Butch Harmon: Ian Woosnam

should be Europe's Ryder

Cup captain at Celtic Manor

FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH SPORT WEBSITE

By MARK REASON

When Butch Harmon speaks, you listen. The normal reaction to the patter of tiny salesmen is to run a mile. But Harmon is the best in the business.
In the course of half an hour, Harmon, pictured right by Cal Carson Golf Agency, says that it would be:

*Madness not to appoint Ian Woosnam as the next Ryder Cup captain,.

*Predicts that both Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods will join the European Tour next year and wonders if John Daly will ever learn to help himself.
What sets Harmon apart is that not only does he say what he thinks most of the time, he has the experience and insight to give his opinions real value on the sporting shock market.
Harmon led a mortar crew in the Vietnam War, played professional golf, lost his temper a lot, hit rock bottom through booze and gambling, and coached Tiger Woods in arguably the greatest year a golfer has had.
Oh, and Harmon's dad won the Masters.

Oh, and Harmon now coaches Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Adam Scott. And Jose Maria Olazabal, potentially Europe's next Ryder Cup captain. And Corey Pavin, the recently appointed American Ryder Cup captain.

So when Harmon says that Woosnam should be the next Ryder Cup captain, or that Mickelson will join the European Tour next season, you tend to take notice.
"I would go for Woosie. It's the obvious choice. He won last time at the K Club. It's in Wales. He cannot make the Ryder Cup team. Monty could still make the team and I know Jose thinks he can still make the team. He spent time with me two months ago and he wanted to play."
Is Woosnam not too old? According to Europe's tournament committee, 50-year-old captains are out of touch.

Harmon said: "Age has nothing to do with it. You could be 40 and out of touch with the players. It's rubbish. It almost sounds like an excuse [for defeat under the 51-year-old Faldo]. This one should have been a slam dunk. Woosie in Wales. I can't even imagine why anyone else was on the docket to be considered."
If Woosnam should have been a slam dunk as Europe's captain, should Paul Azinger not have been an easy lay-up as America's leader, rather than Corey Pavin?

Harmon said: "The American team really wanted Azinger to do it again. All the players wanted him. Phil Mickelson really wanted Azinger to do it again. But Corey will be a good captain. He's feisty, he still plays the Tour and he will definitely learn from Azinger."
Pavin may still play the US Tour, but what about the rest of the Americans? When Alvaro Quiros won in Qatar on Sunday he shot up to No 28 in the world, winning twice as many ranking points as Pat Perez, who limped up to 59th spot after his win in California. The balance of power is shifting.
Harmon said: "The Race to Dubai has created a whole new atmosphere in golf. It will be a world event. The FedEx Cup in the US hasn't taken off like they thought it would. It's very limited. The Race to Dubai allows everyone in the world to play in a European Tour event. You've seen that with the Americans. I think Phil will join next year, I really do, and I think you will see Tiger Woods join too. It will be spectacular."
Ah, Phil and Tiger. So what was coach Harmon's take on the moment when Tiger's caddie, Steve Williams, called Mickelson a -----?

Harmon said: "It was ridiculous. I can't even imagine why he would say anything like that. Even if you thought it I don't know why you'd say it. I know he called and apologised but I don't know how you can apologise."
Mickelson was with Harmon in Las Vegas nine days ago and said: "It's over and done with." But Mickelson must know that it is not. Woods responded to the furore by reprimanding Williams, but rejected calls to sack him.

Harmon said: "The conversation I would like to have heard was the one between Tiger and Steve Williams. The player is in charge of the caddie's mouth."
But Mickelson did tell Harmon that he didn't think Williams should have been sacked.
There is never enough time with Harmon, but before he whizzed off to what he called "the pub", there was just time to ask him about John Daly, who was supposed to be playing in Dubai this week but has not turned up again. Harmon coached Daly for a while before "sacking" the player in an acrimonious split last year.
Harmon said: "I felt I could help John. I was gonna give him tough love. I thought that's what he needed because everyone seems to tolerate everything he does. Unfortunately it didn't work out. But when you have a problem, until you're willing to face your problem and admit you have one, it's always going to be there. It's a sad thing. He's a great kid."
+Butch Harmon was speaking at the launch of The Butch Harmon School of Golf at The Els Club, Dubai Sports City

Midland Alliance switched to Drumoig

The Midland Golfers' Alliance competition arranged for Thursday at Murrayshall has been moved to Drumoig due to the conditions at the Perth venue. Tee reserved from 9am to 12.30.
The Dennis Redford Powakaddy team competition has been moved to the Monifieth meeting.

