Is the golfing world about to be called upon to comply with doping rules, Dick Pound, the world anti-doping chief says golf must adopt rigorous drug testing before a major scandal rocks the sport. Following Gary Player’s claims that top-level golfers are using performance-enhancing drugs there has been questions over the rules governing the sport as a whole.

The fact that such a reputable golfing figure in Gary Player has come forward has given some weight to the allegations. Player, now retired would appear to have no obvious gain from making false allegations about a sport he has lived and breathed for so many years. His only apparant objective then would appear to be the sustained integrity of the sport itself?

Although the PGA are reluctant to introduce doping rules due to the lack of evidence, already the European and Ladies Professional Tours have shown a willingness to comply if required.

The drugs in question have been identified as beta-blockers, human growth hormones and EPO. I guess we will have to wait and see how this will unfold!

A gruelling end to the British Open saw Garcia throw away his wire-to-wire victory to Harrington. However Harrington could have wrapped it up had he not found himself in the water twice and double bogeying the 18th! That being said Garcia could also have tied the deal on the 18th himself, having posted pars on his previous 3 rounds he could only manage a bogey 5 under the pressure.

However this left us with a fantastic end to the British Open, Harrington eventually won on a four-hole payoff, which again was taken to the 18th and to the final putt! I can’t help to feel for Garcia though as he was so unlucky on some of his putts and he had played some fantastic golf throughout the tournament.

The rain threatened to spoil the final day but after lunch it held off and left the leaders with a great chance to post some more good scores. Carnoustie seemed to be playing a lot easier this time around but I’m sure the players wont be complaining, especially Tiger who hacked himself around some holes and still posted pars.

Tiger as predicted is struggling but its Garcia who is showing them the way!

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Justin Rose has been grouped with defending champion Tiger Woods and past winner Paul Lawrie. Personally im very happy for Justin as he always seems to play better when he is paired with the big players.

Luke Donald who is also capable of pulling a result out of the hat this year has been paired with Llewellyn Matthews a Welsh amateur and American Charles Howell.

Tee times

The Bright Golf Company are to launch their “British Open spectacular summer sale” this week, with 15% off across the whole range of their cool and colourful tour spec golf accessories. From day 1 of The Open until the end of July, you can now join the tour pros by choosing your own luxury Como!Como! putter and wood pompom headcovers!Or treat your clubs to one of the finest grips in golf – the colourful IOMIC grips with unique relaxing and healing minus ion technology.

Also grab some premium CoverUpz covers for your irons, or take your putting to next level with the seriously stylish milled putter range from Pinfire Golf.

With the summer surely due to arrive and Carnoustie just around the corner there’s never been a better time to brighten up your golf bag and The Bright Golf Company certainly have the equipment to do just that with some of the hottest new accessories and putters on Tour!

Visit their shop here

A company called MulliganPlus approached me as they are currently looking for a number of avid golfers to come on board and try out their site. If you have ever wanted to be involved in your club and/or a golf site then this could be for you.

Mulligan Plus is currently offering members the opportunity to join its Reward Scheme. By simply completing information regarding your local course, you will be entitled to Reward Points for every member who signs up to your club, including all future renewal memberships.

Mulligan+ is designed to be the Online 19th Hole for all golfers. Not only does it have a complete course directory, with PDF Course Guides, but it also offers members access to Golf Handicap Calculator, Golfing Statistics, Online Leagues that can be created for anyone, the opportunity to arrange matches with other leagues/individuals and a members directory.

It also offers members some excellent discounts on GreenFree vouchers and Open Fairway Passports.

To get involved, simply Sign Up for the Free Trial at www.mulliganplus.com and send them an e-mail quoting UKGolfBlog.

The scottish open is underway and after a strong start form Mickelson with an opening 65 has left him tied for the lead at 6 under-par.

Although this open may well be seen by some as a warm up to Carnoustie there are some big names competing including Montgomerie, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald among the field.

And as far as im concerned they can take this as easy as they like, as I am relishing the prospect of a Europen or better still a Brit picking up a major at Carnoustie and after Tiger’s complaints about the course playing too hard I can see Casey or Monty doing us proud!

Scottish Open Leaderboard

Before you buy your new driver or set of irons a bit of professional advice and tailoring is always welcomed. Ive been to one or two demo days before and they are so helpful. If you know what you want and want to try before you buy then they are spot on. With trained professionals able to assist and tailor the products to your needs this sure beats hitting a few balls at the range from the pro shop!

Golfalot have very usefully provided a search database of UK demo days where you can search from location and maunfacturers to find one coming near you!

Check it out here

At last Monty has finally ended his drought having picked up the trophy at the K Club to take the European Open. Although it was a nail biting finish Monty eventually won by just one shot at 11 under ahead of Fasth.

It has taken Monty this long to pick up a tour victory since his last in 2005. With seven birdies and two 6 foot putts on 17 and 18 Monty kept his nerve on the final round.

The big scot has been on some fine form of late and his swing finally appears to have come back to what it once was. Although I had him tipped for the Masters and watched him soon flop out of that, I am now looking towards Carnoustie, where he can compete against the worlds best at what has in the past proved a truely grueling course!

See Monty’s live interview here

This just had to be written about! Unfortunately I can only find it in the US but I expect they would ship to the UK. This is the Wow putter, a putter which comes fully loaded with everything you need!
1. a tape measure
2. a compass
3. a horn!
4. a level
and finally…
a rabbits foot!

Obviously only for a bit of fun but would make a great present!

Via GolfUN.net