Former Irish National Coach Howard Bennett worked for the GUI from 1989 to 2004, putting the likes of major champions, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley, Padraig Harrington, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy through their paces and on the right path to major success.

A classic beer ad from 1951 featuring Ben Hogan. Given the shocking revelations about Tiger Woods’ private life, who knows how professional golfers really relax at the 19th hole.

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 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.

It’s not often that good news pops through the letterbox but the arrival “The Irish Majors”, a new book chronicling the feats of a golden generation of Irish golfers, most definitely belongs in that category.

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.

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.