There’s a worried look on Monty’s face as portrayed in Lawrence Donegan’s blog at The Guardian.

Lawrence hasn’t many good words to say about, “The inaugural staging in France of the Vivendi Trophy with Seve Ballesteros - a team contest featuring squads from Great Britain and Ireland and from Europe.”
And Monty “will be on hand to observe this utterly meaningless contest.”-Ouch!

Lawrence’s sentiments appear to be shared by the likes of Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey, Padraig Harrington, who won’t be there.

Colin has said he’d like to have at least one Scotsman in the Ryder Cup team but a look at the Ryder Cup rankings doesn’t offer much hope for his dream to come true. Although I have to admit I was most impressed by the number of saltire logos on display on the final leader board at the Austrian Open.

As to who can make it? Paul Lawrie is making something of a comeback. Thanks no doubt to the help of Bob Torrance.
Paul has this to say on his web site, “I have recently started working with Bob Torrance.   Bob has been a top coach for 45 years.   His students include Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinlay and his son, Sam.   He is based at the Inverclyde Sports Centre in Largs and he is one of life's great characters!”

I’m not predicting Paul will make but I’m keeping my eye on a lad called Callum Macaulay from my old home course in Scotland called Tulliallan

Callum was awarded the Scottish golfer of the year in 2008 while still an amateur
And Scotland’s Sunday Mail had this to say about him.

“CALLUM MACAULAY outscored former US Open champ Michael Campbell by eight shots after picking the Kiwi's brain on what it takes to win a Major.
The Tour rookie was drawn with the New Zealander, who won at Pinehurst in 2005, for yesterday's third round of the Omega European Masters in Switzerland. But it was the talented 25-year-old Tulliallan player who stood taller with 68 while Campbell was buried under an avalanche of dropped shots on the Crans-sur-Sierre course.”

Way to go Michael Campbell. Could be you have a future as a coach. You’ve most certainly got a charming personality to go with the job.
For more on what Lawrence Donegan has to say about Monty’s year ahead go to his blog

Thought for the day from my very favourite golf personality Walter Hagen. It’s now something of a cliché but worth reminding ourselves from time to time.
“You're only here for a short visit. Don't hurry, don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.”
 

Slainte

Stan