GOLF:Charlie Swan (Former champion NH jockey and current trainer) Club: Nenagh GC Handicap: 13

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

For me it’s probably the JP McManus Invitational which comes around every few years, certainly the best I’ve ever been involved in. over the years I’ve got to play with players like Nick Watney, David Howell, Mark O’Meara and Paul Casey. JP always attracts the world’s best. Obviously watching the Majors is the next best thing and it would be a toss up between the Open and the Masters. Darren and Rory’s wins this year were fantastic. It’s unbelievable what’s happening in Irish golf at the moment.

2 Best TV golf memory?

I suppose when Tiger holed his pitch from the behind the 16th green at the Masters a few years ago, that stands out in my mind. Also a sponsor’s dream as well the way it happened. Massive celebrations with his then caddie Steve Williams, who I see is now on Adam Scott’s bag after he and Tiger split.

3 Parkland or links? Why?

I suppose I probably prefer parkland but I do like the test of links golf. It’s tough going around a links sometimes. I’m more a fair weather player. If you get a links on a good day there’s nothing like it. My home course Nenagh is a good test and a good dry parkland and therefore good in winter.

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

I really like Rathsallagh. There’s a lot of variation in the holes. All round it’s a very nice place.

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

I would have to say something to the individual there and then. I’d call them on it. Cheating in golf is the lowest form of all. Luckily the situation has never arisen for me personally. Even if a fella says “I’d a five there” when you know it was a six they have to be told.

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

I’m a fast enough player myself so I can get a little bit impatient on a golf course sometimes. If you’re playing in a classic or something like that, and you’re out of the hole, then do the right thing and pick up your ball.

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

At my level it’s not going to make much of a difference, I certainly can’t tell! Maybe I drive the ball a little further but no a whole of difference. I’m just thankful we can take what we get. A lot of it is about length of courses these days. Maybe they should have a couple of tournaments on courses that aren’t as long and tighter; would vary it better. I know when I’m playing I hate having to hit three-woods into par fours because courses are so much longer. Can become a slog sometimes.

8 What’s in the bag?

TaylorMade driver and woods and my irons are Callaway. I’m putting with a Scotty Cameron which I got off JP (McManus).

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

Usually a seven-iron.

10 Playing amongst friend, would you play for a wager or what type of match?

Ah, probably €10, €10, €20 or something like that or €5, €5, €10 just for a bit of fun.

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

Hard for me to talk about Jack for I was a bit young when he was in his prime. For me it has to be Tiger, he has the most skill I have ever seen. And obviously Rory (McIlroy) looks as though he is in the same mould. But definitely Tiger is the one that stands out of the player I have seen over the years. Hard to compare different generations, bit like comparing horses in that sense.

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

Definitely Rory (McIlroy) and it would be at Augusta - probably give him a bit of a slagging there too! Obviously I’d like to play with Tiger and I’d also have Pádraig (Harrington) in the fourball.