Barclays Scottish Open / European Tour / July 9-12, 2009

[Yoda]

Okay, guys, we're getting ready to go here. Unfortunately, for Team BG, not all is good news.

Brian arrived in Scotland early Monday but has played very little golf. His back seized up two days before leaving for Scotland, and the long plane ride over didn't help matters. He played twelve holes at Turnberry on Monday and walked the final six. Tuesday, he worked with PTs in the physio trailer Tuesday at Loch Lomond, then practiced and played nine holes. He was unable to swing properly with his back in its current condition.

Today, he spent more time in physio, and other than hitting a few pitches and putts in the short game area, didn't practice at all. He walked the nine holes he didn't play yesterday. After another visit to the guys in physio, he left the course after lunch.

He tees off #10 with the first group of the day at 7:30 a.m. Here's hoping his back lets go overnight.

[alex_chung]

It certainly didn't sound too good when I spoke to you earlier on tonight. Hopefully the Physio's have managed to work their magic on Brian's back and that he can go out and play some this week.
See you tomorrow!
Alex

[Yoda]

I have quite a number of photos taken Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week. Here's a kickoff:

#1 Michael Walker, my friend and fellow instructor, with his student, European Tour player Mark Rowland. Mike is one of Europe's finest swing coaches, long a stalwart with Pete Cowan Golf in Manchester, England. Mike spent 2 1/2 days with me at Cuscowilla last October.

#2 Nick Faldo preparing to hit from the practice bunker. Nick is taking a break from his CBS broadcasting duties to compete here and prepare for The Open Championship at Turnberry next week.

#3 and #4 Brian Gay and Yoda at work.

#5 Graeme Storm, Pete Cowan, Lynn Blake and Michael Walker. Pete is Graeme's coach as well as about 25 percent of the last four European Walker Cup teams. He also teaches Henrik Stenson, winner of this year's The Player's Championship.

[O.B.Left]

Man I wish I was there to see that tournament. The next one would be good too.
Some day.

Best of luck.

Ob

[Yoda]

#5 Graeme Storm, Pete Cowan, Lynn Blake and Michael Walker. Pete is Graeme's coach as well as about 25 percent of the last four European Walker Cup teams. He also teaches Henrik Stenson, winner of this year's The Player's Championship.

Take a look at the last photo in my Post #3 above, especially the fellow on the far left. That's Graeme Storm, who today shot 65 (-6) and is in a four-way tie for second place, one shot off the lead.

[alex_chung]

Just like to say thanks Yoda and Mrs Yoda for their company last night at dinner, it was good fun to catch up and chat.
After dinner I drove Yoda and Mrs Yoda back to Cameron House. Yoda then invited me in to meet none other than our Heros Brian Gay and Sir Kip Henley. So ended spending a couple of hours with Brian, SKip (new name for Kip as he is now a Knight (self appointed I may say) ), Yoda, Mrs Yoda and James (who was staying in the hotel and had played in the Pro Am. He also had a hole in one earlier that day so was everyone's best friend as he bought the drinks )
After last night I am now currently incubating the new 5th Accumulator that SKip taught me........ still not sure about Accumulator 5.5 though
So really kewl night and its not every day that you get to hang out with a 3 time PGA Tour Winner and walk past all these players that you see on TV every week.
Alex

[Daz]

You're a lucky man Alex. I followed Brian for a few holes yesterday I hadnt seen this thread so wasnt aware of the injury. He didnt miss the centre of the fairway with any drive that I saw. He was unlucky on 7 where his approach was all over the pin but ran through the back. I spotted Lynn but when I caught up at the 8th hole (Brians 17th) he had disappeared. Maybe just as well as I may have made him late for dinner talking G.O.L.F.

Brian missed the green and put his ball in the green side bunker on 8. With a very tight pin he played a great shot with what looked like a pause minor stroke with a vertical hinge, a tap in putt for an easy 3 and a birdie at 9 got him back under par.

The scottish weather certainly held up and it was sun screen weather for me. I even saw Yoda take the sleeves out of his rain jacket!

With a later start things should be warmer for Brian and he'll have more time to warm up. I certainly think he could go low.

Good luck to Graeme Storm as well who is from the same part of the country as me. Yodas magic must have rubbed off on him too.

[alex_chung]

You're a lucky man Alex. I followed Brian for a few holes yesterday I hadnt seen this thread so wasnt aware of the injury. He didnt miss the centre of the fairway with any drive that I saw. He was unlucky on 7 where his approach was all over the pin but ran through the back. I spotted Lynn but when I caught up at the 8th hole (Brians 17th) he had disappeared. Maybe just as well as I may have made him late for dinner talking G.O.L.F.

Brian missed the green and put his ball in the green side bunker on 8. With a very tight pin he played a great shot with what looked like a pause minor stroke with a vertical hinge, a tap in putt for an easy 3 and a birdie at 9 got him back under par.

The scottish weather certainly held up and it was sun screen weather for me. I even saw Yoda take the sleeves out of his rain jacket!

With a later start things should be warmer for Brian and he'll have more time to warm up. I certainly think he could go low.

Good luck to Graeme Storm as well who is from the same part of the country as me. Yodas magic must have rubbed off on him too.

Daz,

You going to be there all 4 days? I am heading down on Sunday and hopefully Yoda and Brian will be around then as well.
Let me know and we can catch up.
Alex

[GPStyles]

wow, good times!

[purehitter]

I hope Brian gets his back worked out. I saw a video of his swing over there and it looks great. Cool threads as well. Enjoy your time in the UK Lynn and all the best to you both. Kick ass on the field.