2010 has arrived and with it, another decade and so far, I have resisted calling it 2k10. What has happened since I last posted? Um, oh yeah, Tiger won the Aussie Masters and after that? It’s all become a little like something from “The Young And The Restless”. Apologies to those who are too young or too clever to have never seen that particular piece of American dramatic excellence. For what it’s worth, the only thing I care about, is seeing Tiger back on the golf course and the sooner the better.

I read an interesting piece on the Golf Channel today that questioned his love of the game and if indeed, he has lost the passion for the game itself. It got me thinking, so small feat and wondering too, if with all that he has done and all that he is to golf, whether he still has that intrinsic love and passion for it. When you do it for a living (golf that is), it can get to the point where it is just a job, albeit a very lucrative one for some select few. Hard to imagine for those that play the game purely for the joy of seeing the ball do exactly what you wanted and expected. Perhaps it’s because we see that happen so infrequently, that when it does happen, it’s a pure jolt of joy. That’s what keeps us coming back.

The point to my preamble is that it makes me wonder if he will come back at all. Perhaps he will say to hell with it all and do a Greta Garbo and never be seen again? Hard to imagine, but that is one possible scenario, a particularly somber one, but still a possibility. Whatever he does, I hope that he finds some peace and more, that his family can heal and get on with their lives. The media have crucified him, rightly or wrongly and he’s going to need to find some deep inner strength to deal with what has become public knowledge – a good deal of which is pure speculation by the way. No question, he has been a very bad boy, but I wouldn’t wish what he and his family are going through, on anyone.

Back to the real world. With or without Tiger, this year is shaping up to be a beauty. Watching the European Tour event from Abu Dhabi on the weekend, I was enthralled by some great golf from some very impressive young men. Martyn Kaymer, Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter put on a stellar display of fantastic golf. With the Ryder Cup on “home soil” this year, I’m going to jump in early and declare a win for the Europeans and easily too. Roll on the majors, for I think we may well see some new stars out there stepping up and taking world golf by the horns. On the US front, we have Matt Kuchar, Ryan Moore and a host of other young players beginning to strut their stuff. Watch out for Michael Sim, a young Aussie from Perth. He is good, very, very good.

On the local front, Green Fairways is rolling along and the golf course is looking great. Get out there while the monsoon winds are still keeping us cool – or as cool as it ever gets here. My ladies days are going to start again in March. Probably the first Friday of the month, so girls, if you’re looking to find some like minded golf buddies, give me a call and we’ll get you rolling. I’m also going to have a rules and etiquette night sometime in March. Again, let me know if anyone is interested. It will be at Green Fairways with a drink or three to make a little more fun and a little less “dry”.

In the meantime, keep it straight and if you can’t – call me.
Cheers - Lee