Golfers get into the swing of things at the o2

By Simon Hayes on May 22, 2008 8:59 AM |

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THERE was no “holding back the tees” when The O2 hosted a golf event with a difference this week.

Top golfer Justin Rose was joined by Simply Red singer Mick Hucknall on top of the building on Monday morning to hit a few balls officially to launch the BMW PGA Championship.

Rose, Europe’s number one player, and Hucknall both hit their shots off a specially built tee on The O2 roof, 50 metres above the River Thames. For Rose it was a departure from the normal surfaces he enjoys at places like St Andrews and Augusta.

He said: “This really was a treat. It’s such an historic landmark, it felt like we were on top of the world.
“It was a little bit nerve-racking though because you are pretty high up and it was a bit windy. But the staff were very helpful and it was just a case of mind over matter to get up there.

“Once we were actually on top it was good, and the views were brilliant.”

Looking ahead to this week’s tournament at Wentworth, which starts today, the 27-year-old added: “The BMW PGA Championship means a great deal to me. It was a tournament I came to watch many times as a child so it would be a dream to win. The field looks as tough as ever, and with Ryder Cup team qualification now at stake it’s set to be a great week’s golf.

“But I’m not getting too worried about the Open or the Ryder Cup. I’m just going to refocus, get back to basics and hopefully use Wentworth as a platform for a big season.”

Hucknall performs at The indigO2 on July 9 and 10 but he had memories of The O2 in its previous incarnation as the Millennium Dome.

“I performed here on Millennium night,” he said. “It was an incredible night for me.

“So, this was my second appearance here, although I’m really looking forward to the gigs in July.”

The singer, 47, revealed he has developed a passion for golf, although it’s taken him some time to get round to it.

He said: “I had my first lesson last summer even though I’ve lived on a golf course for the last nine years, so it’s taken me a while to get into it. But it’s a wonderful game and to get some pointers from Justin today was brilliant.”

simon.hayes@wharf.co.uk