Most of you will know at this stage my admiration for the late Payne Stewart so it was great last week to stand alongside his statue at Waterville Golf Club, Kerry, Ireland and look at the various photos of him around the clubhouse.

It was my first time playing the beautifully rugged Waterville and I think I can safely say it is the most difficult course I have played. If you are few yards off the tight fairways, well then you’d better say your prayers because there is a good chance you might not find your ball. With the wind blowing, if you are not used to links, club selection is a nightmare and any ball hit high in the air deviates all over the place.

As you can guess by now, I didn’t quite master the place but it was a great eye-opener before the World Invitational Father and Son Tournament in August, at the same venue. There we will be completing alongside the likes of Dan Marino and JP McManus so it would be nice to do well. Somehow though, I don’t think I will be having any bets with those gentlemen…..my pockets aren’t that deep yet!