Albert Lee answers this week's question's

Albert Lee

(Honorary Secretary, Golfing Union of Ireland)

Club: Mullingar GC

Handicap: 7

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

I have to say the Masters. Everything is very well organised and the familiarity of the course plays a big part. Closer to home I’d highlight something like the Irish Amateur Open (at Royal Dublin last weekend). Like our Cups and Shields finals you get to see the action close up and walk the fairways.

2 Best TV golf memory?

Pádraig’s (Harrington) win at Birkdale (2008 British Open) was special. I would put that ahead of his first Open at Carnoustie, probably more accomplished. I will never forget his five-wood into the 17th on the final day.

3 Parkland or links? Why?

I would go for parkland. Not saying I don’t love playing links golf, I do, but I enjoy parkland golf.

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

Am I allowed to mention Mullingar, my home club. Fantastic old James Braid layout and renowned for the Mullingar Scratch Trophy. If talking links then it’s hard to see past Portmarnock or Royal Portrush, which would have the edge on Royal County Down for me.

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

You have to be 100 per cent sure. You’d have to let the person know they are wrong. If someone is cheating they have to be told and action taken. Have to make sure the person is aware they did something wrong. People can make mistakes; it’s the individual who deliberately cheats has to be called on it.

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

Depends on competition. If stableford then players should have the courtesy to pick up or move on if they are not going to score.

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

I don’t think so. Courses have become so long and everybody hits the ball further. The older courses that can’t extend probably suffer but there are ways of making shorter, traditional courses more difficult, like changing the tee to create angles, bunkering, etc. I don’t think we should compare the way pros and amateurs hit the ball. The equipment makes the game more enjoyable at club level and certainly the older you get.

8 150-yards from the hole, what’s in your hands?

Seven-iron.

9 Fashion stakes – Pringle or J Lindeberg?

Ah, come on. I’m out there for the craic and a few holes in a fourball.

10 More comfortable paying for price of a pint or ProV golf ball?

Doesn’t matter. Playing a regular game with friends and for a couple of euro, that’s what I live for.

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

Tiger. I think he’s one win away from being back to his best. I think he will reach Nicklaus’s major record.

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

Royal Birkdale. I would have Rory McIlroy and also Shane Lowry, very naturally talented players. Bit of fun too. I’d also have Pádraig (Harrington).