FosterPann

Tough one. I love the Masters and it kind of represents the start of the [decent] golfing year here in the UK so is always something I look forward to hugely. However, being somewhat biased, I've got to say the British Open, for a number of reasons; 1) The history. Of course, all the majors have that to a degree, but The Open is the longest running major championship. And it is The Open. Sorry my American friends 2) Continuing the theme, because it's precisely what it says it is - an 'Open'. Theoretically, anyone in the world can enter the qualifying tournaments, progress and ultimately make it to the event itself. One guy from my old club even qualified once. Ok, he did shit, but that's not the point . I'm not sure if US Open qualifying works in the same way, though possibly. Either way, it's a good thing. 3) Links golf, the necessity for shotmaking and the different challenges it presents. 4) Classy trophy. 5) The dull speeches from the staggering old crudsacks at the R&A.;

I think the biggest issue with winter golf in the UK is the lack of light (though of course we get the reverse benefits in summer). Inevitably it leads to too many people cramming onto the course in a limited time period, the end result being ridiculously slow rounds when light is at a premium! That said, I've played pretty much every week this winter, which is a first, and only once have I been significantly rained on. Not bad really. I just wonder whether I'm going to see the benefits to my game come spring/summer.

[QUOTE=Caveman_Nick;35711]Funny thing a very good golfer I knew a long time ago said to me. He saud that people never seemed to have a problem spending over $400 on a driver to swing 13 or so times a round, but for whatever reason were reluctant to spend money for a putter that they would use an average of about 40 times a round.[QUOTE] Well, I am also glad I did I forked out, and I think the above statement is very true. It seems that when it comes ot the quest for extra distance, all logic goes out of the window and $400 suddenly seems fantastic value for five more yards on your drive.

For what it's worth I use a Cameron Studio Style Newport 2.5. Before getting it, I was very reluctant to spend so much on a putter but I'm glad I did. I won't say it's transformed my putting but it's made a big difference and really is worth every penny. Importantly I now love my putter and look forward to using it - not the case before. That change in mindset alone can work wonders.

Yeah, playing in London is not easy. There are a few courses, but most are overpriced and not very good. Playing for me entails driving out to some of the surrounding counties like Surrey or Sussex where courses are abundant, though still pricey. I currently only get to play once a month, if that, so any realistic hope of improvement is minimal. Thankfully I'm moving fairly soon to somewhere a bit better in that sense and am excited at the prospect of being to play every week for the first time since I was about 16! I might even join a club.

Interesting thread. As many people have pointed out, with the right conditions many people can hit the ball 300+ but to do it regularly, say in winter conditions. I don't think so. I'd say I'm a comparatively short hitter (average maybe 250-270). God knows what I'd be hitting if we were still using Persimmon. I almost dread to think.

I am torn about the Lindeberg clothing. Excusing the fact it is massively overpriced, the trousers are actually excellent and a really nice cut - not like those ridiculous stock chinos you often see tour pros wearing. On the other hand, the shirts are garish and look pretty crap too. I'm automatically suspicious of anyone I see wearing one and the words 'show pony' immediately spring to mind.

Hello, I'm new on here and am looking forward to getting involved in the forum discussions (nice website by the way). I'm an avid golfer, though don't get to play as much as I'd like. Living in London is not conducive to golf, sadly. Anyway, I try and do my bit spreading the gospel about our beloved game. My dream is to one day rid the sport of racist old duffers that are a blight on golf clubs across the UK and give the sport a bad name (many of whom have little or no appreciation of etiquette, despite lecturing others on it at every opportunity). Anyway, I hope everyone is well!