“Listening to John Huggan talk about golf is to hear someone with an absolute command of their subject, and possessing the ability to express that knowledge in an articulate and engaging manner. He has a considered response for each topic.” That’s from Kieran Clark’s “In conversation with John Huggan”.

Some background
“Since receiving a job offer from Golf World Magazine in the spring of 1986, John Huggan has progressed from being one of Scotland’s finest amateur players into establishing himself as one of the game’s most important and knowledgeable writers.”

And ever since I started this blog I’ve relied on what John has written to provide me with controversial content going all the way back to his article in the Scotsman, May 13, 2007.

John Huggan’s article, “Major delusions of grandeur at PGA's showpiece event,” includes the following remark, “Today's four majors should probably be the Open, the US Open, the Players and a travelling World Match Play Championship - it ain't going to happen, people. Not as long as those green-jacketed stiffs at Augusta and those plaid-jacketed sweater salesmen at the PGA of America have voices louder than they should be in this day and age.”

The “sweater salesman” of St Andrews
“Sweater salesmen”, is a frequently used Huggie remark to describe his distaste for some of golf’s governing organisations and while reading his thoughts about the R&A it struck me that they too, may one day be classified as sweater salesmen.

Kieran writes, “With a recent change of leadership at the R&A, there is perhaps renewed – if faint – hope that something could be done to address the monstrous distance that the ball now travels. Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer would certainly welcome that effort, as would John Huggan.

“When you speak privately to these guys (at the R&A), they’ll all admit that there’s a problem with the game in that it’s not nearly as interesting to watch and play at the top level as it used to be. So I would hope that there is a will to do something, whether there is the ability to do it is a different matter.”

On elitism and exclusivity
“I hate to pick on America, but Pine Valley, which is routinely voted number one on every best course in the world list, you can’t go in or walk around and have a look at the place, never mind play. It’s surrounded by a big fence. I think that’s just appalling.

“And it’s not just America, I’ve been lucky enough to play quite a lot of golf at Muirfield with a friend of mine who used to be the greenkeeper there, we’d go out in the evening and play after he finished work. Sometimes, on a beautiful summer’s night, we were the only two people on the golf course. That’s great for us, but there is something wrong with that. Why has the game gone in that direction? It’s supposed to be an inclusive game, not an exclusive game at its best. And I think in many ways, that’s why it has such a terrible image with non-golfers.”

Link to Kieran Clark  and to John Huggan

Quote of the Day
“With the possible exception of Bubba Watson, nobody plays golf at the top level anymore like Seve Ballesteros or Lee Trevino. My two favourites. That just doesn’t happen, it seems to be more a test of execution, and the ability to hit the same shot over and over again has become more important than the ability to play ten different shots.” – John Huggan

​“While Ko is leading the way in the women’s game, it’s been a long time since the Kiwis have had a serious contender at the highest level of men’s golf. Rising star Danny Lee could be the man to change things. The Korean-born 25-year-old had a phenomenal back half of 2015 and can take his game to a new level next year.” So says Liam FitzGibbon at Fox Sport whose headline reads, “Sixteen fearless golf predictions for 2016”.

"Flood gates to open for Lydia Ko"
Liam’s prediction, “MAJOR EXCITEMENT FOR NEW ZEALAND,” is preceded by his thoughts about Lydia and he writes, “New Zealand teenager and world No.1 Ko broke through for her first major title in 2015 and she’ll add at least a couple more in 2016. At just 18, it’s scary to think what she could go on to achieve.”
Must agree that Liam’s got it right about Lydia as to Danny? He’s obviously got the will to win and skills to do big things providing he can eliminate that one bad round.

Agreed
“Jason Day to win the Masters
Even though major wins are so hard to come by, it’s not really going out on a limb to suggest Day will jag at least one more big one in 2016. The Australian was simply phenomenal during the back end of 2015 and breaking his duck at the PGA Championship should open the flood gates. Day finished tied second at the 2011 Masters and a triumph at Augusta will be his primary target in 2016.”

“Rory McIlroy to get hitched…for real
After a false start with Caroline Wozniacki, McIlroy will go through with it this time and tie the knot with new love Erica Stoll. Happiness off the course will translate to more success on it, with the Northern Irishman to find more consistency after an up-and-down 2015.”

