A Round and About

Gay Mitchell MEP for Dublin

Earliest golfing memory?

Joe Carr, Ireland's greatest amateur, becoming the first Irishman to play in the US Masters, at Augusta 1967. He won 40 amateur championships and played in 10 Walker Cup matches for Britain and Ireland while I was growing up with his nephew, Greg, who is not a bad golfer himself.

First victory?

Coming second in a team competition at Royal Dublin circa 2001 by one point, which I contributed to by sinking my last putt and winning a point on the 18th.

First time to break 90?

I think I did it on the front nine at Leopardstown par three when I started to play in 1999.

Last bit of equipment you bought?

I was recently given a present of a jigger by a generous parish priest who had just completed a game with me at Newlands Golf Club. I know he is too charitable to have meant it as a commentary on my game.

Last time you took a cart and why?

In 1992 in San Jose, California, on a magnificent public course, when, as Lord Mayor of Dublin, I was obliged to play with businessmen in that city, which is twinned with Dublin. Everybody hid behind their carts whenever I teed off. Despite this, Dublin attracted a lot of IT investment.

Last time you uttered an on-course obscenity and why?

I wouldn't normally use unparliamentary language, but I had a colourful comment to make two weeks ago when the head came off my seven-iron for the second time.

Which of the Majors would you like to attend and why?

I attended John Major once or twice when I was Minister for European Affairs. He's good fun, but attending the US Masters at Augusta would be even better.

Ideal fourball: who and where?

A right Dublin-Mayo replay with Enda Kenny and Paddy Burke versus Brian Hayes and Gay Mitchell, on their nearby turf at Enniscrone.

One last round on earth: where would it be?

Ballybunion.

Ralph Lauren or Lyle & Scott?

If I even acknowledged knowing what these are my seat would be in danger. As Sam Snead said, "Nobody asked how you looked, just what you shot."

Is the Titleist ProV1 worth the extra expense?

Not the way I lose them.

Best golf-club food. Where?

The Grange GC, Rathfarnham. Always served with a smile.

140 yards from green. Flat, calm. What's in your hand?

A nine-iron and rosary beads.

Favourite club in times of trouble?

The seven-iron. No wonder the shaft broke twice.

Parkland or links?

Parkland. I love links, but I like to be able to find the ball.

Must-see golfing-holiday destination?

Mount Wolseley, Tullow. Only 40 minutes from Dublin 17.

Hidden gem?

Corrstown Golf Club, tucked in behind Dublin Airport with a lovely spare "Orchard" nine.

One Mulligan in life?

Not getting to know Michael Smurfit a little better before the Ryder Cup came to The K Club.