SGU-SLGA amalgamation

being "seriously discussed,"

says Hamish Grey

FROM THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS WEBSITE

By WILLIAM DUNCAN

An almagation between the Scottish Golf Union and the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association will not only happen but it will be a positive step for the amateur game, it was claimed today.

Talks about a merger between the two bodies have been taking place and, though still at an early stage, the matter was the subject of a workshop prior to yesterday's SGU annual general meeting at Tulliallan.

"An amalgamation in Scotland is being seriously discussed," confirmed Hamish Grey, the SGU's Chief Executive Officer (pictured above by Cal Carson Golf Agency). "We already have a working group made up of representatives of both bodies and I am hopeful that we will have some details on the matter later this year.

"The amateur game in Wales is already run by an unified body, while talks have recently resumed in England about the same thing happening there.

"We are well aware of what has been done in Wales and also what our Continental counterparts have in place, while similar moves have also been made in both Australia and New Zealand," added Grey.

Speaking after he was installed as the SGU's new vice-president, Bathgate's Bert Leslie welcomed talk of a possible amalgamation.

"While it might not be as straightforward as some people think, it is going to happen and I'm sure everyone will benefit," said Leslie.

"The cost of renting offices would be reduced if everyone was under the one roof while other running costs would also be cut, too."

Alistair Low, the SGU's outgoing chairman, added: "The biggest hurdle in this happening is the existing structure as they are quite different in many respects.

Tain's Ian Ross becomes president for 2009

Douglas Connon MBE is

new chairman

of Scottish Golf Union

NEWS RELEASE ISSUE BY SCOTTISH GOLF UNION
The Scottish Golf Union (SGU) announced Douglas Connon MBE (pictured right) as its new Chairman at the SGU’s Annual General Meeting at Tulliallan.
The AGM marks the start of Connon’s term of office, overseeing the governance of the organisation and succeeding Alistair Low who served as the SGU Chairman for the past six years.
Connon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge from both the private and public sectors to the role. He is currently the Managing Director of Corporate Affairs and is a member of the executive committee for Alliance Trust PLC.
Prior to that, Connon was Head of Sponsorship and Corporate Affairs at Aberdeen Asset Management where he played a key role in the company’s golf sponsorship activity including the Senior Open Championship, Scotland amateur golf team and leading professional players such as Colin Montgomerie and Paul Lawrie.
With a strong military background, having served as an army officer for 29 years, Connon was awarded an MBE in the Gulf Honours list in 1992. A keen golfer with a handicap of 7, Connon is a member of a number of golf clubs throughout Scotland.
Commenting on his new role, Connon said, “It is a great honour to become the Chair of the SGU. I would like to pay tribute to my predecessor Alistair Low, who has helped to influence and shape the SGU into the modern, progressive organisation it has become during his two terms of office, and I look forward to continuing his legacy. “
Alistair Low, on demitting office said, “It has been a privilege to play a role in the governance of the SGU. The organisation has enjoyed many successes both on and off the course and I am sure the SGU will continue to prosper under the guidance of Douglas. He brings an enviable combination of strong management skills and business acumen to the role - as well as a love for golf - which will serve him well. Moving forward, the SGU is in very capable hands facing the challenges ahead.”
At the same meeting, Ian Ross became the new SGU President for 2009. An honorary member at Tain GC and a life member at Kirkintilloch GC, Ross succeeds John Sommerville to be the 47th President of the SGU.
Ross is a past Captain and Committee member of Tain GC and joined the Executive of the North District in 2000. He became the North District representative to the SGU in 2003. Since then, Ross has served on various SGU committees and has a wealth of experience working at many national events and championships.
Commenting on his new role, Ross said, “I am very much looking forward to the year ahead as President of the SGU and count it as a great honour, not only for myself but also for the North District and both Tain and Kirkintilloch Golf Clubs

