Chubbys Archives
US Tour Fluff Lines In Tiger Play

There were no real surprises when Tiger Woods made his first, stage-managed public appearance since revelations of his private life first became front-page news last November. Tiger didn’t say much other than what we expected, but gave no clear indication...> More

Posted 17 Feb 2010
Finch Set To Fly Again

We haven’t heard a great deal from Richard Finch just recently, but I think we are going to hear a whole lot more very soon. Richard showed just what he is capable of again at the Avantha Masters in New...> More

Posted 09 Feb 2010
Classic Finale To Desert Swing

The European Tour’s Middle East campaign ended in truly classic fashion in Dubai.   What a finish there was at the Emirates course as veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez edged our own Lee Westwood at the third extra hole just before darkness descended...> More

Posted 26 Jan 2010
Rory's Big Appetite

A measure of just how hungry Rory McIlroy is to succeed was seen in Abu Dhabi.   Most other golfers would have been relatively pleased to finish third first time out after the winter break, but not Rory.   He was unbelievably disappointed...> More

At The Double – One-two, One-two

I’d like to think that Charl Schwartzel’s amazing start to 2010 had something to do with him playing with me in the pro-am at Leopard Creek just before Christmas.  Well, that’s what I’d like to think.  The truth may be...> More

Beeb In A Cloud But Our Stars Shine

Congratulations to Ryan Giggs for winning  BBC Sports Personality of the Year on a night when Seve Ballesteros stole the show for his lifetime achievement award.   But I can’t help feeling that the Beeb missed a trick and maybe two.  I...> More

Posted 24 Nov 2009
Lee's Our No. 1

I was proud enough when 12 of our players finished in the top 60 and qualified for the final test in the Race To Dubai.   So imagine how I felt when the first three past the post all came from...> More

Posted 11 Nov 2009
Els Back To Front Line

Ernie Els took a major step forward last week with a season’s best second place finish in the HSBC Champions event in Shanghai.   Ernie had been in good spirits all week after taking delivery of the new Callaway ball.  It provided...> More

Posted 04 Nov 2009
Leaving On A Jet Plane

All year has been like a round the world trip and the journey hasn’t ended yet.  I set off on this particular journey to China via Dubai where I spent four very splendid days in the company of Freddie Flintoff,...> More

Posted 29 Oct 2009
ISM Duo Hit Top C

Our winning sequence came to an end in Spain last week, but there was plenty to be encouraged by.   Not least was Darren Clarke’s top 10 finish at the Castello Masters which should boost his chances of claiming a place in...> More

Posted 21 Oct 2009
Success Breeding Success

Our boys just can’t stop winning and long may it continue.   This time it was the turn of Lee Westwood to return to the winner’s circle giving us a hat trick of triumphs in successive weeks and four No. 1’s out...> More

Posted 12 Oct 2009
Ross Heading Higher And Higher

Ross McGowan moved to the next level last weekend with a magnificent victory in the Madrid Masters.   We chatted at The Open in Turnberry and I set what I considered a realistic goal and that was to finish in the top...> More

Dyson’s Clean Sweep At Home Of Golf

Another great week in St.Andrews saw all at ISM toasting Simon Dyson for the biggest win of his career. Simon produced some scintillating golf throughout the week during the prestigious Dunhill Links held at the home of golf plus Carnoustie...> More

James The First Reigns In Germany

Well done James Kingston, who seems to get better the older he gets.   While many golfers find controlling their nerves more difficult the longer they have been on the road, James seems to have his well protected as he proved in...> More

Posted 10 Sep 2009
Ross Leads Our Alps Climbers

Five players in the top 10 meant that ISM had plenty to yodel about in The Alps.   Ross McGowan led the way with a third place finish at the Omega European Masters – a very welcome return to form for the...> More

Dyson Hoovers Up Again In Holland

Few can compare to Simon Dyson when it comes to play-offs as Peter Lawrie and Peter Hedblom found in Holland.   The Yorkshireman created history to beat his opponents at the KLM Open in Holland – sinking an 18ft birdie putt at...> More

