Final Shot with Peter Downie

Do you have a favourite course?

Clearwater Bay is of course extremely special to me. With the changing winds, it plays differently every day, and I can't think of another course that has actually become better over the years. It's like a fine wine. As a club we're constantly striving to create an even better and even more special golfing experience.

Overseas, my favourite is unquestionably Muirfield. I started my career there as a caddie, and it's a brilliant challenge, quite unlike most other links courses, with the front nine playing clockwise and the back nine playing anti-clockwise.
Who would be in your dream fourball?

My father, who would be so proud of where I have come in golf. His partner would be 'The King', Arnold Palmer; my father was one of Arnie's Army. They'd go against me and my boyhood hero Seve Ballesteros. I was very fortunate to play with Seve when I worked in Dubai ... such an inspirational and humble human being. 
What has been your most memorable moment on a golf course?

It would definitely have to be during the 1999 Dubai Desert Classic, which was held at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, where I was the director of golf. I had received a sponsors' invite to play but I couldn't get a wink of sleep the night before the first round because I thought I would shoot 90 the next morning. Surprisingly I went on to shoot successive 69s and found myself in the last group out on Saturday alongside David Howell, the eventual champion. After six holes I actually look the lead! Talk about being out of your comfort zone ... I went on to shoot 75 and 78 and quickly realised I'd leave tournament golf to professional golfers, not golf professionals like me.