Other golf stories
Maybin’s ideal pairing
THE SPECTACULAR scenery around Monterey peninsula has proved inspiring to Gareth Maybin, who decided to propose to his long-time girlfriend Liz McMeekin ahead of making his debut appearance in a major.
Maybin, who came through international qualifying at Sunningdale last month to book his place in the field, is staying in a little cabin on the peninsula along 17 Mile Drive this week. “It’s a romantic setting, and it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. I’m just delighted she said yes,” said the 29-year-old Ulsterman.
Of the different challenge that is facing him on the course, Maybin remarked: “I’m not playing well, there is something just not clicking. But it can come back as quickly as it goes, so I’ll keep plugging along. It is a hell of a golf course.
“The scenery just adds to it really . . . I’m happy to be here. I’ve put a lot of work into my game and hopefully I can put in a good performance. It is step by step for me. Some players go right in at the deep end and go straight to the top. But I think it can be a benefit to build yourself up at times.”
Amateur with Irish credentials
FLORIDA-BASED Waterford teenager Kevin Phelan – “I have dual citizenship but I definitely consider myself Irish” – would like it be known to the GUI that he would love the opportunity to represent Ireland in the Home Internationals at Ashburnham in Wales next August.
Phelan, a son of former Irish squash champion John, was born in New York when his father was a professional coach in the Big Apple but moved to Waterford as a toddler and was first introduced to golf at Waterford Castle under the junior programme conducted by Tom O’Leary: “I’ve great memories of my time there, the junior programme at the club was unbelievable.”
Now, however, Phelan – who is based in St Augustine in Florida – is one of 10 amateurs competing here at Pebble Beach. Phelan (19), came through regional and sectional qualifying to book his place in the field and played a number of holes with Pádraig Harirngton in acclimatising.
“I noticed the way he writes everything down in practice, to make sure you know exactly where to hit it. He’s so meticulous, he has everything so carefully plotted out,” said Phelan.
Harrington revises plans
PÁDRAIG HARRINGTON has quit on the idea of staging his own tournament on a links ahead of next month’s British Open at St Andrews.
Instead, the three-time major champion intends to head to St Andrews early to take in two practice rounds over the Old Course.
The reason? He has a number of engagements on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of the Open week – which includes receiving a honorary doctorate from the University of St Andrews – and, so, he has revised his plans. “I’m playing in the JP McManus Pro-Am the week before the Open, so I will use that as my competitive play and go and play St Andrews on the Saturday and Sunday as my practice,” he said.
