|Sport Academy review 2004: Golf|
|Around the Academy:
We asked you to review the year's sporting events.
And our reviewer for all things golf is Nick, 13, from Huddersfield.
How did your interest in golf begin?
It was at the local driving range. A friend took me down one day about three years ago and I fell in love with the sport. I got my own set of clubs, took lessons and continued to practise ever since.
How often do you play?
I try to play a golf course every week. I usually play Huddersfield Golf Club, of which I am a member.
Who's your favourite player? Why?
My favourite player on Tour this season was Paul Casey. He has showed his best in winning the Golf World Cup with Luke Donald and helping Europe to a comprehensive victory over the Americans in the Ryder Cup.
He has been in a class of his own as far as putting goes towards the end of the season.
What is the best thing you saw this season?
The Ryder Cup. There are so many moments but Sergio Garcia's monster putt on the 18th, Colin Montgomerie's winning putt and Casey/Howell's point over Jim Furyk and Chad Campbell in the Saturday fourballs will live long in the memory.
A close second would be the Volvo PGA Championships as Wentworth where Scott Drummond, a relative unknown, scored his maiden win on the European Tour.
What did you think of Vijay Singh? Is he the best player in the world?
Vijay Singh has been a cut above the rest this season. He won the USPGA with some brilliant stroke play among nine victories on Tour this year. He is one of the most consistent players and for me is the best player in golf at the moment.
What did you think of the Ryder Cup?
It was immense wasn't it? The team travelled there to meet one of the best American teams on paper with the likes of Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and David Toms. The course was difficult but the Europeans played brilliantly and rightly came home with the cup. I don't think the Americans did themselves justice but we can expect them to come bouncing back in 2006.
Did anything disappoint you about golf this season? Why?
The only disappointment of the 2004 season was the lack of participation of some of the top guns. The likes of Tiger Woods and Sergio Garcia didn't make it to some huge cash events such as the Volvo PGA Championships.
What do you think is wrong with Tiger Woods and can he come back?
I think the problem with Tiger Woods is he is too unrealistic. He expects that he can go out there every tournament and play to the best of his ability and win. Some say it is the slight change in his swing but I think it is more about mental strength.
Is there anything else you wish to get off your chest about golf?
Finally, some players this year have showed their true ability. Miguel Angel Jimenez has been a class act and good value for his European Tour wins. It is good to see older members of the Tour can still keep winning tournaments even with so many youngsters coming through. Players like Simon Kahn and Scott Drummond have shown they have a good future ahead of them. Let's hope the 2005 season is just as good.
We do too. Thanks Nick for such a brilliant review.