Life on Tour
Dear Golfer,

Well I hope I’m not as nervous in the Polish Seniors Open as I was nearly 30 years ago during my rookie season on tour. The divot I gouged out of the first tee at Vilamoura went nearly as far as the ball (thank God it managed to roll past the ladies tee!). Howard Clark in the group behind waited patiently as I tried to calculate a yardage to the green. Should have been a wedge − I had to hit 3 wood!

So 30 years later and what have I learned about surviving on tour? Sixteen events over a four−month period will undoubtedly test the old nervous system (old being the proverbial word). But I do have fresh blood on the team in the form of my caddie Rob Moore. Having a friendly face with you is so important but whether we will be able to share rooms is down to whether he has been able to control his snoring. His girlfriend has tried a whole host of medications on him this winter − I have earplugs at the ready.

Of course there are some great players on the Senior Tour now. I see Woosie and Lyle are planning to play in the Welsh Senior Open. I remember staying in the same small guest house with them and Wayne Grady 28 years ago. Who could have guessed they would all be major winners. It really will be good to see people I haven’t seen for a long time.

A great experience lies ahead for me this year. Not only to taste the thrill of playing in tournaments again but also to visit some great new cities − Krakow, Moscow, Prague and Delhi for starters! Hopefully the sun will be shining to warm the bones or the physio unit that follows the seniors tour will have to have a good stock of arthritis pills.

Personally I can’t wait to tee off and see what happens − if you want to travel the journey with me send me your email address and you will receive my regular letter.

Thanks to all those who have wished me luck − I will be giving it my very best.


John Hoskison