"Golf to make underwhelming Olympic debut
With complaints over eligibility rules and the decision go with stroke play over a more exciting format, it’s hard to see golf’s Olympic debut being a smash hit in Rio. While we’ll probably still end up with a worthy winner, this will probably be looked back on as a learning curve for future Games, if it stays in Games."

Don’t think so
“Americans to strike back in Ryder Cup
Europe have won six of the past seven Ryder Cups but the Americans can hit back with their first win since 2008. With the event back in the States, the Speith-led Americans will turn the tables, with rising stars Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed providing the x-factor.”
The Task Force set up to hopefully show the way ahead reminds me of the saying, "A camel is a horse designed by a committee." 

​“Tiger Woods to make a solid return to the tour
Tiger won’t retire, nor win a major, in 2016 but with a bit of luck with his fitness, he’ll get back to a level where he can put himself in the mix at PGA Tour events. It will take time, but look for the 14-time major winner to be making headlines for the right reasons in late 2016.”
Sad to say it but way too soon to suggest as a prediction.

​“Dustin Johnson to finally win a major
While Day’s main competition throughout the year will come from world No.1 Jordan Speith and Rory McIlroy, Johnson’s painful wait for a major title will end in 2016. A string of near misses have raised doubts about his ability to close out a win but he’s simply too talented not to put that experience to good use.
Since when was “too talented” guaranteed to win a major?

Link to Liam at Fox 

Quote of the Day
“Big-hitting Bubba has caused a stir by claiming he will retire if he becomes world No.1. He said it with believable conviction, but the world No.4 won’t have to worry about being a man of his word because he won’t be catching the likes of Spieth and Day, at least in 2016.” – Liam FitzGibbon

“Not surprisingly, stationary bikes finished second in the poll because of their joint-friendly design and ability for users to interval train or focus on endurance, “It's the best option for the money," says strength coach Mike Boyle. "Mostly because it's hard to get injured using one."
Ron Kaspriske is reporting on “Fitness Friday: Golf's Best Cardio Machines”. And so here I am thinking why not buy myself a stationary bike for Christmas? 

Why a bike?
Regular readers will be aware of the fact that I’m no spring chicken Scot and it came as a surprise when during my overseas trip I rented a bike in Holland and I was shocked to learn my legs and particularly my thighs were not nearly as strong as I thought they’d be given the very many games of golf I’ve played over the years.
In support of the suggestion that buying myself a bike for Christmas, Mike Voight, a clinical physical therapist from Belmont University says, "Low compression on the joints is key. I like the stationary bike because most golfers will tolerate it as a warm-up versus other cardio equipment."
Amen to that! Sounds like good sense for senior golfers.

Why not a book?
Now there’s a thought. Sounds less strenuous although common sense tells me that the last thing I need on my shelves is another golf book.
Over at Geoff Shackelford’s blog we’re told, “Roger McStravick's St. Andrews In the Footsteps Of Old Tom Morris is easily the richest visual history of early golf. The clarity of the early imagery and Roger's sense for what was important to include make this an amazing trip back in time when a small group of golfers had an inkling that they were onto something.”
Sound’s smashing until I read Patrick’s comment, “the McStravick book is available in three editions: the Collector's Edition cost $442.00 US the 70 Edition cost $592.00 US the 1821 Edition cost $90.00 US for a fricking paperback.”

Back to a better and cheaper idea
A box of Bridgestone golf balls especially since they may become hard to buy in the future.
Bunkered reports, “In a surprising move, Bridgestone Golf has announced it is to withdraw from the golf market in the UK and Ireland from March 2016.”
Today UK and Ireland, tomorrow Australia and New Zealand? Who knows but I’d better buy some in case they go. 

Here’s the link to Ron Kaspriske and to Geoff and Bunkered 

Quote of the Day
“As a golfer (Old Tom Morris), he was human too – he had the yips and they plagued him until his later non-competitive years. Once when a letter was sent to the ‘misser of short putts’ at Prestwick, it found its way to him.”
- Roger McStravick discussing the contents of his book St. Andrews In the Footsteps Of Old Tom Morris 

“NZPGA Golf Professional, Andrew Whiley, recently completed the first New Zealand Golf
Course Regional Rankings. Whiley, from Dunedin, believes this is the first regional rankings of New Zealand golf courses and the most extensive ever undertaken. With 776 respondents
representing 114 golf clubs, the regional rankings were based on regions similar to the Super 15 Rugby regions. Each golfer was asked to rank their top six golf courses, their favourite “9-hole” golf course and their “hidden gem.” Press release from Kiwi based Golf Rankings.

