up and ball position before explaining the back swing and the down swing.

For anyone already familiar with the breakdown or mechanics of a golf swing you will see The Rotary Swing works through the same set of fundamentals as other teaching methods. I have been playing golf for about 18 months now and didn’t read anything here that I hadn’t already been taught or addressed.

That said, the book itself offers a clear and simple breakdown of how to swing a golf club correctly.

Quinton suggests that more seasoned amateurs can do more damage by deconstructing a natural swing and complicating the swing and their mind by focusing too hard on what is wrong with their golf swing.

From someone who can hit a bad fade when I’m not thinking straight or sometimes, thinking too much, I am not sure that any book can help eradicate poor technique if it is not clear to the golfer why he is hitting poor shots in the first place. Speaking from experience, I needed two coaches to explain the same problem in two different ways before I was able to fully understand the problem and manage to rectify the cause.

But I do appreciate part of Quinton’s point is true, my problem swing was exacerbated by my thinking too much and not simply getting back to basics.

So, if you are new to the game of golf and want a clear and simple instruction book then this is as good a place to start than any. If you are in a rut and you want to go back to basics, again this book will help clear your head. But I personally don’t think reading this book alone will alter any bad habits or improve your swing.

The Rotary Swing by Chuck Quinton is $14.95

For more information visit www.RotarySwing.com or www.OnePlaneGolfSwing.com

Random Posts

November 20, 2007 -- Plans for £1 billion golf resort in Aberdeenshire
March 5, 2008 -- Free Nike Golf Balls
March 28, 2008 -- Putting Out Of Your Mind

Padraig Harrington secures his second consecutive major

admin — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 17:43:00 +0000

Irish golfer Padraig Harrington moved up to the top of Europe’s Ryder Cup rankings as he won the USPGA Championship at Oakland Hills. This means that the 36-year-old has won his last two majors after he emerged victorious in the British Open at Royal Birkdale.

Padraig Harrington held off the challenge of fellow European Sergio Garcia and American Ben Curtis to win by two shots. It was a tense and entertaining final day as these three golfers were involved in a race for the title. It was great to watch, that I have to say.

At the beginning of the fourth round, Padriag Harrington trailed Ben Curtis by three shots. However, he and Sergio Garcia led the way after 13 holes, with Ben Curtis still fancying his chances of victory. Sergio Garcia led after 15, but when he hit water on the 16th, he was pegged back and the three leaders were inseparable once again. It was very tense tough at this stage.

Padraig Harrington has a habit of recording birdies at crucial times and he did so again at the 17th. He hit a superb putt from eight feet to lead by one-shot going to the last hole. Then, as Sergio Garcia bogeyed the last, Padriag Harrington sunk a fabulous par putt from 18 feet to secure the title. Ben Curtis had previously bogeyed the 17th to all but end his chances of victory.

The most significant aspect of this win, in my view, is that Padraig Harrington became the first European to win the USPGA since Tommy Armour’s in 1930. That is a very long time and is an achievement that shouldn’t be underestimated.

In what has been a fantastic few weeks for Padraig Harrington, he also joined Tiger Woods, Nick Price and Walter Hagen as the only players to win the final two majors of the year. Excellent stuff from the Irishman.

Despite losing out to Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia and Ben Curtis do have reason to be cheerful. They have both secured their place in September’s Ryder Cup for the European and American teams respectively. Speaking of the Kentucky tournament, it has to be said that Padraig Harrington will be one of the key men for Nick Faldo’s Europe. In fact, if I was to bet on the Ryder Cup, the form of Padraig Harrington could lead me to back him to be Europe’s leading point scorer.

That is still a month or so away yet though and for now, he should enjoy winning his second consecutive major. He really is becoming one of the world’s greatest golfers. Excellent stuff Padraig – keep it going during the Ryder Cup please!

Random Posts

June 2, 2008 -- Carly Booth - the future of women’s golf
August 7, 2008 -- Lee Westwood leads Europeans aiming for USPGA glory
July 10, 2008 -- Tiger Woods turns down Ryder Cup chance

Here’s my strongest Arsenal starting side - now tell me yours

admin — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 07:06:00 +0000

There’s very little going on today. Actually, apart from the news that Robin van Persie is in contract talks and the revelation that Theo Walcott didn’t actually want the #14 shirt there’s absolutely nothing going on.

