04/04/06: Brian O'Driscoll Leinster and Ireland rugby captain and a nine-handicap member of Royal Dublin and Seafield.
1 Earliest Golfing Memory?
My dad hanging golf balls out of the tree in the garden and taking pictures to make it look like I had managed to get the ball airborne.
2 First Golfing Victory?
I suppose it's the same for many young boys in that they remember beating their father. He was probably giving me a trillion shots but it was still a good feeling. These days he isn't quite as generous.
3 First time to break 90?
When I was 14 playing in a Boys Open day at The Island Golf Club. I loved playing golf there; still do.
4 Last bit of golf equipment?
A Royal Dublin windcheater. It's always windy there and it's proved a sound investment.
5 Last time you took a golf cart and why?
The last time I played Seafield. When you play professional sport for a living, the exercise issue doesn't carry the same impact so I love jumping in a buggy. It's more enjoyable, especially when you're not playing great golf.
6 Last time you muttered an obscenity on a golf course and why?
Probably after the last shot that I took. Obscenities are not all that infrequent the way I play.
7 Which of the Majors would you like to attend and why?
Easy, the US Masters. It's a phenomenal course, manicured to perfection. There are so many feature holes. I'd know the holes at Augusta National better than my own course at Royal Dublin.
8 Ideal golfing fourball: who and where?
Tiger Woods, my flat-mate Barry (for the laughter he'd provide in trying to play) and Blackburn Rovers manager Mark Hughes at TPC Sawgrass.
9 One last round on earth: where would it be?
Augusta National.
10 Ralph Lauren or Lyle & Scott?
A very reluctant vote for Lyle & Scott.
11 Is the Titleist ProV1 worth the extra expense?
No. I'm a Maxfli boy myself.
12 Best golf club food?
Oh, where else but Seafield?
13 One hundred and forty yards out from green. Flat. Calm. What's in your hand?
A nine-iron or a hard wedge. I'm useless at trying to half-hit shots. I rather try to murder the ball.
14 Favourite club in times of trouble?
Lob wedge, which is kind of unusual for someone who grew up on links golf. I'm a bit of a flop merchant - I do occasionally put a smiley face on the ball - who just likes the shot. It's probably from watching Phil Mickelson.
15 Parkland or Links?
Definitely links.
16 Must see Golfing Holiday Destination?
Sun City, South Africa. Fabulous place.
17 Hidden gem
Ceann Sibéal in Kerry, the western-most golf course in Europe.
18 One Mulligan in Life?
In one particular round at The Island I had a treble bogey on the 18th hole, to finish two over for the round.
I had played the back nine in four under up to that point. I'd love to go back to the 18th tee that day.
