- Observer Sport Monthly, Sunday 6 April 2003
Sunday, 14 April 1996 was a painful day for Australian golf. But the closing hours of that clammy spring afternoon also dealt a life-sapping blow to the British game. Greg Norman, the shingle-haired Australian, started the dramatic final round of the US Masters six shots clear of his nearest challenger, Nick Faldo. Norman fell apart, never to seriously contest a major again; Faldo picked up the pieces and, when the dust had settled, his third green jacket. It was the last time a Briton won one of golf's four majors. Between 1985 and the climax of that Augusta Sunday Faldo was consistently, if not spectacularly, the best golfer in the world; English, Welsh and Scottish rivals snapped eagerly at his heels. Across the Atlantic the Americans, long accustomed to dominating the global game, were stuck in the long grass while Britain (courtesy of Faldo, Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam) strutted across the fairways.
Despite some close calls since 1996 this group have quietly, almost apologetically, slipped away, eclipsed by the shadow of Tiger. Now, seven years on, a new group of British players has emerged to relight the flame. Justin Rose, Paul Casey, Graeme McDowell, Nick Dougherty and Luke Donald. Four Englishmen and an Ulsterman. Five players with the raw energy and the kind of swaggering self-regard more commonly found in Premiership dressing rooms. Loud, fit, fast and wearing better jumpers, these are the talented new breed who will carry the British game into the next decade.
All of them are aged 25 or under. Between them they have won five European tour titles and one US PGA title. Not at face value a particularly remarkable statistic until you realise just how and when they achieved these successes. Donald, who is based in America, won his debut US title in his rookie year, the first ever European to do so, and amassed more than $1m from this win alone, including endorsements. McDowell turned professional last year and won the Volvo Scandinavian Masters in Sweden, one of the Tour's flagship events, by a single stroke four tournaments later. Dougherty has yet to win, but he's already amassed 10 top 20 finishes in two years on tour; Rose and Casey have a pair of wins apiece, and too many close calls to mention. They are all perched on the cusp of great things. Even Faldo, not normally given to hyperbole, has been stabbing around for superlatives. 'These are the guys who should be contending for the majors in the next five to 10 years,' says the winner of six himself. 'All of them are of a good age and they're undoubtedly the guys of the future. It's just down to the individual - the big question is, who's going to be the first one to do it?'
Prudence or perhaps a personal interest in one of the five, (Dougherty is a Faldo protégé) prevents Faldo from attempting to answer his own question. However, the temptation to sound off has proved too strong for some. 'People are getting carried away', says Justin Rose with a gentle, almost resigned sigh. 'Winning the odd tournament here and there is fantastic but I don't think anyone can say we as a group are changing the face of the game until we start winning majors. And, let's face it, none of us have yet. We have to prove ourselves on the biggest stage'.
In other words, promise is one thing, success another. Memories of his own time in purdah after he finished fourth in the 1998 Open aged 17 will make Rose aware of the way in which a great career can slip through a player's hands. And he will no doubt remember the fate of Gordon Sherry, the last British player tipped to conquer the world after a glittering amateur career in the early Nineties. Sherry is currently a professional at Cardross Golf Club near Loch Lomond. All he has left of his bright future are the photographs and cuttings. There's not much cause to dust the trophy cabinet when it's empty.
The fashion industry never bothered much with golf until recently. Clothing crimes committed by players across five continents and one decade in particular (the Seventies was truly an evil time to be a sportsman) saw to that. But that's all changing too, thanks in the main to Nike, Adidas and, strangely, Pringle, the original pink and yellow chequered menace. Now it is acceptable, perhaps even desirable, to wear golf gear again.
'Back in the Seventies it was all getting very messy', says a clearly appalled McDowell. 'All those V-necks and Farah slacks.' McDowell is wearing a grey crew neck jumper and a white polo shirt. In other words, something that's unlikely to have ever adorned the floor of a provincial cinema. 'And now there's so many guys trying to create their own image. There's all sorts of stuff coming out of the lockers - strange coloured slacks, tight T-shirts. The tours are full of young, hip guys into looking good. And they're fit enough to carry it off. I haven't actually got a contract with a clothes company ... but I'd be pretty interested in one.'
Rose - courtesy of TaylorMade and Adidas - also admits to taking the time to check that his labels are facing the right way before heading out to the first tee. 'I'm definitely into fashionable clothes,' he says, 'but the real change for me is that big sports brands have made the game more sporty, which appeals to the kids more. Golf's now trendier than it's ever been.' Dougherty sports a Freddie Ljungberg-style coloured quiff and Casey, self-appointed style guru to the younger players, even has his own list of fashion dos and don'ts. 'I have never been tempted by a white belt. Never. But they're everywhere on tour at the moment. Blame the Swedes! I don't do all-white shoes either. Apart from that, it's pretty much anything goes. We're all conscious of how we look out there. Just like any other 20 or 25 year old.'
