Books

Rory needs hunger to catch Jack - O'Connor Jnr

Jack Nicklaus and Rory McIlroy Christy O’Connor Jnr is backing world No 1 Rory McIlroy to win at least 10 major titles. But the Galway legend wonders if the 23-year old Holywood hotshot will have the competitive desire to chase down Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major victories.

Padraig puzzling out his putter

Padraig Harrinton is in Singapore this week. Next week he will be back at one of his favourite venues (above) for the UBS Kong Open. Picture © Getty ImagesPadraig Harrington was once asked if he felt he was “special” - a breed apart.

“Complicated,” was his reply.

Inking the fairways - new golf books by Irish writers

The par-five 13th at The European Club. Picture courtesy of Pat Ruddy.April 23rd is World Book Day (Shakespeare and Cervantes died on that date) and what better way to mark it than by acquiring some entertaining volumes by a couple of Irishmen with golf in their hearts and ink in their blood, Pat Ruddy and Ivan Morris.

Reading the greens at Christmas

Four golf books reached me this year and one or all of them may make a useful addition to your library. All four are very different - a novel, a compendium, an annual and a travel guide - yet they are all well worth a few hours of your time.