Bernard Langer is off and running again

with $315,000 win on US Seniors Tour

Former Ryder Cup player and captain Bernhard Langer, Rookie and Player of the Year on the US Champions (Seniors) Tour last season, has carried on in 2009 where he left on in 2008 - winning the over-50s' season-opening Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii.
The 51-year-old German, who averaged 26.7 putts and drives over 300 yards, closed with a four-under-par 68, which lifted him up from second place on Saturday night to a one-shot victory from Andy Bean.
"I knew had to birdie one or two holes coming in," Langer said about a key birdie 4 at the long 14th. "I figured he wouldn't drop any shots, so I birdied that hole to go one ahead and that was good enough."
Langer totalled 18-under-par 198 to get his second-year campaign off to a flying start and earn his fifth title in his 26th start on the American seniors' circuit.
"I came into this tournament setting high goals and having high expectations, so it's good to get off a good start," Langer said. "If you start off struggling three or four weeks, it gets into your head and it could get worse. It's much better this way."
Bean, who had his second straight 66, surged into contention with three birdies on the front nine and an eagle on No. 10 but parred the final four. His 10-foot birdie try on 18, to possibly force a playoff, lipped out.
But the 51-year-old German earned $315,000 with this win. Hewas the only player to top the $2 million on the US Seniors Tour last year. As always, Langer was patient and focused.
"I am not a machine," Langer said. "Don't say that. I am definitely not a machine."
The two-time Masters winner owned the back nine at Hualalai. Of his 23 birdies in the tournament, 15 of them were on the back nine.
Langer also had several spectacular saves after missing the green. He got up and down on Nos. 8, 9 and 17 to save par. He sank a 15-footer for par to retain the lead.
The wind finally picked up along the Kona coast, which was blanketed by a haze from the volcanic fog spewing from across the island at Kilauea. And the fog seemed to follow Brad Bryant, who was in command for the first two rounds and closed with a 75 to finish tied for eighth.
After birdieing two of the first three holes to reach 17 under, Bryant built a two-stroke cushion over Langer with 14 holes remaining.
Bryant then self-destructed with a quadruple-bogey 7 via two trips to the water on the 205yd fifth hole.
"That was really a shock," Langer said.
Jay Haas (70) finished alone in third place for the third time in four years at the winners-only Hualalai. Mark McNulty (67) and Jeff Sluman (70) tied for fourth, four strokes back.
Gary Player bettered his age of 73 for the third straight day. He shot his second straight 71 after opening with a 70, and tied for 27th.

US Champions (Seniors) Tour Scoreboard
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CHAMPIONSHIP
Hualalai Resort, Kaupulehu-Kona, Hawaii.
Par 216 (3 x 72)
198 Bernhard Langer (Ger) 64 66 68
199 Andy Bean 67 66 66
201 Jay Haas 65 66 70
202 Jeff Sluman 65 67 70, Mark McNulty (Irl) 69 66 67
203 Gil Morgan 68 69 66, John Cook 68 67 68
204 Brad Bryant 64 65 75, Loren Roberts 71 65 68
205 Mark James (Eng) 69 66 70
206 Mark Wiebe 70 65 71, Tom Kite 66 69 71, Hale Irwin 65 67 74
207 Ben Crenshaw 68 71 68
209 D A Weibring 69 71 69, Tom Watson 69 67 73, Craig Stadler 72 65 72, Jerry Pate 67 68 74
210 Tom Purtzer 69 70 71, Jim Thorpe 69 70 71, Curtis Strange 71 67 72, Andy North 70 68 72, Bobby Wadkins 70 69 71
211 R.W. Eaks 66 71 74, Allen Doyle 69 72 70, Lonnie Nielsen 72 65 74
212 Gary Player (Rsa) 70 71 71, Mike Reid 68 74 70
214 Bruce Lietzke 69 72 73, Bruce Vaughan 70 71 73, Eduardo Romero (Arg) 73 69 72
215 Denis Watson (Zim) 70 73 72
216 Keith Fergus 75 71 70
235 Pete Oakley 79 76 80

