REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL

As we close the book on 2018, it’s a good opportunity to look back on what I feel has been a great year for the sport, especially at the top level. The past 12 months has seen some truly outstanding performances, especially from Patrick Reed, Brooks Koepka and Francesco Molinari, who has almost overnight become one of the world’s most complete golfers. Confidence boosted to new levels by his Open win, Molinari was one of the star men of Europe’s victorious Ryder Cup team, who handed the American team a lesson in match play golf at Le Golf National.

And, of course, 2018 witnessed the return of Tiger Woods. As I’ve written before, I’m an admirer of Tiger rather than a full-blown fan, but I found myself cheering for him last year more than in any other. His comeback story seems to have defied not only logic, but medicine as well. He came close to winning two Majors, and with his victory at East Lake, every pro is suddenly glancing over their shoulder once again.

I believe there’s much to be positive about in 2019 and the Major venues are four of the finest courses in the game. As usual, everything gets underway at Augusta National and then, as part of a significantly changed schedule, the USPGA moves to Bethpage Black in May. A month later, the fantastic Pebble Beach hosts the US Open and just a few weeks after that, Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland stages The Open for the first time in 68 years. Add in a Solheim Cup at Gleneagles and the Walker Cup at Royal Liverpool and I predict a lot of time spent on the sofa watching golf!

What’s more, the new Rules of Golf have the potential to both simplify the game and make pace of play measurably quicker, and golf gear fans will be thrilled to learn there are some very exciting products to watch out for this year. I have had the opportunity to see and hit almost all of the launches that are coming this season and it’s clear the R&D departments of the major brands have been thinking outside of the box.

Here’s to a vintage year for us all!