Golfers get into the swing of things at the o2
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
Leave a comment