Golf International - October - November 2012

Issue 113: This may not be styled a ‘souvenir’ issue but to all intents and purposes it is exactly that as we celebrate surely the greatest Ryder Cup ever played, one that produced a wall-to-wall exhibition of the most astonishing golf, culminating in what has to be the most incredible turnaround in the history of the matches. Has the game ever enjoyed a showcase quite like it? Have you ever felt so nervous, so alive, watching a contest unfold? Does sport get any better than that?

Coming on the back of an unforgettable Olympic summer that has made heroes of so many British athletes, the post-script really couldn’t have been any sweeter: as Olly’s European team toasted victory, it was satisfying in the extreme to stand and salute the guts, the courage, the heartfelt passion and never-say-die determination of one of our very own: Ian James Poulter. Seve would have been proud. Four-and-O for the week, out on the course Poults was the talisman who made it all possible. As Europe stared a five-point deficit in the face on Saturday evening, the five consecutive birdie putts he rolled home from the 13th defined him as one of the game’s all-time great match-players. 10-6. Game on.

Whatever your own personal highlights of the match in Chicago, there’s a good chance you’ll find them covered within our extended review section, which begins on page 52. Before that, sit back and enjoy an entertaining interview with John Inverdale that opens Planet Golf; on duty at Medinah for BBC Radio 5 Live, one of sport’s most gifted and knowledgeable broadcasters is right on the money with his verdict on the key talking points of the week.

It is always exciting to unveil a new dimension within our magazine and I am delighted to welcome Carly Frost to the Gi staff as she takes the helm as editor of a brand new section dedicated to women’s golf. Not to mention her 10 years’ experience as a journalist, Carly is a Dorset County player with a reputation for getting results – I can think of no one better placed to take on a role that will see Gi produce quality content reflecting the latest trends in the women’s game.

Enjoy the read.