Those supporters of www.golfbytourmiss.com will be familiar with my yearly awards when like so many others we look back on the highs and low of the past season.
Well starting this year we’re going to change that by introducing a monthly award section.
So here’s Bernie’s Awards for January 2013
Obed Mbata, wonderful concierge at the Hilton Hotel, Durban.
BEST TOURNAMENT – Volvo Champions Event
It had been 13 years since I was last in South Africa and what superbly-run tournament to make my return.
Apart from a little trouble with luggage (see Bad Travel Experience Award) it was wonderful week with the experience of being in Durban also for the 101st anniversary of the Africa National Congress.
However I have to again single out IMGs Michelle Mair who continues to be marvelous in looking after the media.
SHOT OF THE MONTH – Chris Wood, Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Twice in his pro career Chris Wood had led going into the final round of an event.
On the final day of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters Wood again led into the last day and after an early double bogey hiccup Wood again looked to be faltering.
But the Bristol lad bounced back playing a superb 220-yard 6-iron to 12 feet at the last and then holing the eagle putt to set up victory to defeat boyhood idol Sergio Garcia and South African George Coetzee.
QUOTES OF THE MONTH – Lee Westwood & Alice Cooper.
The ‘Deer Antler Spray’ controversy commanded the headlines on day one of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
But when World No. 8 Lee Westwood was what he knew about the banned substance he responded: “What do I know about what?
“Deer antler spray? It sounds like something you’d wax your car with. I’ve never heard of it.”
Rock legend Alice Cooper played the Omega Dubai Desert Classic Pro Am in the company of Westwood and had also been in Westwood’s company a day earlier in the Jebel Ali shootout.
Someone asked Cooper how was the shootout.
“Hell man! They played us off the back tees and I saying to them I’m a rock star not a pro golfer.”
GOLFER OF THE MONTH – Paul McGinley
Paul McGinley is to be congratulated in the manner he handled himself in the months leading up to his much-deserved European Ryder Cup captaincy appointment.
While other candidates were commanding the headlines McGinley played the perfect diplomat refusing to be drawn into any discussion about his rivals or his own chances.
As well, McGinley had no management or PR company to push his cause through the months of October, November and December when the Fleet Street newspapers had an agenda promoting another.
However McGinley’s low-key manner was rightfully rewarded with the highest award that can be bestowed on a European born golfer.
CRIMSON FACED AWARD – Nike Golf.
World No. 1 Rory McIlroy left new sponsor Nike as crimson-faced as his new Convert driver missing the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship halfway cut.
The embarrassment coming just days after the company’s dazzling introduction of McIlroy as a Nike staff player.
It sent Cindy Davis, President of Nike Golf into unexpected damage control mode.
BEST WEEK’S STAY – Dave and June Murphy, Doha
Dave and June Murphy – Gracious hosts during Commercial Bank Qatar Masters week.
I’ve been staying with Dave and June Murphy for the week of the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters for a number of years now.
When you spend the year staying in so many hotels it’s spending the week of a tournament in a family home you remember the most.
Dave and June are wonderful hosts generously throwing open the doors of their house, and bar fridge.
Tour Miss and myself certainly want to extend a very special thank you to you both.
BEST GOLF COURSE PLAYED – Princes Grant, South Africa.
Princes Grant golf course is located around a 30-minute drive north of Durban and is laid out in a spectacular setting along the Indian Ocean shoreline.
It’s hilly and a motorised cart is a good option but it has to be one of the best ‘new’ golf courses I’ve played in a long time.
Every inch of the course is meticulously maintained. Every hole was a treat.
The old Colonial style clubhouse has a verandah overlooking the course where you can back and enjoy the panorama laid out before you.
Also I can recommend the beef pies with curry sauce.
A special thanks to Mike McNamara, the Marketing Manager at Princes Grant for the opportunity to play this South African gem.
BEST LOCKER ROOM ATTENDANT – Joy Chakravarty.
When you’ve been travelling for three months covering the Race to Dubai Tour you invariably pick up items here and there. It just reached the stage a few weeks ago, and rather drag everything down to Durban, where we had to put some items aside,
Here’s when Joy stepped up and offered to look after a few bags before we finally return to winter-locked Scotland.
So thank’s the UAE’s hardest-working golf correspondent for baby sitting three months of dirty washing – only joking!
Enjoy the Dura.
WORST AIRLINE – Fly Dubai
It was only the third event of a new season but we were faced with the inconsistency of dealing with airlines.
Travelling from Dubai to Doha we were slugged 150 Dirhams excess luggage charge for a 50-minute flight on a Boeing 737 that carried just 45 passengers.
On the return leg to Dubai, and with the same amount of check-in luggage, there was no excess luggage charge.
BAD TRAVEL EXPERIENCE – Arrival in South Africa.
Next time you travel to South Africa take my advice – ensure your checked in suitcase is wrapped in plastic or under lock and key.
After flying with Emirates to Cape Town I had a 2-hour stopover before connecting with Mango Airlines to Durban.
I wondered while I waited for my bags in Durban why everyone’s bag emerged on the luggage belt wrapped in plastic.
On finally getting my bags to the hotel I now realize the need for the wrapping as I am still trying to work out what items were stolen from my bag.
The South African baggage handling authorities need to take a seriously look at their ways.
