Di Dougherty meets: John Hawksworth
What was the highlight of your 14 years on the European Tour?
Nearly winning a couple of times and playing with Seve.
What was the worst thing about being a pro golfer?
Missing cuts by one shot and sitting in airports!
Do you still have a passion to play?
I’ve just started to like it again, and am going to play this year’s Senior Open at Sunningdale.
I loved beating Jay Sigel on his home course at Pine Valley! You played in the 1985 Walker Cup. Are you still friendly with your team-mates?
I’m still in touch with Monty and Peter Baker. I loved beating Jay Sigel on his home course at Pine Valley!
Tell us about your corporate commentary.
Corporate commentary gives golf fans a fun day out at events with full commentary throughout the day. In terms of my on-course commentary, I love being out there describing what’s going on. I think Nicklaus and Watson at St Andrews 2005 was my favourite moment.
You’re a regular on the after dinner speaking circuit?
I’m very busy and I love it. I once got continuously heckled by Lennie Bennett, the comedian, which was a nuisance!
How many Majors will Rory win this year?
At least two.
Will Tiger win another Major?
Tiger is quite a sad figure now from what he was. To win again he needs to sort his chipping out quickly.
Finally, who would be in your dream fourball?
Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Ben Hogan – and myself!
Tom Irwin
Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.