Now, there’s not much I can say about those two stories so I thought I’d run through the squad and name the team (including substitutes) that I will be hoping starts the first match of the season. In other words, the strongest Arsenal side that is currently available. So here it is:

Manuel Almunia

Bacary Sagna Kolo Toure William Gallas (C) Gael Clichy

Theo Walcott Abou Diaby Cesc Fabregas Samir Nasri

Robin van Persie Emmanuel Adebayor

Subtitutes (7): Lukasz Fabianski, Johan Djourou, Alex Song, Denilson, Jack Wilshere, Carlos Vela, Nicklas Bendtner.

As the title of my post says, this is the side that I would play for the first game of the season based on fitness and form. I think most people will agree with the bulk of the picks - with the most contentious areas likely to be the left and right wing and the second central-midfield slot next to Cesc Fabregas.

I’ve gone with Theo Walcott on the right because I think he’s ready to make an impact this season and he’s looked promising in pre-season thus far. Samir Nasri should start on the left simply because he was brought in to replace Alex Hleb and should be up to it.

As for the defensive midfield slot, I’ve gone for Abou Diaby over the likes of Denilson and Alex Song because he has more experience and physical presence and tends to use the ball better as well. Ideally I would like to see someone else come in to provide competition in this position but if this is how the squad looks when the transfer window slams shut then I think Diaby is the best fit.

When looking at the bench I’ve gone for players to cover a range of different positions. I still see Johan Djourou as a better player than Philippe Senderos while Song can play anywhere across the back and in midfield. Denilson is a sure thing while selecting Carlos Vela, Nicklas Bendtner and the precocious Jack Wilshere gives a huge amount of variety in attack.

As for the players that are currently out of action, I don’t think too many people will argue that both Tomas Rosicky and Eduardo will push very hard for a starting spot once they return to fitness. Their inevitable returns should ensure the likes of Walcott and Nasri as well as Adebayor and van Persie are well and truly on their toes throughout the early part of the season. Indeed, any consistently weak performances and they may find themselves benched.

So that’s about it. I think it’s a pretty good side - what do you think? Would you change anything? Let me know.

And of course - have a great weekend!

Have your say on Arsenal’s strongest starting side by leaving a comment.

Lee Westwood leads Europeans aiming for USPGA glory

admin — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:12:00 +0000

The top golfers in Europe will be searching for crucial Ryder Cup points during this year’s USPGA Championship that starts today. It is the final major of the year and presents one of the last opportunities for European players to force their way into Nick Faldo’s Ryder Cup team.

In total, eight Europeans will be competing at Oakland Hills this week. Lee Westwood, Padriag Harrington and Miguel Angel Jimenez will be looking to cement their place amongst the automatic qualifiers and Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey, Darren Clarke, Colin Montgomerie and Ian Poulter will be hoping to give themselves a chance of qualifying. The latter is aware that the next four days are ‘very important’ for his chances.

Englishman Ian Poulter – who is 20,000 points behind final qualifier Justin Rose, European points list – finished runner up to Padraig Harrington in The Open and 16th in the WGC Bridgestone event on Sunday to give himself a chance of playing in the Ryder Cup. He is aware that a convincing performance this week could see him climb the rankings or it could make sure that if he doesn’t qualify, he will be a front runner for one of Nick Faldo’s wildcard picks.

Looking more specifically at the USPGA Championship, without reference to the Ryder Cup, it looks rather bleak for any European golfer. That’s because no-one from Europe has won this event since Scotsman Tommy Armour in 1930. Despite this, I am tempted to stick some of my golf betting money on a European achieving the feat.

Lee Westwood is my man again this time. He is having an excellent time at the moment and is arguably playing the best golf of his life. He partners Geoff Ogilvy and Zach Johnson and goes into the USPGA event in good spirits after finishing runner up to Vijay Singh at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. With the likes of Phil Mickelson in the field though, Lee Westwood has his work cut out if he is to win it.