Self-belief, unsurprisingly, is not lacking among these tour trailblazers but in some cases, this may not be enough to see them through. Several golf writers have already expressed doubts over the durability of Dougherty given his apparent love of a good night out. Whatever has been said about his temperament, Dougherty, like the others, remains a truly exhilarating presence on the course. Long off the tee, physically strong and fearless of whatever the tour's most challenging layouts can throw at them, Dougherty and co really do seem to collectively epitomise the complete modern golfer. Donald, for example, is a man of few words, but if his golfing talent could speak it would talk like a dispatch box veteran: smoothly and persuasively. 'Some people call me The Quiet Assassin on tour,' he says. 'Because I keep my head down, don't smile much, get the job done.'
'He's a huge talent', insists Peter McEvoy, former Walker Cup and England captain. 'He's very orthodox, very straight, very disciplined, plus there is a genuine steely desire to win. He doesn't play stupid shots, he thinks his way round the golf course like a veteran.'
Rose, at 22, is an old hand too. It's already five years since he clambered up the 18th fairway at Royal Birkdale and holed his third shot from 50 yards to make his name at his first Open Championship. Then he submitted his slender frame to the rigours of the European Tour, an experience which turned out to be both humbling and educational. 'Birkdale came too soon for him,' Ryder Cup Captain Sam Torrance tells OSM one early spring morning as he steps out for 18 holes at Sunningdale golf club. 'I know he's learnt an awful lot from the experience and become a better player as a result. It's easy to say that now, but I'm sure at the time it must have been the worst year of his life.' It was bad all right. Rose missed 21 consecutive cuts before June 1999.
'What it's given me is experience beyond my years,' he says now. 'Which I think is my greatest strength as a golfer. And the knowledge that I've got so much more to give. I'm comfortable in my game at the moment but I know that I can improve every aspect of it tenfold.'
Which is precisely what his rivals will not want to hear. 'I'm ready to win a major. I've been in contention twice - in '98 and last year when I went out on the Sunday in the second last group. I had a chance, but I talked myself out of it. I convinced myself I wasn't quite ready. But I know I can make that step up now. My aim this year is to give myself a chance on Sunday, to get in position, take the pressure.' This month at Augusta he will get his first crack at the Masters where getting 'in position on Sunday' and 'taking the pressure' has proved too much for several of the world's best golfers. 'I can't wait,' Rose says, his voice crackling with excitement. 'It's going to be awesome.'
'They should enjoy it,' says Torrance by way of a free tip. 'That's the only advice I'd give them. It's a fantastic life, and very rewarding. But then they know that already.' Indeed they do. And it's a relief to discover that they are enjoying the considerable financial fruits of their labours, even if golfers' extracurricular interests still seem to stick rigidly to fast cars and big houses, rather than the hedonism of the kind found in the back of a Mötley Crüe tour bus. This is golf, remember. Still Casey recalls a night in pink and blue wigs singing Bon Jovi songs with Rose at a Japanese karaoke bar ('Living On a Prayer' ... we murdered it', says Casey) and Dougherty has picked up a ladies-man reputation among tour gossips. He lists his hobbies as 'partying hard' and 'having a laugh'. He is 20 after all.
Donald and McDowell appear to be the most down-to-earth of the five (the latter even lets slip that he has 'an Ulsterman's tendency to look after the pennies'), but even this endearing characteristic can't dim the bright lights of ambition. Take these personal statements of intent to add to Rose's confident Open declaration.
'I want to win a Grand Slam,' says Casey. 'I expect a career Grand Slam at the very least.'
'I know I can compete at the very top level now I've won a Tour event,' adds McDowell.
'People have been calling us the young guns,' agrees Donald. 'I guess we probably are the future.'
But the last word, fittingly, goes to Dougherty, the Charlie Sheen of this golfing Brat Pack. 'In five years time I would like to have played in the Ryder Cup,' he says. 'And be flying to all the majors in my own jet'. Brash doesn't really cover it.
They all claim to like each other, and there is much talk of 'friendly rivalry'. But they know they're not fooling anyone. 'You don't wish anyone bad luck,' says Rose, 'but you are only concerned with yourself. I'm looking to be the best player in the world, I'm not looking to be in the best team.' Casey makes a convincing case for solidarity but he too slips on the oil slick of ambition. 'Whether Luke, Nick, Adam Scott or Justin are going to be my main rivals I don't know. And it's irrelevant. There's always someone you need to beat. And if it's them, that's fine because they're my friends. I notice them but only if they finish above me. But, you know what? I bet they notice me too.'
