On The Tee: Paul O'Connell

Q&A:PAUL O'CONNELL

Lions, Ireland and Munster rugby player

Club:Limerick GC.

Handicap:9.

1 What’s your favourite tournament (amateur or professional) and why?

Never played in it, but the South of Ireland at Lahinch is my favourite. I’m also a member there and we often took holidays in Liscannor just a couple of miles away. I remember watching the South when I was young, following players like Pádraig Harrington. Great tournament and great atmosphere.

2 Best TV golf memory?

Harrington winning the British Open for the first time at Carnoustie. When he put the two balls in the drain at the 18th, then somehow still managed to get up and down to get into the play-off was amazing. Also loved when Tiger Woods won his first Masters. Remember footage with soundtrack Eye of the Tiger and used to play that before I went out playing!

3 Parkland or links? Why?

Links, something nice about playing beside the sea. Fond memories of playing golf in places like Lahinch in summer. If I were to choose a parkland, Adare Manor is right up there; it’s a fabulous course.

4 What’s your hidden gem of a course and why?

Has to be the course I grew up playing, Limerick Golf Club – or Ballyclough as it’s known locally. Nothing spectacular, but it’s like an old pair of slippers for me and I love going back to it. Loads of great childhood memories. Probably where I played my best golf – was off four when I was 16 and playing and practising most days.

5 How would you deal with someone you suspected of cheating, would you sign their card?

I wouldn’t sign the person’s card. I guess I’d just hand it back to them and say, “Look I’m not signing that”.

6 If you could introduce one rule, how would you combat slow play?

I can’t stand slow play, to be honest, but it’s a hard one to deal with. Strokeplay on a links course can be difficult because inevitably people will lose balls. Perhaps make more club competitions Stableford so at least a player can pick up if they are out of a hole.

7 Has equipment technology had a detrimental effect on genuine talent/ability? If so, what changes would you make?

Have yet to find a club which guarantees hitting the ball straight. It’s had more of an affect on the courses. Definitely made some courses easier than they used to be. Some have been lengthened and that’s not the way they were supposed to be played. I remember reading about Jack Nicklaus saying they should do something about the ball and restrict how far it goes, that might be the answer. Would save a lot of golf clubs having to spend money lengthening their courses.

8 What’s in the bag?

TaylorMade R9 irons, driver, three-wood and rescue club. TaylorMade Rossa tour putter and two TaylorMade wedges, 54 and 58 degrees. Lucky to be sponsored by Adidas, who own TaylorMade. Clubs are brand new and I haven’t had chance to use them yet.

9 150 yards from the hole, what’s in your hands?

Eight-iron.

10 Playing among friends, would you play for a wager or what type of match?

When we play golf with Munster, and because a lot of the guys are non-golfers, we tend to play a scramble. It means the guy who doesn’t normally play can hit two brutal shots yet still be involved – he might even hole the putt for birdie. No matter how bad the golf is, everyone is still in with a chance. And a wager? Is that not illegal!

11 Who is the greatest – Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods? Other?

In terms of record you have to say Nicklaus, but I still fancy Tiger to beat his Major record. Mentally strong guy. I know he’s struggling at the moment, but I think he’ll turn the corner.

12 If you had one final round, who would be in fourball and where?

Either Doonbeg or Lahinch, flick of a coin between the two. Pádraig Harrington, John Daly and Tiger Woods. Harrington as my partner, Ireland versus America, there you go.