On The Tee: Q&A

Mary Logue:(Former Ireland hockey international and captain/current Hermes coach)

Club:Milltown GC, Dublin

Handicap:11

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

The British Open. I have always liked the way it’s organised and the sense of tradition. I like the variety of courses as well. I do like the Masters, but I find it all a bit too immaculate, too pristine, whereas the old courses are more interesting. It’s always good to see the top players being tested too.

2 Best TV golf memory?

Graeme McDowell winning the US Open last year. I think the sense of absolute confidence in himself as he played the closing stretch was tremendous. Something about him being completely in the zone. Real contrast to what happened to him at Sawgrass, just shows you how fickle the game can be.

3 Parkland or links? Why?

My home course is a parkland and I really like it, but I enjoy playing links golf. Experiencing the terrain on a links is more natural and enjoyable than a manufactured parkland. I’ve played a bit at Rosapenna, Ballybunion once and also down at Rosslare, and there’s something lovely about the smell of the sea and the wind playing a links course.

4 What’s your hidden gem and why?

Woodenbridge in Wicklow comes to mind. Only played it a couple of times, but it’s so nicely tucked away in a valley. Some beautiful holes and a very natural, country environment feel to it.

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

Golf is such a game of honour. I suppose you expect people to play by the rules in every sport, but that doesn’t always happen. Haven’t been in a situation where cheating was brought into question. I’d deal with it there and then and in the moment. It’s something to be nipped in the bud.

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

I find slow play is not so much an issue with players as tee-times being too close together. Sometimes when playing abroad or on very busy competition days, clubs try to squeeze as many people through as possible. I think a simple move like letting a group play out the entire first hole would help to create a bit of space.

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

Not really. One of the problems is the top players hit the ball so hard therefore golf courses need to be longer. I don’t think it matters too much because it always comes down to the short game and ability to get the ball in the hole. Chipping and putting is still the bread and butter.

8 What’s in the bag?

I’m using Ping woods and irons and an Odyssey putter which I’ve had for five or six years.

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

Probably a six-iron.

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

Skins tends to be popular with us, maybe a euro or two for a bit of fun.

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

Woods is superb, but it’s questionable now if he’ll reach Nicklaus’ major record. At his best I love watching Woods, he has this ability to pull out the most amazing shots. In the women’s game I have to say Annika Sorenstam. Saw her play her last British Open, something effortless about her game, yet she possessed the ruthless streak you need to win.

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

My home course at Milltown, local knowledge. Aforementioned Annika Sorenstam, maybe Laura Davies and somebody like Sophie Gustafson.