Why I Cant Quit

When I started playing golf I fell in love with the game. I started when i was around 9 playing with my dad and grandad and my uncle. I would have one club usually a 6 iron and use my dads putter but spent most of my time looking for golf balls. When I started secondary school that's when I new golf was what I wanted to do in life. My handicap soon moved down from 19 when I was 10 to +3 when I was 24. I never had a pro swing but I felt I had talent and loved the game so much, I would go to bed every night thinking about how I could improve my game. I would be at home watching videos and trying to copy their swings (Freddie Couples). When I moved to the states to caddie I improved as a player so much playing with so many great players that helped me along the way. I then returned home thinking I would set the golfing world a light. I joined Edenmore a great club in Northern Ireland. I got a scratch handicap and started playing and pretty much won almost every gross  at the club that season and was club champ shooting in the 60s with my eyes closed. I then  had friends that said they would help me fund my pro career if I decided to go for it and I did. I tried out for the q-school for the europro tour. I made it past the first section but played so bad in the  last section. When I played I never felt myself I was always looking at other golfers and thinking what a better swing they had and that they were laughing at me and I never really got into it. I then decided to play on the Jamega Tour and could not wait. But as usual in practise rounds I was shooting low 60s first time seeing the course but when it came to the first day I could not relax and put more pressure on myself and could not get into my swing. I new  I had the game but my swing in my head always dragged me back down, even when there are swings on Tour that are not text book but they work. It was until now I new I could not stop it was what I wanted to do when I first picked up a club and I could not stop. I went and played the K-Club and shot 72 round the Smurfit and 70 round the Palmer with a 20 year old set of clubs and having not hit a ball in about 6 weeks. I came home feeling so good for the first time in about a year after hearing people tell me to go back down but my mum and dad were the people who always stuck by me and that's when I realised that I was doing this for me and no one else I  had to stop thinking about everyone else when I played and about money and just hit the ball,it has took me a long time to figure this out but there is no age limit on golf, I'm 31 years old and the golfing world is there for my taking and its down to me.

Finbar O'Hagan

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EURO'S

Tonight we also have the second semi final at the EUROS. After watching the Spain match last night you could say that the winner should come from tonights match. The Germans are prob the best side at the moment and look good to go all the way but with Pirlo and Buffon can the Italians do it again to the Germans only time will tell but I will be backing the Germans all the way as they are a young team and look to be improving by every match.

Irish Open

The Irish open being played today in Portrush Golf Club Northern Ireland,a very good test of golf.I have played here many times never having played it great and seeing the score at -7 does not do justice to the course,if the wind gets up it will be a different story as this is when links golf is a true test.Everyone here is looking for an Irish Winner but for me I think Nicolas Colsaerts is a good day having shot 66 to be in at -6 and no drop shots round here is a great score.And bing the first time a european event has sold out maybe the tour will host more events in Ireland.

PGA Tour of America in Dublin this week?

Well they are in Dublin but sadly it's Dublin Ohio at Muirfield Village Golf Club for the Memorial Tournament where the worlds best will line up as they compete in one of my favourite events before the next major the US Open. As Jack Nicklaus is the host, all the top players will be out. Defending champ Steve Stricker, Bubba making first appearance since Master's, World number 1 Luke Donald after his win at the BMW last week at Wentworth who will be a firm favourite. Rory McIlroy will be out to regain some form before his title defence at the US Open. He has been off form by missing the last two cuts.  Mickelson will be out smashing the ball again and is always in the mix. My pick is Justin Rose who has been in good form of late.Happy Golfing, watching or playing!

Volvo World Matchplay

Today is the start of the Volvo World Matchplay Championship at Finca Cortesin GC in Andalucia were Ian Poulter defends his title. Matchplay being such a good contest really anyone can win. Martin
kaymer is the bookies Fav but my pick is Justin Rose. He has been on pretty steady form this season and at a good price of around 15/2. Each way I think you can't over look past Brandt Snedeker  at 12/1.Hope you all enjoy the golf.

What is your best golf TIP??

I have had many golf tips over the years but for me the best tip I got was off my good friend Ryan Waltz from ECCC.It is one I try to stick by when the swing is not feeling good.Just keep your left eye on the right side of the ball.

Why do we play golf?

Birds chirping,smell of the grass the excitement of the game,getting ready to hit that first shot down the middle.There is so much joy and anger or frustration in 1 game.I new when I started playing the game with my dad when I was 9 I fell in love.It has been my life since then when I was in school all I wanted was golf,worked as a trainee pro as a caddie as a grounds keeper,outside services I have done most jobs at golf clubs just to be round the game. I learnt some of my best golf in the states when I was a caddie. It made me a better player. I turned pro but not great at the moment put allot of pressure on myself with money and never relaxed into my game,practise is  good then I start to worry about every we thing. But I think it is never easy at any level to perform your best but for me it was hard as a pro not so much the golf but just getting my head round 3 day comps,you cant win a comp in one round but you can sure loose it.