Three’s Company... and Ready, Freddie, Go

Our first major championship continues to prove elusive, but I could only be proud of our finish to the grand slam season.   Three players in the top 6, Lee Westwood, Rory McIlroy and Ernie Els,  was top class and all can...> More

Posted 13 Aug 2009
Time For Golfers To Clock In

Been an eventful week one way and another, but now in Minnesota for the year’s final grand slam event.   Enjoyed watching last week’s Bridgestone WGC tournament and a magnificent duel between Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington which the former eventually won.   The...> More

Posted 21 Jul 2009
Close Call At Turnberry

So near and yet so far at Turnberry left us still chasing our first major championship.   It looked like a grand slam title was there for the taking as one after another of our clients continued to show they are made...> More

Posted 11 Jun 2009
Record Set For Open Season

Golf is heading into Open season again and our prospects could not be greater.   With the US Open at Bethpage starting next week in Long Island, New York, and The Open coming shortly afterwards at Turnberry,  ISM representation will be bigger...> More

Quality Qualifiers On US Open Quest

Simon Dyson and Dave Horsey certainly know the secret to 36-hole qualifying events and proved it once again this week at Walton Heath.   I don't know whether it's a personal mindset or a fitness advantage, but they will be competing at...> More

Rain Brings Shane A Day In The Sun

It's a big enough deal when an Irishman wins his country's Open, but simply fantastic when an Irish amateur does it.   Step forward Shane Lowry to receive the acclaim of all Ireland and anybody else who was watching his amazing performance...> More

Posted 13 May 2009
All Brand New And Exciting

It's good to see the European Tour returning closer to its roots and where better than Ireland to kick off the home season.   With Rory McIlroy, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley all enjoying high profile on their home island, good new...> More

Posted 20 Apr 2009
Rory's A Big Hit In U.S.

Rory McIlroy came back tired, but wiser from America and now has a well-earned rest before continuing his impressive start and rapid climb up the world rankings.   Rory's debut at The Masters was well chronicled and I am sure he will...> More

Posted 30 Mar 2009
Louis Passes Masters Degree

It may only have been a text message, but I could feel the relief in Louis Oosthuizen's words.  "I'm in The Masters," it said.   After a weekend waiting and wondering, Louis finally qualified for the last available place among the world's...> More

Posted 18 Mar 2009
Singh It Out Loud For Jeev

Jeev Milkha Singh continued his rise up the world rankings with another memorable finish in Miami - tied fourth behind Phil Mickelson at the CA WGC event over Doral's Blue Monster.   Jeev's dedication to his chosen profession is admirable and he...> More

Posted 01 Mar 2009
A Match For Most

There were two significant factors to emerge from the Accenture WGC Match Play in the desert of Tucson as far as ISM players were concerned.   The rise of Rory McIlroy continued with America becoming aware of his talent thanks to wins...> More

Posted 02 Feb 2009
Rory's First Of Many

This morning's main toast is to Rory McIlroy, golf's new superstar and the most exciting talent the game has seen since Tiger Woods charged on to the scene more than a decade ago.   The Ulster teenager showed maturity beyond his 19...> More

Posted 30 Dec 2008
Plenty To Singh About In 2008

What a year 2008 and with greater things in prospect for the new one.  I can't wait... and I won't have to wait long.   Ernie Els will be teeing things up for us in Hawaii courtesy of his win in the...> More

Posted 16 Dec 2008
Sterne Tames Leopard

Our boys just can't stop winning... and long may it continue.   Following Jeev Milkha Singh's win in Japan which confirmed him as one of the world's best players in 2008, Richard Sterne came through for a dream win in his native...> More

Posted 26 Nov 2008
Rory Roars Up Rankings

Rory McIlroy is learning fast. and fast becoming a major force in the game.   The Northern Ireland teenager is still waiting for his first win after a second play-off defeat of the season, but he has now joined the world's top...> More

Posted 18 Nov 2008
Jeev Milkha Singapore Glory

What a week in Singapore with a 1-2-4 finish for ISM players at the Barclays Open.   In all we had seven players in the top 20 with honours going to Jeev Milkha Singh, a very popular champion holding off the late...> More