No Surprises
It was kind of tight at the top but no surprises on who was there.
“Whiley asked each ranker to rank their “Top 12” golf courses from 15 North Island and “Top  12” South Island golf courses. From these rankings, New Zealand’s “Top 25” rankings were  produced. The “Top 5” courses in New Zealand were: Kinloch (30.2) The Hills (30), Jacks Point (29.87), Cape Kidnappers (29.81) and Kauri Cliffs (29.2) with Wairakei, Royal  Wellington, Paraparaumu, Titirangi and Millbrook golf courses rounding out the top ten golf  courses.
New Zealand’s five highest ranked golf courses are extremely well-regarded and the tight  rankings show how good the golf courses are, with Kinloch moving into the top spot. All top  five golf courses were within a point of each other and #2, #3 and #4 were all within 0.19 of  point difference. This reflects the quality of courses which are all relatively new to the New  Zealand golf market.

And then there’s the “Hidden Gems”
Andrew writes, “On a percentage basis, Jack’s Point was the highest ranked golf course; Rangatira the most popular hidden gem and Tai Tapu the country’s favourite 9-hole golf course.”
Finding a hidden gem is one of the great joys of playing golf and I must admit it was only a few years ago I discovered Rangatira of which their web site has this to say, “What gives Rangatira that uniqueness; the course is built on three levels, stunning views of the Rangitikei River, and a ride in the Electric Cable Car, the only one of its kind in New Zealand.”

How right he is
As someone who has difficulty in accepting the government’s golf marketing strategy of going for the big bucks market I found it refreshing to read I’m not alone (although not necessarily endorsed by Andrew), “Many overseas tourists travelling New Zealand wonder where they are going to play golf and many want (my emphasis) to play the “local” courses such as Walton, Rangatira and Roxburgh. Here they will really find some great “Kiwi” golf experiences and local hospitality”.
And maybe one day we’ll see NZ Tourism’s promise of golf trails in New Zealand similar to what Scotland has to offer e.g. the James Braid Trail.

Link to Golf  Rankings and Rangatira Golf Club 

No "Quote of the Day" today
Just a plug for something of a hidden gem.
Angus G. at Trip Advisor writes of Ohope International.
"Coming from Scotland I am spoilt for choice both as to quality and scenery - St. Andrews, Turnberry, Carnoustie, Troon, Muirfield, North Berwick et al but the location, scenery, layout and weather here beats these courses hands down. Views of Whale Island, the White Island (AN ACTIVE VOLCANO) the harbour and the Pacific Ocean and the eastern ranges are second to none. This is a links course where every hole is different and lives long in the memory. Value for money is extraordinary."

“He's just different. In a world full of clones different is good!” So says Chico who’s a regular at posting comments to Geoff Shackelford’s blog.

"Is Bubba A Horse For No Particular Course?"
Upon reading Rex Hoggard’s coverage of Bubba winning The Hero World Challenge it appears that Geoff asked himself, “Is Bubba A Horse For No Particular Course?” 
Given that Bubba has won on different golf course designs; Augusta National, Torrey Pines, Trump National Doral it does suggest that his unique style and imaginative shot making makes him different to the alleged clones. And perhaps explains why Bubba is different and can play well on different designs. Although as another Shackelford commentator suggested not so well at links course’s like St Andrews.

“Bubba tames Albany course he didn't care for”
Winning and coming close on all sorts of courses can be explained and yet when reflecting on Rex Hoggard’s headline it becomes even more remarkable that Bubba can win on a course he did not care and in the process beat the best in the form of Jordan Spieth who reportedly said, “Bubba will like it, there's nothing blocking the tee shots.”
But there again according to Rex, “Watson explained that Albany’s greens were too small for his liking, comparing them to those at RBC Heritage at Harbour Town on Hilton Head, where he hasn’t played since 2007.

