Golf Monthly's week that was

Deadline week for the Golf Monthly team made for a busy few days as the finishing touches were applied to the April issue. It’s not yet March, of course, but in two weeks time you’ll be able to buy your April copy and, for many, this is when the golf season really kicks off. So, despite the odd frantic moment, there’s a real sense of excitement in the air as we all start to look forward to the US Masters at Augusta.  

Take nothing away from Anthony Kang or Dustin Johnson for winning the Malaysian Open and Pebble Beach Pro-Am respectively, but it just feels like we’re going through the motions at the moment. Maybe the first of the season’s World Championships next week will kick things off. Will Tiger Woods be playing? All will be revealed soon, apparently. One thing’s for certain, when he does return to action, he’ll have a certain Ulsterman in his way – young Rory McIlroy adding the Race to Dubai European Tour player of the month award to his name this week for his Dubai Desert Classic victory in January.  

Following on from our previous ‘Equipment Guides’ looking at irons under £400, modern putters, wedges and a review of Ping after its 50 years in the golf industry, we gave you a selection of hybrids worth trying, all under £100. There’s still time to get your bag in order before the spring so keep on eye on our latest equipment reviews, galleries and blogs.  

For punters, we seriously hope Paul Krishnamurty was able to get you back on track. The superb pick of Dustin Johnson at 70/1 should have helped. If our tipster goes on a run make sure you’re keeping an eye on all the latest betting guides, as well as comprehensive tournament previews from Fergus Bisset.    

Fergus has recently told us of how he feels a rest is as good as a change. Judging by the Golf Monthly Forum, it seems some of you agree. Besides the regular golf course and equipment chat, it was refreshing to see some of you discussing the Brit Awards. We felt Kylie and the two Gavin and Stacey chaps did Okay as it happens, Homer…sorry.

On Thursday we were keen to test your knowledge again. You still have time to enter our “Name the courses” competition to be in with a chance of winning some Green Free vouchers as well as instruction DVDs from Golf Monthly’s Top 25 coaches. Don’t forget to keep an eye on all our regular competitions.  

Come Monday Golf Monthly’s Order of Merit leader will be announced after round one at Remedy Oak, following last month’s cancellation at Bearwood Lakes. After a few too many burritos this week, a good round of golf is just what’s needed. It's also a great chance for Alex Narey to take out his new custom-fit Ping G10 irons...we look forward to the blog.

Have a good weekend!