It's Not All About Winning

I did notice that the Japanese contingent had female caddies and the most attractive ones at that. They were really jovial and smiling lot, and I was compelled to follow their group for a few holes and even got chatting to the Asahi TV crew. I said I wrote for HK Golfer which got a slightly uneasy and quizzical look from the group at first. Their immediate conversation went something like this, said with extreme and the most interesting and varied degrees of intonation. ‘Hong Kong Goff?’ ‘Aah Hong Kong Goff!’ ‘Aaah, ohhh, Hong Kong Goff, Honk Kong Goff’ (a brief respite for a few giggles and that open-mouthed Japanese incredulity look thing) ‘Ohhh Hong Kong Goff!’

Yes, I guess they would have been expecting someone with a more oriental disposition. Not the six foot two, broad and bald Edinburgher that was in their midst. Anyway, they were most friendly and courteous as the Japanese race always seem to be. We did exchange a few pleasantries and as they headed away in their buggy. I shouted a parting ‘I’ll see you in Tokyo’ which did cause a bit of amusement.

The marshals finely fitted out in their very smart red, Boss sponsored outfits were a delight and most helpful. They escorted me across the course when I suddenly realised I had lost sight of the Stella tent and educated me of the local word for light rain ‘smurr’, which sounds like my chat after a few hours in the Stella tent!

So, largely a happy, amusing and eventful day. Even the local constabulary was in high spirits and very game. As ever I’m afraid that there are the few that are taking themselves a bit too seriously. However, come on Chubby and Tiger, if the local bobbies can let their hair down then so can you guys. It’s not all about winning.

Even though Francesco Molinari manifestly showed us all about that.