A round and about

FRED COGLEY, Broadcaster.

1 Earliest golfing memory?

Interviewing Harry Bradshaw in his bed in Raheny on his return from victory in the 1958 Canada Cup with Christy O'Connor. His friendliness and gracious patience with a young reporter left a lasting impression of a real gentleman.

2 First victory?

Won the St Mary's College Past Pupils' Union Cup at Milltown back in the 1980s.

3 First time to break 90?

In Rosslare back in the 1970s . . . I can give you a three-hour summary of that round.

4 Last bit of golf equipment you bought?

A rescue club . . . which I seem to be using more regularly!

5 Last time you took a golf cart. Where and why?

Two weeks ago at Druid's Glen because I was getting fed up nursing a gammy back over the winter.

6 Last time you muttered an obscenity on the golf course and why?

Having banged my head getting into the same cart!

7 Which major would you like to attend and why?

The next one to be won by one of the Irish players, now that Padraig Harrington has broken through.

8 Ideal fourball. Who and where?

To play with three of my sporting heroes - Jack Kyle, Ronnie Delany and Christy O'Connor in The European, a magic place created by another hero, Pat Ruddy.

9 One last round on earth, where would it be?

Back to basics . . . I'd go to my golfing home - Grange Golf Club, where I've enjoyed so many good laughs and where there are so many happy memories in an idyllic setting.

10 Dress sense. Davis Love or Ian Poulter?

Davis Love . . . if he'll pardon my presumption!

11 Is a Titleist ProV1 worth the expense?

Are you joking? YES . . . I've been told it's golf's equivalent to Viagra.

12 Best golf club food. Where?

Plenty of competition here but I'd be happy if they were all as good as Grange.

13 140 yards out from the green. Flat calm. What's in your hand?

8 iron (and one day I'll be right!)

14 Favourite club in times of trouble?

Depends on the type of trouble . . . five-wood or wedge.

15 Parkland or Links?

Parkland for views . . . Links for thrills . . .

16 Must see golfing destination?

Shannon GC in Grand Bahama Island. Opened by CO'C in 1970, I was one of several Irish invitees who marvelled at this spectacular development. I've often wondered how it matured.

17 Hidden gem?

Visitors to Grange are invariably impressed by the marvellous lay-out and don't be fooled when you see six par-threes on the card! I'd also recommend a visit to Woodenbridge and Knightsbrook.

18 One mulligan in life?

Should have encouraged/insisted/forced my wife to play golf. Then I wouldn't have had to cut the grass/go for the messages/wash the dishes in order to get in an extra nine holes now and again!!