It’s that time of the year again folks – the dogwood and azaleas are blooming, the green, green grass of Augusta National is being manicured into perfection and the real golf year is about to begin. It’s Masters time! Will Tiger add to his major resume or will it be another Green Jacket for VJ? They are the form players coming into the event and Augusta always seems to produce a champion in the guise of a seasoned “been there, done that” player. It’s not a place for the faint hearted - or rookies for that matter. No one has ever won on debut – perhaps Lee Trevino had something when he said “even the car chokes coming up Magnolia Drive”. Due to the fact that I named my cat after him and I had the pleasure of playing with him last September – my tip is Ernie Els – the golfer not the cat. Although if you watch Golf Focus and have taken note of my tipping prowess – Ernie would probably not overly excited that I have tipped him. More like the kiss of death really.

Speaking of Golf Focus, this week (28th March) is a must look. I’m on (what better reason to watch) and the segment I did whilst on holiday last month in New Zealand is going to be shown. It features Ngamotu Golf course in New Plymouth, Taranaki and is worth a look for anyone thinking of going to New Zealand for a golf holiday. If you’re not – you should be!

This week sees the Asian Tour once again in our backyard – this time at the fabulous Ria Bintan on Bintan Island. Great golf course and should be terrific viewing Saturday and Sunday on Starsport. They have reversed the nines to allow the wonderful seventh, eighth and ninth holes to be showcased on TV. Expect the locals to do well this week – Mardan, Scott Barr and Unho Park will be to the fore as they are all playing well and know the course well. Home ground advantage is a definite plus in any tournament especially a new one where most of the field will not have played there before.

Lastly, the first Friday of every month, I have a ladies day at Green Fairways. We won’t be doing April because of Easter, but back in business on Friday May 4th. All are welcome and no, you don’t have to be good! Come and join us for nine holes followed by lunch. It’s a great way to meet new girls and make some new golf buddies. Give me a call if you are interested – 97985858.

Good golfing to all, and see you at Green Fairways soon.

Lee