Sandy Lyle was 27 when he won his first Open at Royal St George's in 1985, Nick Faldo three years older than that when he triumphed at Muirfield two years later. It's easy to imagine that another British name might soon be added to the oldest of golfing trophies. And these five will each have spent too many hours and days visualising that sublime moment when a ball splits a sun-dappled fairway to the sound of rapturous applause and charging feet, leaving two putts from eight feet to secure a place in history.
Graeme McDowell, 23
Born Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
Highlight of amateur career World University Champion 2000; Walker Cup 2001
Turned professional June 2002
Victories as a professional Volvo Scandinavian Masters Champion 2002.
Brat pack character Judd Nelson
How did you celebrate your first win?
Well, I remembered that Darren Clarke told me when he won his first tour event he spent £2,500 on buying everyone drinks at Portrush. So I decided I'd do the same. I went back to Rathmore which is the club next to Portrush and stood all the members a drink. It only cost £700 though. Must have been a quiet night.
Who were your golfing heroes?
When I was growing up I never really had golfing heroes. I admired players but my heroes were the ones who were doing what I wanted to be doing or achieving in a year's time. So first off it was probably the top club juniors, then the top amateurs, then, I guess, guys like Faldo and Clarke.
Did you ever consider another career?
I was quite into music and other sports when I was a teenager but no, not really. I had girlfriends and liked going out for a beer. But I was so in love with golf that I started not bothering about the other things too much.
What would you change about the game?
I suppose it would be nice if the game was a bit faster. Nobody really enjoys five-hour rounds do they? I'm not saying I'm the fastest player in the world but I'm definitely not the slowest either. The great thing about golf now though is that so many kids are realising what a challenging, diverse game it is. It allows you to experience great highs and lows as a sportsman and human being it challenges you in every possible way.
Who do you hang out with on tour?
I haven't really been out long enough yet to mix too much. It's nice to go out for a beer with some of the older guys, though. I've picked Des Smyth's brains. I also had dinner with Paul McGinlay about a month after the Ryder Cup, which was pretty amazing. Just sitting and listening to the more experienced pros is a lesson in itself. I've played with Tiger once. It was pretty awesome. Inside the ropes is his escape I think, that's where he can do things that others can only dream of. It's weird though, he's such a traditionalist - he's very into his golf history and all his clubs are old standard designs.
If you hadn't been a golfer what would you have been?
I would quite like to have been a movie critic. I used to be a bit of a film buff. But then I was really into my music for a while too. My taste in films? Well it was always quite mainstream. Big action films especially - I love Nicolas Cage, he's probably my favourite actor.
Is McDowell the next Nick Faldo?
Probably would prefer to be called the new, slimline Darren Clarke.
Nick Dougherty, 20
Born Liverpool
Highlight of amateur career World Junior Champion, 1999; Austraian International 2001
Turned professional Aug 2001
Best professional finish 2nd, Qatar Masters, 2002
Brat Pack character Charlie Sheen
That haircut of yours. Is it a Freddie Ljungberg?
No way, it's not a Ljungberg. I'd never copy an Arsenal player.
If you hadn't been a golfer what would you have been?
I'd have loved to have been an actor. It must be such a great lifestyle. People say being a golfer must be great, and it is, but an actor's life would be incredible.My hero out of anyone who's ever set foot on this planet is John Travolta. I just think he's amazing. I love his movies. In fact, I'm a huge movie fan in general.
What are you favourite films?
It's such a hard question. There are so many I like. I suppose Swordfish, Pulp Fiction, The Usual Suspects. The only film star I've met is Hugh Grant - he was exactly as he is on film. Nice, foppish.
Weren't you a bit of an all-round sportsman at school?
I suppose so. I was a really good rugby union player and a decent flautist - yeah, I know, a bit odd. But it was never really in doubt that I was going to be a golfer.
Is it true your dad moved the family home just so you could be near a golf course?
Totally true. When I was 11 we moved to a house in Chorley that was literally next door to Shaw Hill Golf Club. The idea was that I'd get home from school, drop my bag and step right onto the course. Yes, I know, it was great. My dad was a huge influence. At 16 I was really into hanging out with my pals but dad pushed me onto the range to hit balls. I hated it at the time, but of course he was right to do it.
Are you really golf's No 1 hellraiser?
Nah. I do like partying and I totally love going out. I'm 20. I'm going to go out and enjoy myself. I used to go out with all the lads on the Monday of a tournament for a few beers, but I know now that I can't do that. You need to prepare properly for big tour events and that means getting your head straight from the start of the week.
Is Dougherty the next Nick Faldo?
Dougherty is the old Nick Faldo minus 25 years. 'He's my all-time hero.'