Posted 05 Nov 2008
The Race Is On

No sooner does the order of merit finish than the Race to Dubai starts and we'll have more runners and riders than ever heading towards the Middle East.   Augmenting our regular crop of Tour players will be Dave Horsey, who won...> More

Posted 22 Oct 2008
Young Guns All Firing

It was a great weekend for the young guns in our stable reinforcing my belief in just how bright the future is.   From James Kamte's win in South Africa to Stephen Tiley's continued progress in Asia, we had plenty to toast...> More

Posted 15 Oct 2008
Charl's The Big Shot In Madrid

Plenty to talk about this week, not least Charl Schwartzel's wonderful win in Madrid. I had a long conversation with his father, a friend of long standing, a few weeks ago and I just sensed that something big and good...> More

Posted 09 Oct 2008
All Fine By Me At St.Andrews

It's not often that I have something to report about my own progress rather than one of our clients, but such is the case after making the cut for the first time at the dunhill links championship.   Actually it was the...> More

You'll Not See Nothing Like The Mighty Quinn

What a great week at the Quinn Insurance British Masters from all aspects. The only tournament I can liken it to is the old Benson & Hedges at Fulford for atmosphere and the conviviality among all players, coaches and spectators.   I...> More

Posted 22 Sep 2008
Faldo Gets It Wrong

If people try to take the positives out of a mainly negative situation then perhaps it wasn't such a bad thing that we lost the Ryder Cup in Valhalla.   Victory for America will have rekindled interest in the competition from that...> More

Posted 18 Sep 2008
Oh Dear!

I know there is more to being Ryder Cup captain than is often evident, but one thing has struck me more than any other in the build up to this year's matches. I have been embarrassed by the way Nick...> More

Posted 12 Sep 2008
Rory Will Roar Again

I flew out to Switzerland last Sunday morning to watch Rory McIlroy's attempt at winning a first European Tour title.  My kids were delighted at this special treat and although the day didn't quite turn out as planned, it was...> More

Posted 03 Sep 2008
Faldo Shocks Us All

There were more ups and downs last week than a day in the life of a hotel lift.   Two massive downs were the amazing decision by Nick Faldo not to select Darren Clarke for his European Ryder Cup team and then...> More

Posted 25 Aug 2008
Darren Rises To Occasion

It was good news week and for nobody more than Darren Clarke, who looks to be catching Ryder Cup fever at exactly the right time. Captain Nick Faldo must have been impressed by the manner of Darren’s win in Holland...> More

Countdown Reaches One For Lee's Record Bid

Third in the US Open and second in the WGC Bridgestone so if there is such a thing as natural progression in golf, get your money on Lee Westwood for the US PGA Championship this week.   Consistency has been the key...> More

Posted 31 Jul 2008
Jeev Serves Up His Own Treat

There is just no stopping Jeev Milkha Singh these days and I'm sure if there were 53 tournaments a year he'd want to play in them all. Jeev has an insatiable appetite for the game and he is currently getting...> More

Posted 16 Jul 2008
Open all Hours

It’s Open season and this time at Royal Birkdale where ISM’s ten representatives will be bidding for the ultimate trophy in golf. Two of our players are among the first three in the betting with Ernie Els and Lee Westwood close behind...> More

Posted 09 Jul 2008
The Only Way is Up for Horsey

Momentum in golf is particularly important and nobody has more of it at the moment than one of our youngest clients, Dave Horsey.   Dave made an important breakthrough earlier this season when he won the Telenet Trophy in Belgium for his...> More

Posted 02 Jul 2008
Capital Gains Taxing for Some

A week of mixed emotions both at home and abroad.   Just outside Paris, the prospects looked good for several of our players only for a little-known Spaniard to show a few flashes of Seve and record a first European Tour success....> More

Posted 23 Jun 2008
Horsey Jumps Ahead

It’s not often I start these notes on the Challenge Tour, but this week I have every reason thanks to the success of Dave Horsey in Belgium.   It’s extremely difficult to win at any stage and from any position, but to...> More