The majority of Europe’s focus will be on securing a Ryder Cup place with a decent performance in this USPGA. However, if any European golfer is going to win it – it will be Lee Westwood. I’ll be reviewing the tournament next week.

Random Posts

January 24, 2008 -- Possible Golf Resort in Northern Ireland
June 19, 2008 -- Tiger Woods to miss the rest of 2008
July 1, 2008 -- Pablo Larrazabal records shock French Open victory

Sagna loves Nasri, Wilshere promoted + Wednesday Poll

admin — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:00:00 +0000

A bit of Jack Wilshere, some Samir Nasri and the Wednesday Poll is what’s in store today before I rush off to the movies with the girl for a bit of mid-week relaxation.

First up, young Wilshere. I hastily mentioned in yesterday’s post that the 16-year-old Englishman has been rewarded with a spot in the first team this season by Arsene Wenger. Wilshere was given the #19 shirt vacated by Gilberto Silva as a result of his stunning pre-season performances.

As Neil Banfield - coach of the Arsenal reserve team - states:

“Jack was given the opportunity by the manager to go on the Austrian Training Camp, along with five others who have all done really well. Jack has taken his chance, and he is one of quite a few we have here that we have high hopes for.”

It’s another great example of the message that Wenger tries to put across that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. And everything we’ve seen thus far suggests that Wilshere is more than good enough.

A couple of the Arsenal blogs have cleverly pointed out that with the new ’seven substitutes’ rule coming into effect this season it could be the perfect platform for Wilshere to make a name for himself. Either way, the inclusion in the first team squad should be a huge pat on the back and boost of confidence for a kid who is still yet to finish school. Well done to him.

Next up today are some comments from everybody’s favourite braid-wearing right-back, Bacary Sagna. The Frenchman has been speaking about Arsenal’s chances for next season as well as the impact that new signing Samir Nasri could have for the club. In his own words:

“Samir is a very good player and we are lucky to have signed him. I have played alongside him in the French national team. I believe he will show everyone he can play very well and will find his place in the Arsenal team.”

My personal opinion is that Nasri is going to fit in a lot quicker than people think. There’s little doubt in my mind that with Tomas Rosicky still recovering from his surgery Nasri will start the season as the first-choice left-winger and I think he’s going to do a mighty fine job. I’m not expecting miracles, just consistency, and I think the Frenchman is definitely going to be up to the task.

Now the bit you’ve been waiting for… the Wednesday Poll. Hurrah! I try to keep things interesting with regards to the poll and again I’m quite happy with this one. Observe:

Has Adebayor won your heart back yet?
	Yep, most definitely.
	No, still got a lot more to do.
	He’ll never win my heart back!
	I never had a problem with him in the first place

Web Polls

That’s it for today. Just on the off chance that you’re interested in what movie I’m off to tonight it’s a Brazilian flick called ‘Mutum’ that I’m watching at the Brisbane International Film Festival. I’ll let you know if it turns out to be any good tomorrow.

Cheers!

Have your say on Wilshere’s promotion, Sagna’s Nasri comments or the Wednesday Poll by leaving a comment.

Xabi Alonso the final piece? + Arsenal squad review

admin — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 06:53:00 +0000

Hello there, happy Tuesday to you all. I know it’s not the best day of the week - heck, I’d say it’s probably the worst - but what can you do other than try and enjoy it? My sentiments exactly. Anyhoo, moving on…

It seems that Arsenal have made a move for Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso. According to reports Arsene Wenger has made an inital approach for the Spaniard with the hope of having his £18 million valuation reduced to something around £10.5 million - the amount that Liverpool paid Real Sociedad four years ago. Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez, however, is adament that Alonso will not be going anywhere unless Arsenal fork out the dough.

Speaking after his side’s win over Rangers on the weekend, Benitez said:

“I don’t think it will be easy [for him to leave]. The value of Alonso in the market will be really high. We are really pleased with him and we don’t want him to go unless we get a very good price.”

