Golf’s back but Andrew is in no rush to tee it up
Former Ryder Cup player Andrew Coltart has resisted the temptation to get the clubs out and head back onto the golf course. But he can’t wait to watch the sport again as tournament play resumes next month on the PGA Tour in the United States. Dumfries-born Coltart now lives in south-west London, so could have played from May 13, due to the easing of lockdown restrictions in England.
But these days he almost views golf as his previous occupation.
Now his primary focus is on his second career as a member of the Sky Sports commentary team.
Like a lot of golf fans, Andrew watched the charity game which featured Rory Mcilroy and Dustin Johnson last Sunday, and it has whetted his appetite for things to restart in earnest at Colonial from June 11.
It won’t be business as usual, but Coltart believes the thrill of competition will kick in for players and TV viewers alike.
“In America, we are used to seeing big crowds. But this situation goes beyond feeling like there needs to be an atmosphere,” says Coltart, who turned 50 less than a fortnight ago.
“Players just have to get on with it.
“It is very challenging, logistically, for all involved, but they are playing for very good money and have a chance to show their skills.
“Plus, there will be an enormous crowd watching on TV, so it’s a positive step and a small semblance of a return to normality. “There will be strong fields, which is great for these early events as the top players are all desperate to get out and play again.”
But, while golfers across the Atlantic can now step up their practice, the European
Tour is still waiting to finalise their updated schedule. There are no tournaments until at least late July and Coltart recognises it is an unprecedented time for all the pros in Europe.
“I would have found it very difficult,” he admits. “I was institutionalised in a routine of daily practice for a weekly competition.
“But these are incredible circumstances and you know that it will be affecting everyone.
“I’m not sure what will be realistic for the European Tour. With three Majors and the Ryder Cup scheduled for later in the year in the United States, the top Europeans will all be over there and they won’t come back.
“It’s very tricky – a nightmare scenario, really.
“I’ve heard talk of coming back with a four-tournament run in the UK, because at least that would all be under one government’s regulations. But obviously that has not been nailed down yet.”
Coltart made his sole Ryder Cup appearance at Brookline in 1999 and experienced the famous bear-pit atmosphere in Boston as the US launched a famous Sunday Singles comeback – the Scot losing out 3&2 to Tiger Woods – to regain the Cup.
While acknowledging the special role fans bring to the event, he is trying to look at the bigger picture.
“This is an unbelievable time,” he adds. “For people around the world, the Ryder Cup would be something to look forward to. We need that.
“It’s more than just a question of atmosphere, it’s a case of what golf can do in times of need.
“If it goes ahead, it would be one of the most-famous Ryder Cups ever. And the players would still be desperate to win for their country or their continent.”
Coltart is now eligible for life on the Seniors tour, but there will be no return to competition.
“I thought about playing in the Senior Open,” he admits.
“But I decided against it and I have no intention of playing Seniors golf. I have a good gig with Sky, on and off camera, and I want to throw all my attention into that.
“Here, we’re desperate to try to get as much live golf back on screens as we can for the viewers at home.”