For the past couple of years, I have been telling my friends that South African George Coetzee is someone who needs to be watched as a potential superstar of the future. I am glad he has lived up to my expectations and finally secured his maiden win on the European Tour.
Coetzee won the Johannesburg Open in great style last week for his first walk up to the podium after 24 top-10 finishes on the European Tour so far. And I can assure you all that there will be more such wins for the supremely talented South African.
I have played with George plenty of times and his overall game is mighty impressive. He hits the ball well and he has deft touch on and around the greens. The only reason he has not won more tournaments so far is that he’d invariably mess up one hole and post some big numbers, ruining his chances.
Meanwhile, Tiger Woods has become the next big name to withdraw from the WGC-Accenture Match Play. World No.1 Phil Mickelson and No.2 Adam Scott have also decided not to join the 64-man field at Dove Mountain, and I have also heard that US Open champion Justin Rose is thinking of pulling out.
That’s really a shame because, apart from the fact that it is a World Golf Championship event, it is also the only Match Play event on the PGA Tour. I can understand the players’ concerns — it could either be a very short tournament or, if you are winning, it can be a very long and tiresome week.
It is already difficult to attract sponsors to what really is the most fickle format in the sport, but we also need not forget that match play is the way most club and amateur golfers play their friendly rounds and it is also the oldest format in golf. Even though some of the top players get knocked out early, what follows are unforgettable duels.
The players have as much responsibility as the Tour officials in trying to keep such tournaments alive and meaningful for the sponsors and the public. Staying away from such tournaments will surely not help.
After competing in Dubai, Woods headed out to New Delhi for what was his first visit to India. It was supposed to be a quiet, private affair, but I knew it would never turn out that way. After all, Woods is perhaps the most successful athlete, not just golfer, of all time and the turnout at Delhi Golf Club was just amazing as fans and media thronged to catch a glimpse of the superstar. From what I have been told, Tiger played 18 holes of DGC to nine-under par, which is a phenomenal effort even if he was playing to easier pins.
Ever since I came back from Dubai, the only thing I have heard in the golfing circles is Tiger this and Tiger that. Even though it was a short visit, I am sure it has left a huge impact and the effects will be felt in the coming days and months.
— Jeev Milkha Singh is a four-time champion on the European Tour