With Gareth Barry almost certain of moving from Aston Villa to Liverpool it’s understandable that Benitez and the club want to get as much as they can for Alonso. But is he worth £18 million? It’s hard to say.

On one hand he’s 26, in the prime of his career and already seasoned Premiership player. On the other, if Barry comes in to replace Alonso then Liverpool will have a player who will be on the fringes and who - you would have to think - would be looking for a change.

Should he look over for a moment and see the gaping hole in Arsenal’s midfield and the huge opportunity for him then I think he might look to move. Liverpool won’t want an unsettled player and while Wenger might not want to pay £18 million for the Spaniard I can definitely see him forking out £12-13 million for him.

Personally I think it’s going to happen. Call it a hunch, call it whatever you want, but I think Alonso will be Wenger’s last signing this summer. And a mighty good one it will be. Indeed, should Alonso’s move go through then I think Arsenal will have a stronger squad than they had last season.

In goals, Manuel Almunia spent most of last season trying to prove that he was a more able goalkeeper than the outwardly vocal Jens Lehmann. He eventually won, rewarded with the Number One jersey and the knowledge that he will start this season as the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.

In defence the personnel is exactly the same as last time around but the crucial fact is that each and every player is a year older. That means William Gallas and Kolo Toure’s partnership will be stronger, Philippe Senderos and Johan Djourou will have more vital experience under the belts and Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna… well… there’s really nothing to worry about there!

Time is also a big factor with regards to the midfielders Wenger has at his disposal. Arsenal may have lost Alex Hleb and Mathieu Flamini but I’d argue that the signings of Samir Nasri, Xabi Alonso (if it goes ahead) and Aaron Ramsey combined with the continued development of Denilson, Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott means the squad have more depth and quality than last time around. There’s more variety too, something that will become vital as Wenger tries to balance his Premier League and Champions League challenges.

There is always the possibility that Alonso’s move does not go through and if that proves to be the case then Wenger needs to look at other options to plug that central midfield hole. It’s not vital to the starting team - indeed, I’m confident that Diaby can start in there - but it is vital to the depth and overall quality of the squad.

Update: I should add in here the revelation that is Jack Wilshere. 16 years old and has just been rewarded with a spot in the first team. Outstanding stuff.

Up front there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Vitally, Emmanuel Adebayor has decided to stay and should he remain fit then there is huge potential in him forming an awesome partnership with Robin van Persie. The few times the pair got to play together last season they were highly effective and some of the combination play they exhibited against Real Madrid suggests the pair are ready for a big year.

As for reserves, I’d argue that no other club in Europe has as much depth and variety in attack as Arsenal do. Nicklas Bendtner is a year older and looks ready to play a big part this season, Carlos Vela has shown he can also be relied upon while Eduardo will return around Christmas and give the side the deadly finisher they lacked at crucial points last season.

So all in all I think things are looking pretty darn good. To be completely honest, just writing all that has got me bloody excited! I hope reading it has made you feel the same way.

Before I go today I want to mention a couple of exciting Arsenal FC Blog-related bits.

Firstly, for all those that have been asking - I have finally set up a Premier League Fantasy Football league for all the readers of the blog. The code you will need to enter is 647594-126298 and you can join the league here. For everyone who entered last season you should be automatically invited back in again.

Secondly, after some careful negotiations my good friends at Pikum have come up with a special offer for the readers of this blog. They’re giving away a no strings attached £10 for users to throw around on any of the pikums that I have set up. They’ve also been nice enough to throw a bonus £15 in the pot for the Arsenal v West Brom Pikum that I have set up for Round One of the Premier League. Check out all the details here.

For those that don’t know, Pikum! is a really cool social betting site where you try and pick results on all sorts of sporting events. In their own words: “Pikum is a fun game you can play with friends, co-workers, or fellow fans to see who’s best at answering the question… What’s going to happen?”. For more details go to their website here. I should also remind you that you don’t have to bet with real money, you can bet just for fun as well.

OK - that’s it. Thanks for reading and have a smashing Tuesday.

Have your say on Xabi Alonso or the Arsenal squad by leaving a comment.