On The Tee: Q &A

GOLF: Andrew Trimble,  (Ulster and Ireland rugby player) Club: Malone GC, Belfast Handicap: unofficial 18

1 What’s your favourite tournament and why?

Got to be the British Open. It’s always the tournament that sorts the men from the boys and really tests them. After Rory and Darren’s success in the Majors this season, everyone has bought into this golf success, and especially after Graeme winning the US Open the year before. It really is unbelievable stuff and a special time for Irish golf.

2 Best TV golf memory?

Jean van de Velde and his meltdown in the Open at Carnoustie (1999). You always hear the line “no one remembers you if you don’t win”. but he’s a guy who cruised the tournament for three days and 17 holes and is now best known for completely falling apart at the final hole. Before he wouldn’t have been that well known, but now, because of that one incident, he’s known everywhere. It was pure entertainment, cruel and all as it was. But that’s golf and that’s the British Open for you.

3 Parkland or links? Why?

Links, purely because I grew up playing at Portstewart as a youngster. So many good courses along the Antrim coast.

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

I played Gracehill not far from Ballycastle recently and thought it was a great course. Plenty of water and just a nice wee course.

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

Out of embarrassment I would probably just sign the card, get it over with and say nothing. Different story if it’s a mate, then you can give him a hard time over it. Tends not to be an issue for me as I don’t play many official competitions, more charity and fund-raiser days for a bit of fun. Wouldn’t like to call someone a cheat at one of those events.

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

I would like players to just hit their shots when ready, no matter where they are on a course. If someone is up ahead it should be their responsibility to get out of the way. Would bring a whole new edge to golf – maybe time for the hard hats too. Also, no looking for golf balls: if you can’t find it in 10 seconds then move on.

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

I tend to get hand-me-down clubs from Niall O’Connor and he’s a very good golfer. When he upgrades I get his old set. Any time he gives me new stuff I always expect to go out and hit it like a dream, but no matter how up-to-date the equipment I always end up disappointed. People think the technical kit will work wonders for their game, doesn’t happen though; it’s down to the player’s ability.

8 What’s in the bag?

Niall O’Connor’s hand-me-downs. Think they’re Callaways.

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

This is the only yardage I know what club to take – usually a nine-iron.

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

Always more fun to play for dinner afterwards. If we could be more creative we might come up with some sort of forfeit. I tend to be the one paying for three dinners.

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

I’d say Tiger, but that’s only because I know more about him, he’s my era. whereas I didn’t see Nicklaus in his prime.

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

I’d have Niall O’Connor, Bryn Cunningham and Rory Best. I’d play with Niall because he is easily the best and I’m the worst out of the fourball. If Niall brings his A-game we get lunch paid for. We’d play at Royal County Down.