No big ballpark specialist
Rex writes, “While Albany certainly qualifies as a Bubba-approved venue, it would be a disservice to the quirky 37-year-old to label him a big ballpark specialist,” and Rex proceeds to support his suggestion.
“He’s won the Travelers Championship twice – which is played at TPC River Highlands, one of the circuit’s shortest layouts (6,841 yards) – and the Northern Trust Open at Riviera, widely considered a ball-striker’s paradise.” And then concludes his summation with, “There are a handful of places where “Bubba Golf” is the perfect mix of power and originality. After his show this week at the Hero World Challenge, he can add Albany to that list, but Watson is much more than simply a horse for a specific course.”

Links to Geoff’s blog and Rex Hoggard 

Quote of the Day
“It’s having fun, right? And that’s what we should be doing, having fun and hitting shots.”
​ – Bubba Watson defining what is, “Bubba golf”

“A country of immense natural beauty, New Zealand is emerging as an exciting golf destination oozing with adventure and sophistication.” That's the opening sentence from the PGA’s travel recommendation, “Winter golf blues? Try New Zealand”.

Awe inspiring locations
Top of the list and lead photograph is that well-known aerial shot of Cape Kidnappers however it’s a bit of a worry when they say, “Cape Kidnappers, a Tom Doak design that opened in 2004, is about an hour from Auckland.” 
Really an hour from Auckland? Yes of course it’s possible if you’re mates with Julian Robertson and there’s a helicopter waiting for you at Auckland airport.
However they did get it right when writing, “Golf course architects have capitalized on New Zealand's unique topography by setting courses at incredible, awe-inspiring locations,” and Tara Iti New Zealand’s very latest gets an honourable mention in, “ Other highly-rated courses include Paraparamu Beach Golf Club, The Hills (South Island), Titirangi Golf Club, Clearwater Golf Club (South Island), Wairakei Golf Club, Millbrook Golf Course (South Island) and Tara Iti Golf Course.

North or South Island or?
Last night at Auckland airport I farewelled friends from the UK who had spent a month in New Zealand and once again I received feedback on where to spend most time in New Zealand. I’ve always advised applying the 80/20 rule. 80 percent of the time in the South Island and the rest of the time; not necessarily just in the North Island.
We are told that, “New Zealand, situated 900 miles east of Australia, is comprised of two islands,” which is of course not true especially when you want to get a taste of the real New Zealand and play rural courses like the one on Stewart Island.

“Five of the best,” and my italicised comments
Cape Kidnappers Golf Club: Opened in 2004, this Tom Doak designed course located about an hour from Auckland, is built on ridge-and-valley landscape. The course plays atop dramatic cliffs with spectacular sea views. It's ranked No. 27 in the world by Golf Magazine.”
Wonderful golf course and nearby Napier is a very interesting city.

“Kauri Cliffs: PGA Tour star Brandt Snedeker has called it "Pebble Beach on steroids." Situated 30 minutes from Auckland, Kauri Cliffs was designed by the late David Harman, an American from Orlando. The photogenic layout has 15 holes with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, six of which are played alongside cliffs that plunge to the sea.”
If it has to be one or the other (Cape Kidnappers) then Kauri Cliffs is my choice.

Kinloch Club: A Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, it's a stunner set on a piece of farmland on volcanic terrain with craggy hills and views over Lake Taupo. While it’s a long way from the ocean, the course pays homage to great British and Irish links courses. 
Note that you’re never far from the ocean in New Zealand.
Kinloch is kinda tough. Try nearby Wairakei which I refer to as the nearest thing to Gleneagles in the Southern hemisphere.

Jack's Point: Located 10 minutes from Queensland, this course is rated by several publications and websites as the No. 1 golf course on the South Island. It's routed through grasslands, rock outcroppings, steep bluffs and native bush.
Make that No. 1 golf course in New Zealand. Book an early tee time and there’s still enough summer sunshine hours to play Queenstown Golf Club aka Kelvin Heights. Or Arrowtown which Tom Doak recently described as, “The North Berwick of New Zealand.”

Gulf Harbour: Offering views across the Waitemata Harbour, this Robert Trent Jones Jr. design has rolling terrain and phenomenal clifftop finishing holes.
Most definitely do play the back nine.
 
Link to PGA 

Quote of the Day
“Golf is embraced and loved by New Zealanders, similar to Scotland and Ireland. It's the highest participation sport in New Zealand and is a way of life, not just a sport.” – pga.com