Tailored Shorts: Weird and Wonderful Golf News You May Have Missed

Ror’s At Augusta Like all the top pro’s our man Rory McIlory made his own trip to Augusta a couple of weeks back to do some reconnaissance...

Ror’s At Augusta

Like all the top pro’s our man Rory McIlory made his own trip to Augusta a couple of weeks back to do some reconnaissance. He spent three days there with his lifelong friends Harry Diamond and Stephen Sweeney and played four practice rounds on the hallowed turf. The friends stayed in the Eisenhower Cabin which overlooks the course and got the grand tour of the Champions Locker Room, the Butler Cabin and the Crowe’s Nest. Michael Bannon, Rory’s coach spent last week getting his swing “back on track” in Houston and though a recent scan on Rory’s back revealed some lingering issues, let’s keep our fingers crossed for him at Augusta.

Argentinian Beef

Don’t tell the IFA but Argentinian Beef is on the Champion’s Dinner menu at the U.S Masters. Every year the menu is decided by the reigning champion and last years victor Angel Cabrera has decided on his country’s most famous meat. Cabrera warmed up for the event by hosting and cooking at a "preview dinner" for 100 guests in Houston to raise money for his foundation. El Pato is rumoured to have made a special dipping sauce for salad and bread. Whatever next we ask? Harrington getting a grilling on Masterchef?

 

Palmer on Tee

Arnold Palmer will again hit the first tee shot at the Masters this year as honorary starter. He is set to be joined this year by fellow legend Jack Nicklaus. It is also widely expected that Gary Player will re-unite the big three as starters in 2011. A long held tradition at the Masters, honorary starters have included legends of the game including Byron Nelson and Gene Sarazen who started in 1981, and were then joined by Sam Snead in 1984. This trio continued until 1999 when Sarazen died.

 

 

Ernie tells Ricky to “Puck” Off

Ricci Roberts won’t be on the bag of Ernie Els at the Masters. Roberts, who guided Ernie to two wins already this season will hand the bag over to Dan Quinn by pre-arrangement. Els had suggested to Roberts last year about a job sharing role on the bag with him and Els friend Quinn. Quinn is himself an accomplished amateur golfer and career sportsman having played NHL ice hockey with the Pittsburgh Penguins for 14 seasons. Quinn is also booked to take Ernie’s bag for the PGA Championship later this season.