The PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles - what a masterstroke of creative naming! We were there recently for the Johnnie Walker Championship, which involves a great and long-standing sponsor at a magnificent venue that will stage the Ryder Cup in 2014. The course was in better condition than ever and the event was well supported by the bulk of players likely to be on Captain Paul McGinley’s team. Spot the deliberate mistake! More of that in a moment, but first the name.
Jack Nicklaus’ course was originally called the Monarch's, a most appropriate addition to James Braid's wonderful old King's and Queen's masterpieces. Then, in 2001, the Professional Golfers Association celebrated its centenary. At which point some genius of corporate paralysis had an Einstein moment and decided that the Monarch of the Glen should forthwith be known as "The PGA Centenary Course". What a ring that has to it.
The Gleneagles Hotel is, if slightly austere in external appearance, a magical place to stay. Splendid tartan-clad old retainers offer a warm welcome, while the extremely well-trained Eastern European staff enhances the feel-good factor. The estate boasts a splendid equestrian centre, superb shooting facilities, exciting off-roading, excellent tennis courts and the British Falconry School; not to mention great golf. At the heart of one of the most romantic and beautiful settings it is possible to imagine lies … "The PGA Centenary Course". My colleague Dougie Donnelly has a house there, and he says the local joke is that it is not even the third best course in Auchterarder. Enough said.
The Ryder Cup’s visit next September falls within a short season which in these parts is normally referred to as “autumn”. But judging by the 100mph winds and torrential rains that swept through there last month, “winter” might be a better description. That should really work in Europe's favour, because the Americans will hate it, while the home side will be totally familiar with it having played there on a regular basis. Spot my second deliberate mistake! Who knows, perhaps young Tommy Fleetwood will make the side. He is one of Europe's emerging young stars who, unlike the majority of his better-known peers, actually did play in the Johnnie Walker Championship, and won an exciting play-off to boot.
The following week's Wales Open at Celtic Manor reminded us how very fortunate they had been in 2010, when a rain-ravaged Cup was only rescued by a brilliant and memorable extra day. Good luck to Gleneagles, they may very well need it.
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