GOLFMADCHICK

Angelina Jolie and Me

Why did the Oscar-winning actress have to choose that day of all days to announce to the world that she had undergone a preventive double mastectomy? The same day I was to find out if I had cancer. I was doing just fine up until that point and largely successful in blocking out my uncertain fate. Denial … Continue reading »

Deliberate Leap in Opposite Direction

When I first started this blog in 2011 after a somewhat tumultuous period in my life, I concluded the About Me section by saying: ‘I’m not sure where my story ends, but short of a graphic in HD choc full of pithy insight, I think you’ve just captured the start of it.’ Well, today I’m … Continue reading »

Welcome to PhwoarPLESDON

It has been a long Baltic winter and three tortuous months since I last swung a club, but this week saw the start of the 2013 Press Golfing Society season with the curtain-raiser at the magnificent Worplesdon golf club. With Arctic conditions and 40mph gales, it was supposed to see us dust off the cobwebs … Continue reading »

Ever Had A Hole-In-One?

I want to hear about the story of the greatest golf shot of your life. When, where and how did you pull off the perfect fluke? I’ve been lucky to have had two revered golfing moments. The 11th at St Andrews and a couple of years ago on the 134-yard 14th at Muswell Hill Golf … Continue reading »

A Tale of Two Cities

Much of LONDON was brought to a standstill today by the heaviest snowfall of the winter. With most of Britain covered in white stuff, the country is set to freeze overnight as temperatures plummet to a chilly -6C. On the other side of the globe, SYDNEY sizzled as it endured its hottest day ever. Records were … Continue reading »

Wedding Gift Fit For A Queen

A land of lore and legend encircled with its ancient 45ft walls should be at the top of your must-see list when visiting Portugal. Fifty-five miles north of Lisbon, the fortified town of Óbidos is considered one of the jewels of Portugal’s national heritage. It is known as the “Wedding Present Town” because it was a … Continue reading »

Is there anyone left to drink with?

I currently have two doctors navigating me towards some priceless lifestyle advice. First up is the Daily Mail’s doctor, who this week informed his readers that giving up alcohol for January will do you more harm than good. What a load of self-deluding drivel. Yet another rehashed, alarmist, new year article wheeled out during a … Continue reading »

GPS Gadgets Storming 2013 Golf World

Picture the scene … you’ve hit a belter down the 18th. Split the fairway perfectly with your driver. Ball is perched on a lush tuft. Sun threatening to make an appearance too. Everything is going in your favour. This is going to be one hell of a round. Feeling a tad smug you walk up … Continue reading »

2013: Could there be a more fitting year?

Ancient Chinese wisdom says a Snake in the house is a good omen because it means your family will not starve. Really? Perhaps that’s a plus because as the 2013 starting line approaches, it spells out a month on the wagon coupled with a January Dukan diet regime. The Chinese horoscope insist this could also be … Continue reading »

A Moment on the Lips

I kissed a boy in Copenhagen last weekend. It wasn’t one of those “Congratulations, you’ve pulled a Viking” moments, more a lightly touch cheek with cheek ritual by way of introduction to a friend’s cousin. “Since when have the colonials started kissing?” asked the bemused Zimbabwean recipient of my warm greeting. I was about to launch … Continue reading »

Colonial Girl in Captaincy Terror

When the Captain of the Press Golfing Society asked me to be his vice-captain two years ago, I must admit, I hesitated. Not because the thought of addressing a bunch of delightfully cynical journalists a dozen times next year scared the hell out of me. Or knowing I would have to humiliate myself with a … Continue reading »

Win London Golf Show Tickets

Golfmadchick has teamed up with our friends at The London Golf Show to give you the chance to win 5 PAIRS OF TICKETS and see some of the biggest names in golf. The London Golf Show runs from 9th – 11th November and is designed to provide visitors with a truly interactive experience for golfers of … Continue reading »

Last Tango in Paris

There is something of the unreal about Le Golf National in Paris. The course is host to the 2018 Ryder Cup, annual French Open and now the unfolding epic of the Wryter Cup. This week it was time for the golfer in us all to step up as my great and worthy Press Golfing Society … Continue reading »

Wryter Cup Paris Match

Seve wasn’t the only golfer to blast his way round uncharted territory in search of a historic win. What began as a bold experiment in 1991 to foster good relations between the French and British media has developed into the backbone of two societies. The annual epic golf battle of the Wryter Cup is the journalist’s equivalent of … Continue reading »

Ryder Cup Heroes & Villains

The spirit of Seve conjured up the 39th Ryder Cup. A fighter to the end, he once said: “Thinking doesn’t cost much so if you have a chance to think, think positive.” And that’s just what Captain Ole’s troops did producing pure theatre, glorious unpredictability and the greatest comeback in sporting history. For the Americans, … Continue reading »

Paradise for Lady Golfers

Most lady golfers will relate. You walk into a pro shop in search of golfing happiness and end up sleepwalking your way through the never-ending isles, rows and shelves of shoes, clothes and clubs … for men. Finally, weary from the journey, you reach the ladies section, a cubbyhole if you will. Stocked to the … Continue reading »

New Clubs, New Game?

The call came in 9.43am. “They’ve arrived,” said the man with a gravel voice. And indeed they had. The packaging left little to the imagination. No bells, buckles or bows. Just 100% recyclable cardboard wrapped securely with industrial strength masking tape. My fingers tingled with excitable anticipation as I tore gently at the tape to … Continue reading »

Home Sweet London

You’re flying back from your summer hols, that last leg of a tedious long-haul flight, bored, restless and generally yearning for solid ground beneath your feet. Suddenly the clouds part and you catch a first glimpse of Blighty. It’s only been two weeks, but how you’ve missed it … You strain your eyes through the … Continue reading »