GOLFMADCHICK

Gorkana meets Hayley Barlow

Gorkana caught up recently with News of the World’s former head of PR Hayley Barlow to find out what her 12 year long reign entailed, what she did next after the paper closed, and her part in the attempted rescue of ‘Wally’ the Thames whale in January 2006. Firstly Prince Harry, would the News … Continue reading »

London’s Farewell to ‘Greatest Ever Games’

Sunday nights don’t come much better than this … an extravaganza of flames in London’s Olympic Stadium bringing down the curtain on a month of thrilling competition. From my seat up in the Gods with 80,000 grateful fans, a positively mind-blowing experience watching Coldplay and Rihanna rocking to a sensational summer of sport alongside Mad … Continue reading »

In Search of Perfection

As you may be aware I’m on the hunt for a new set of irons. And while the search is in er, full swing, it is proving a somewhat challenging task. On the plus side, am taking full advantage of all generous offers from golfing chums keen to promote their gear guaranteed to produce higher, … Continue reading »

The Paradox of Choice

So the big question is … with so much choice out there, where does one even begin the process of purchasing a new set of irons? It struck me during a recent round of golf, my cherished Titleist irons are nearing 13 years old. And whilst they still produce rare moments of brilliance, the time … Continue reading »

Augusta National Application

Dear Membership Secretary, RE: APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP TO AUGUSTA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB Like the rest of the female swinging population you can imagine my delight on learning that after 80 years of exclusion, gals are finally welcome on golf’s most hallowed turf. Admittedly, it’s only two of America’s finest afforded membership thus far, but I get … Continue reading »

Welcome to London 2012

Team Zimbabwe touch down at Gatwick today in anticipation of “the greatest show on earth” in twelve days time. Led by swimming sensation Kirsty Coventry as she spearheads the nation’s Olympics medal hunt with a small contingent of seven fine athletes including marathon runners, rowers and a triathlete. But as the excitement mounts, a misguided crackdown … Continue reading »

One Year Ago Today

Enough has been written about the demise of the News of the World to fill several volumes of War and Peace many times over. It is one year ago today a brilliant News of the World team put our beloved newspaper to bed for one last historic time after 168 years, 8674 editions, bidding a … Continue reading »

Ultimate Guide to the Majors

Hearty congratulations to my golfing chum Paul Trow … or Gwyneth as he’s fondly known. Paul is editor of the brilliant new glossy magazine ‘Arnold Palmer’s Guide to the 2012 Majors’. Majors celebrate and honour what the four special championships have become. Their origins, great players past and present whose careers have been shaped by … Continue reading »

Caption This

A severe snap hook is a thing of awesome power and beauty. Just ask my foresomes partner! Share your best captions below or tweet to @Golfmadchick using the hashtag #CaptionThis to send your submission. Check back to see if you’ve won a sleeve of Press Golfing Society Srixon golf balls.

What a game, what a week!

Round 1 : Walton Heath Golf Club One of the world’s most famous and prestigious heathland courses. The history of the club is exceptional. The weather was not! Our very British drought met monsoon conditions and record rainfall as I waded through heather waste deep in denial. My foursomes partner standing beside this green-side bunker … Continue reading »

Britain Buzzing with Jubilee Fever

The whole country has gone positively Lady Gaga for our enigmatic monarch. Strolling home from the office with my camera, one could sense a palpable building of anticipation and excitement in the air. This weekend’s bumper Jubilee festivities are a showcase of events that reflect the public mood, a national fervour that fits all tastes and budgets, … Continue reading »

Betrayed by a belligerent old man on the brink

I worked at the News of the World for over a decade and lost my job with almost 300 others when Rupert Murdoch closed down the newspaper at the height of the phone-hacking scandal in July 2011. Since that fateful day I have maintained my silence, but chose to speak out this week following an … Continue reading »

History of Shooters Hill Golf Club

I was playing golf in southeast London last weekend with a former lady captain when conversation turned to the history of our course, Shooter’s Hill Golf Club and the local area. Dick Turpin, Hitler’s doodlebugs and Bobby Locke, in no particular order, but it turns out Shooters Hill is positively steeped in history. I was captivated … Continue reading »

Happy St Patrick’s Day

It was six years ago I walked into my editor’s office and boldly requested a work transfer to Australia. He looked at me quizzically like I’d lost the plot entirely and snapped a robust NO before returning to his newspaper. “I’m so glad you thought your answer through” I sighed. “Isn’t this supposed to be … Continue reading »

Think Globally, Act Locally

Today is International Woman’s Day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women everywhere. “Think globally, act locally” they said. So I did and bought a plane ticket to Mauritius. To mark this joyous occasion, a few of my favourite Mauritian holiday sunset pix. Happy IWD.

The Power of Positive Thinking

So there I was. Striding down the lush green fairways of a swanky Kent golf course overlooking London’s glorious skyline. My mind wondering off as I gazed into the distance at the sleek Shard of Glass towering over the capital. The 80-story skyscraper continuing its heavenly climb. From its summit the views stretch for 50 … Continue reading »

Golf Trick Shot Champ Wows Decathlon Crowds

They promised a fun day out for the whole family and Decathlon didn’t disappoint. Hosted by Geoff Swain, the amazing World Trick Shot Champ wowed audiences with a variety of mind-blowing golf stunts in the new look showroom. Decathlon’s Surrey Quays superstore was transformed into a golfing mecca this week with huge discounts on a … Continue reading »

Win 1-2-1 Personal Tuition with World Golf Trick Shot Champion

Get up close and personal with the current World Golf Trick Shot Champion… Interactive, educational and totally enthralling, Geoff Swain’s must see act is coming to Surrey Quays in London next Saturday. And DECATHLON is offering you the chance to win a one-two-one 30-minute session with the trick shot champ.

London’s New Golf Simulator & Custom Fitting Centre

Calling All golfers, Are you desperate for your golfing fix but averse to tackling the fairways during the winter months or constantly faced with a Course Closed sign? If so don’t despair, I’ve found a solution. Sports giant DECATHLON has come to our rescue with what promises to be a fun-filled family day out.

A Lovely Day For It

Those who follow this blog will be well versed with my regular rants on the perils of winter golf. But also aware that topping my 2012 new years resolution scroll involves less whinging and more embracing the chilly elements. So you can imagine my disappointment, especially after a week of gearing myself up for the … Continue reading »