In the Rough

Golf courses are the name for the playing field which golfers play golf on. On golf courses, there is usually on average, 18 holes in which a golfer has to ‘put the golf ball’ into. The final hole is signified by a flag. The playing field for golf can change, depending on the golfer’s skill and the area in which they are golfing. Usually, it is played on well kept grass fields, however, obstacles like bunkers (large sand pits), or lakes, rivers of even the ocean (i.e. if the ball fell in the ocean, it is replaced on the playing field nearest to where it fell in).

Golf rules are very different compared to other ball sports. The winner of golf is the one who puts the golf ball into the final hole first. There are exceptions to the winner, though, as when one hits the ball, otherwise known as a stroke, their score increases (i.e. not a good increase, a golfer has to put the ball with the smallest amount of strokes possible, as the more strokes the golfer takes, the easier it is to put the ball). The lowest amount of points in total is known as match play, whereas the lowest number of strokes during play is known as stroke play.

Organisers of the European Tour and the Irish Open have decided that between the 14th May 2009 - 17th May 2009 the Irish Open will be played County Louth, Baltray.

The event was previously staged in Baltray in 2004 and recieved some rave reviews after a successful event.

It was thought that the 2009 Irish Open was in doubt after the loss of sponsorship, however with today’s announcement it would seem a sponsor has been found and will be realised into the press very soon. Mobile Telecoms company 3 are widely tipped to become the sponsor.

Picking Baltray with its location has meant it is more accessible to both North and South Ireland residents.

The news today is surely to put a smile on Padraig Harringtons face as he is a links specialist and now his home event is on a course that suits his game.

who would bet against Padraig winning the Irish Open in 2009?

In October of this year 2008 China will hold its first LPGA event. This follows in the footsteps of the mens tour as China has already held 6 mens golf events there.

The new event will take place in late October 24th October - 26th October at the Hainan West Coast Golf Club in Haikou.

The Grand China Air event will have a 63 strong field including Swede Annika Sorenstam. All with a $1.8 Million prize fund.