Tuesday 15 December 2009

Tiger Woods takes a break from golf

I HOPE Tiger Woods does not take a long break from golf – as it would be a big loss to the game.

Over the last few weeks, as the alleged affairs he has had have been revealed, some people have said that Tiger is now less boring.

I would disagree with that, as the man has brought so much excitement to so many people and is far from boring.

And I am sure many youngsters have wanted to learn the game after watching him in person, or on television.

In 2010 Tiger has an excellent chance to add to the 14 majors he has already collected and has an opportunity to try and catch Jack Nicklaus’s record of 18.

The Masters will be played in April – and this is an event that Tiger has won four times, although the last time was in 2005.

Then The US Open will be staged at Pebble Beach, again Tiger has won here last time the major was played on the famous course.

In July The Open will return to St Andrews and Tiger has won here twice before.

I am sure Tiger will be back to play in these events as I think these are some of his favourite venues. If he doesn’t, then the game of golf will be missing one of its greatest players.

Tuesday 8 December 2009

Walking in the Lakes

IF you want to go to the Lake District – an ideal time to visit is before Christmas.

I have just been to the Lakes for the weekend with some friends.

We were supposed to stay at Ambleside but because of the recent heavy rain The Youth Hostel was closed.

However The Youth Hostel at Hawkshead was still open, so we decided to stay there instead.

The facility was self-catered and had a pool table, unfortunately I was not successful in the two games I played.

On the first full day we were provided with a full breakfast, which is just what you need before a day of walking.

Just before 10am we started off on our walk, but didn’t get very far before the heavens opened – and we soon found ourselves back at The Youth Hostel.

Luckily it was only a shower and after about 10 minutes we were on our way again.

One of our party had brought outdoor cooking equipment and sausages, eggs and bacon and managed to cook the food during a stop on the walk.

An off-road car rally was also taking place that afternoon – and provided the entertainment while we enjoyed our lunch.

On the way back we stopped off at the Grizedale visitor centre and the hot chocolate I had was well received.

Tea was a tasty curry.

We then made our way to Hawkshead for drinks.

At the first pub we visited we played cards and had a quiet drink. The second pub we went to was much more lively. The pub was small and packed and an excellent Irish band was providing the entertainment.

On the next day it was time to go home.

Thursday 3 December 2009

New Red Arrows recruits

THE RAF Red Arrows have their first woman pilot.

She is Flight Lieutenant Moore and she will be involved in the Red Arrows display for the London Olympic Games in 2012.

She was one of two chosen out of 30 or 40 pilots who had applied for the positions.

The world-renowned aerobatics team are busy preparing for next year’s 2010 air show season.

Watching the Red Arrows at this year’s Southport Air Show was one of my highlights of 2009.

Everyone time I watch them I am amazed at how close the planes are as they do their manoeuvres.

Meanwhile Sky TV’s coverage of The Ashes this year was excellent, but it would be good if the clash becomes a free-to-air event again.

All England’s home and away World Cup and European Championship football matches could be added to that as well.

The proposals are part of an independent review being headed by David Davies.

I can’t remember the year when The Ashes was last broadcast on BBC, but I do remember enjoying the coverage during the School Summer holidays and who can forget the theme music at the start of the programme. It was very catchy.

Channel 4’s coverage of cricket was good to, in particular The Ashes of 2005.

Millions tuned in to watch these tests and see England win the event for the first time since 1987.

Finally let’s hope Liverpool FC can put a winning run together.