Sinead Heraty (Chief executive, ILGU)

Club: Castle GC, Rathfarnham Handicap: 5

1 What’s your favourite tournament (amateur or professional) and why?

It has to be the British Open. The BBC coverage is superb, especially with the likes of Maureen Madill and Peter Alliss commentating. It’s the best golf competition in the world and the tradition of the RA really comes to the fore. I find watching other professional events quite boring, whereas the Open, played on a links, is always interesting. With blanket coverage you get to see the whole thing from start to finish.

2 Best TV golf memory?

I could pick out a number of memories involving Seve, particularly him competing in Ryder Cups in the States at places like Kiawah Island. I could also highlight Eamonn Darcy winning his singles match against a putterless Ben Crenshaw in the 1987 Ryder Cup at Muirfield Village.

3 Parkland or links? Why?

I’m probably better on parkland because I’m used to it, but there’s something special about links golf, I love playing it. My favourite links course is Royal County Down, followed closely by Ballybunion.

4 What’s your hidden gem of a course and why?

I think my course, the Castle, is a hidden gem, very few people outside the membership know much about it. Right in the heart of Dublin and one of the best parklands in the country. Always in great condition and a good members’ atmosphere.

5 How would you deal with someone you suspected of cheating, would you sign their card?

If I suspected someone of infringing the rules of golf, I would draw their attention to it immediately, I wouldn’t leave it to the end of the round. Would I refuse to sign somebody’s card? I’d want to be very sure I was right and sometimes these things are not always black and white. Thankfully I have never been in that situation.

6 If you could introduce one rule, how would you combat slow play?

I think women generally play quite fast, but watching professionals on television has caused the game to become slower, particularly the male game. The pros on TV take an inordinate amount of time, especially over their short game. I might combat slow play by introducing a competition to be played within a certain time limit, if not, then you’re penalised.

7 Has equipment technology had a detrimental effect on genuine talent/ability? If so, what changes would you make?

Biggest change has been to the ball, and courses are so much longer these days. Technological advances have made average golfers into good golfers. I would hate to see it go too much further than it already has. We have to maintain the skill levels in the game, we don’t want to dilute the talent.

8 What’s in the bag?

Pretty much all of my clubs are Callaway. Scotty Cameron putter. I have one Titleist lobwedge and two other wedges.

9 150 yards from the hole, what’s in your hands?

Five-iron.

10 Playing among friends, would you play for a wager or what type of match?

Always for a bet; two, two and two. €2 front nine, €2 back nine and €2 on the overall match. We also play for birdies, oozlers and sand-saves for 30 cents a pop. Need a calculator to work it all out.

11 Who is the greatest – Jack Nicklaus or Tiger Woods? Other?

It has to be Annika (Sorenstam) in the ladies’ game. She’s won most majors and was the most consistent player over a long period. Outstanding individual and nobody really comes close to what she has achieved. Wonderful ambassador for the game too. Have to say I’ve been hugely impressed with Alison Nicholas too and the amount of work she has put in ahead of this year’s Solheim Cup. Tiger or Jack? It would have to be Nicklaus.

12 If you had one final round who would be in fourball and where?

Seve, Annika and Freddie Couples. First two might be obvious and I think Freddie is just gorgeous. He’s so laid back and gets more attractive as he gets older and I think he’d be good fun. I think I’d take the advantage of playing at the Castle, bit of local knowledge.