Do you have a favourite course?
My favourite course in Hong Kong would be the Old Course at Fanling, as I like that it is not a driver off every tee and involves a lot of thought. It is nice to play a course that can be tough without needing to be long. It certainly gets the better of me every time. My favourite course anywhere would be my home course of Portsalon, in Donegal. I remember sneaking on in the long summer evenings when I was very young and still enjoy playing it whenever I am back. It has been remodeled recently by [2014 European Ryder Cup captain] Paul McGinley, which seems to have involved putting bunkers in all the places my balls go. I think it is one of the most underrated courses in Ireland.
Who would be in your dream fourball?
Rory McIlroy would be in there, just because I am in awe of how hard and how long he hits a ball. Pat Jennings, the former goalkeeper for Arsenal and Northern Ireland would be too. He was my childhood hero and remains a keen and quality golfer. I would be tempted to bring my father as I have mentioned how much I enjoy his company on a golf course, and because we could do with the shots from his handicap, but as we have played so much over the years I would instead turn to McGinley, so I could ask about those bunker placements!
What has been your most memorable moment on a golf course?
Four years ago on New Year’s Eve morning I was playing on my own and managed to get a hole-in-one on the third at Deep Water Bay. I had the sinking feeling that because I was on my own no one could validate for me. But this turned to elation when a member and his caddie playing down the second confirmed that they had seen it! I haven’t hit as good a shot since!
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