Pat Perez scores his first US PGA

Tour win in Bob Hope Classic

FROM THE A O L GOLF NEWS SERVICE
Pat Perez claimed his first US PGA Tour title as he eagled the final hole to seal the Bob Hope Classic at La Quinta, California. It was his 158th tournament in his seven years on the circuit.
The 32-year-old carded a three-under-par 69 in the fifth and final round to finish 33 under par and win by three strokes from John Merrick, who signed for a 67.
Perez was delighted his first victory came at a tournament hosted by the legendary Arnold Palmer, saying: "I think it's special. I feel privileged to win the tournament that Mr Palmer won 50 years ago and now he's back hosting it. Today, I knew that I was ready. I prepared myself all week."
Steve Stricker entered the final round with a three-shot lead over Perez but a five-over-par round of 77 scuppered his chances as he finished five strokes back. Merrick held a share of the lead before a bogey at the 17th saw his charge falter.
Merrick said: "I think I got a little quick. On the last three holes, I didn't go through my whole process like I was during the whole day, and that could have hurt me. But it was playing tough out there. And I think I made two bogeys today, and that's not bad out there in that wind."
Stricker, who fired a 62 on Saturday, ended in a tie for third with Canadian Mike Weir (67), saying: "It's just a couple of bad swings that really cost me big time. And I hit them in spots where I couldn't recover from them. It was tough to judge the wind."
Despite windy conditions that included gusts of up to 40 miles per hour, Stephen Ames fired a 63 - the lowest round of the day - to climb into a tie for fifth with Bo Van Pelt (67), Tim Clark (69) and Webb Simpson (69).
However, the day belonged to Perez. A double-bogey on the fifth hole ended a run of three consecutive birdies. After a par on the sixth, Perez dropped another stroke with a bogey on the seventh but bounced back with birdies on the eighth and 11th.
He was one-under on the day until he hit a perfect drive on the 18th and followed it up with a six-iron near the flag.
Perez said: "I hit it right just in, just left of the bunker. But I had two mind sets. I was going to wait to see what (Merrick) did. If he made four, I have to hit a good shot because I'm not going to a play-off. I don't think I could have hit that shot again to be honest with you."
FINAL TOTALS
Par 360 (5 x 72)
327 Pat Perez 61 63 67 67 69
330 John Merrick 68 65 67 63 67
332 Steve Stricker 65 67 61 62 77, Mike Weir (Can) 62 70 67 66 67
333 Bo Van Pelt 66 65 68 67 67, Tim Clark (Rsa) 66 69 63 66 69, Stephen Ames (Can) 71 63 70 66 63, Webb Simpson 68 66 64 66 69
334 Brad Adamonis 67 62 71 69 65, Chad Campbell 66 71 68 65 64, Richard S Johnson (Swe) 63 65 67 69 70, John Senden (Aus) 67 70 65 64 68, Tom Pernice jun 65 63 68 69 69
335 Chris Stroud 65 63 67 69 71, Robert Garrigus 67 65 64 66 73, Bill Lunde 67 68 62 69 69, Rich Beem 66 65 65 68 71, D J Trahan 65 67 65 68 70
336 Charley Hoffman 72 66 64 65 69, Mathew Goggin (Aus) 66 70 62 67 71, Brian Gay 65 70 72 63 66, Lucas Glover 65 68 68 67 68, John Huston 69 70 64 64 69, Scott Piercy 66 66 70 65 69
337 Nick Watney 66 71 72 63 65, Colt Knost 69 68 70 63 67, Chris DiMarco 64 68 69 66 70, David Toms 68 65 68 67 69, Matt Kuchar 66 67 71 69 64, Bubba Watson 62 69 68 63 75, John Mallinger 66 67 65 68 71, Steve Marino 65 69 64 70 69, Bill Haas 68 68 67 67 67
338 Charlie Wi (Kor) 68 67 61 71 71, Scott McCarron 66 68 63 69 72, Vaughn Taylor 63 67 64 68 76, Casey Wittenberg 69 66 64 68 71, David Berganio jun 63 64 68 70 73, Jason Dufner 63 65 67 71 72, David Mathis 66 66 69 65 72, Ryuji Imada (Jpn) 67 65 69 67 70
339 Jerry Kelly 66 71 65 68 69, Justin Leonard 72 67 63 68 69, Cameron Beckman 68 67 70 68 66, Ken Duke 68 68 64 71 68, Woody Austin 66 68 68 67 70, Briny Baird 63 63 70 72 71
340 Dean Wilson 67 71 66 65 71, Joe Durant 73 66 65 69 67, Joe Ogilvie 70 73 67 62 68, Ryan Palmer 70 65 66 66 73, Kevin Sutherland 64 67 67 69 73, Cliff Kresge 68 63 67 73 69
341 Ben Crane 63 70 70 69 69, Martin Laird (Sco) 67 68 68 68 70, Heath Slocum 65 67 73 65 71, Rick Price 64 70 66 69 72
342 Alex Cejka (Ger) 68 67 68 70 69, Nicholas Thompson 66 70 68 68 70
343 Jeff Klauk 67 67 67 69 73, Michael Allen 68 71 66 68 70, Chris Couch 67 63 69 66 78, Fred Couples 68 72 64 68 71, Peter Lonard (Aus) 65 67 68 69 74, Jason Bohn 66 70 65 67 75
344 Dustin Johnson 68 71 67 66 72, Bob Estes 66 69 66 71 72, Tim Petrovic 68 69 65 71 71, Chez Reavie 66 66 68 69 75
345 Kirk Triplett 67 69 69 65 75, Michael Letzig 66 68 68 71 72, Steve Lowery 67 65 71 68 74
348 Glen Day 65 68 71 67 77
350 Brendon De Jonge 67 70 65 70 78