Luke Donald, 25
Born Hemel Hempstead
Highlight of amateur career Walker Cup 1999, 2001.
Turned professional Aug 2001
Victories as a professional PGA Southern Farm Bureau Classic 2002.
Brat pack character Emilio Estevez
What achievement are you most proud of as a player?
Apart from my tour win? In 1999 I broke Tiger Woods's college scoring record. That gave me a real kick. My average was 70.45 and Woods had averaged 70.61. That was at the end of four great years playing and studying art history in the States.
Sam Torrance has said that he doesn't think we'll see much of you now that you're established in the States. Have you plans to join the European Tour?
Not at the moment. I'll probably continue to play my golf across the Atlantic because it's where feels more comfortable. But don't worry, I've played in the Walker Cup and I've every intention of playing in the professional version. I'll make sure I play well enough in the majors and other qualifying events to make it into the Ryder Cup.
Who were your golfing heroes?
I suppose the guy that I was really into watching as a young boy was Seve. Just because he was really at his peak when I started getting into the game. He was so flamboyant as a player - truly a spectacular sportsman. I liked other players, but he was the man wasn't he? Strangely I grew up playing a very different way to Seve. I'm very steady, kind of down the middle and he just hit it all over the place.
Why did you get into golf?
It wasn't a financial thing, I know that. I am not bothered about money. That's a bonus, not a motivation. It's just a great competitive sport. I want to get into pressure situations in front of big crowds and I want to be in that situation all the time against the best in the world - and winning. I don't go out onto the golf course to finish in the top 10 or second. I'm ready to take on the best player in the world - and that means Tiger. I'm looking forward to being successful.
If you hadn't been a golfer what would you have been?
To be honest, I wasn't ever going to be anything else. Just as well it worked out.
Is Donald the next Nick Faldo?
It would appear so. 'The next British golfer to win a major will be Luke ahead of Monty, Westwood and Clarke.' So says Peter McEvoy, former Walker Cup and England captain. 'I can picture him holding up the Open championship trophy. That is not something I find difficult or strange to imagine.'
Paul Casey, 25
Born Cheltenham
Highlight of amateur career English Amateur Champion, 1999, 2000; Walker Cup 1999.
Turned professional Nov 2000
Victories as a professional Scottish PGA Championship 2001, ANZ Championship 2003.
Brat Pack character Rob Lowe
You just missed out in being part of last year's Ryder Cup team. Will you be there next time, in 2004?
I want to be a big part of that team. I don't want to be the guy who is just put out on the weekend for the singles. I want the captain to be able to say, 'I'm playing Casey because he's guaranteed to get points on the board.'
What would you change about the game ?
Golf balls are going obscene distances. Technology has just gone crazy. I used to think of myself as a fairly long hitter and now this year I find that I'm kind of in the middle of the pack, which obviously I'm not enjoying much. Certainly for the professional game, something has to be done with the equipment to level things out. I find the spike mark ruling odd and annoying. You're allowed to repair ball marks which are created by another golfer but we can't repair spike marks which are also created by another player as well. I don't get it.
What about the tradition that players should have absolute quiet when playing a shot?
Personally, I like it as noisy as possible when I'm playing - they can go as mad as they like. After the shot. It definitely makes it more interesting and exciting for us. I remember when someone was ripping into Tiger on the course and Steve Williams [his caddy] just turned round and said: 'We're not at a basketball game here guys.' He's right. Basketball players have to shoot while people are going nuts all around them. But people pay to come to golf to watch us shoot low numbers and they are not going to be able to see the great golf they want unless they're quiet when we're hitting.
If you hadn't been a golfer what would you have been?
I'd have been a racing driver. Or a cook. Or Justin Rose's karaoke manager! I was always into my cars. I've got a BMW M Coupe with an M3 engine and a Z3 chassis. Everyone loves their cars on tour. Ian Poulter's always showing people pictures of his Ferrari. Tiger's got a couple of Porsche Turbos.
What about the cooking?
I love Ready Steady Cook , I'm not winding you up. I'd love to have been a chef. I mean I'm not too bad. I do have a weak spot for takeaway but I'm not fussy. I eat absolutely everything. Sea bass is great. But do you know what I really like? There's nothing better than a bottle of wine, a big loaf of French bread with balsamic vinegar, good olive oil, maybe some roasted garlic and peppers. I can stretch to that I think. Cullens sells all of it doesn't it?
Who's wearing the best clothes on tour?
Well, Adam Scott's well into his clothes. He even gets his slacks custom made. The Americans are a wee bit cookie-cutterish, lots of khaki trousers. Henrik Bjornstad is wearing Oakley apparel which is just bizarre.
Is Casey the next Nick Faldo?
Potentially, he's the next Nick Faldo and the next Nick Nairn rolled into one.