Posted 17 Jun 2008
Now Lee's a Major Figure

What a week in San Diego with three of our players featuring prominently at the US Open.   Best of all was Lee Westwood who came ever so close to winning his and ISM’s first major.   I believe Lee came of age...> More

Final Countdown Sees Lift-Off For ISM Trio

1-2-3, that’s how elementary it was for ISM players in Austria last weekend as Jeev Milkha Singh led a clean sweep of the placings.   Jeev, on 15 under par, took the Nick Faldo route to glory with 18 straight pars to...> More

Posted 03 Jun 2008
Ross Stars And Earns Stripes

Well done Ross McGowan – not just for qualifying for the US Open next week, but also an outstanding year in which he has gone from virtually nowhere to close to the world’s top 100.   Ross has a huge personality to...> More

Posted 30 May 2008

It was an ill wind that blew Paul McGinley away at last week’s BMW Championship at Wentworth, but he shouldn’t lose heart.   There were enough signs of Paul McGinley at his best to suggest that he will be a winner again...> More

Richard’s Top Turn At Wet, Wet, Wet Show

Richard Finch gave a whole new meaning to the expression ‘making a splash’ when he secured a magnificent win in the Irish Open.   Now Richard will be always remembered affectionately as the golfer who unintentionally went for a swim on his...> More

Posted 13 May 2008

 It never ceases to amaze me just how much some professional sportsmen still want it despite all past success and achievement. Take Ernie Els for example.  The triple Major champion and winner of more than 60 events worldwide came to...> More

Posted 30 Apr 2008

What a fantastic win for Darren Clarke in China after all he’s been through these last few years.   To win the way he did with a magnificent birdie putt on the last was nothing short of fairy tale and I’m sure...> More

Posted 16 Apr 2008

I’m sure that all our South Africans - and other players for that matter – will have watched and applauded Trevor Immelman’s US Masters win and been convinced that they too can own a green jacket. Trevor’s success will inspire them...> More

Posted 09 Apr 2008

Well done David Howell.  After so long struggling with injuries and loss of form, he showed his true self in Portugal, narrowly missing out of another title in a play-off with Gregory Bourdy. It was a welcome return to the right...> More

Posted 01 Apr 2008

What a start Tyrone Ferreira has made to his professional career.  The 20-year-old former South African amateur No.1 claimed his first paid title at the weekend… and it looks like there will be plenty more to come.   South Africans seem to...> More

Posted 26 Mar 2008

I’m sure England captain Michael Vaughan and everybody else who holds cricket to heart will have been delighted not only with events in New Zealand, but also Dubai this past week. While Michael is too level-headed to think that one series...> More

Posted 18 Mar 2008

The telephone call Jeev Milkha Singh received from Augusta National gave him more than an invitation to this year’s US Masters.    It also filled him with so much confidence that he has been getting ever nearer the winner’s enclosure again...> More

It never rained, but it poured for Simon Dyson in Kuala Lumpur as Arjun Atwal finally came home with the spoils from the Maybank Malaysian Open.   Simon was heading for yet another win in the Far East when the heavens opened...> More

Posted 05 Mar 2008

Although a lot of people in America were beginning to wonder if Ernie Els had had his time there, I was always of the opinion that it was only a matter of time before the big man won there again.   And...> More

Posted 25 Feb 2008

There are wins and wins, but who wins by 14 shots these days.  Well Louis Oosthuizen for one.   Louis blew the field away at the South African PGA to win by a record margin and move to a best ever 67...> More

Posted 14 Feb 2008

It’s not often I start this column by featuring anybody but one of our players.  This is one of those few exceptions.   What S.S.P. Chowrasia achieved at the Delhi Masters was nothing short of incredible and he has my full admiration...> More

Posted 30 Jan 2008

There is just no stopping Lee Westwood’s relentless rise towards the world’s top 10 and I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s there before very long. Another top 10 in Qatar meant that his incredible run of high finishes since his...> More

Posted 23 Jan 2008

It’s been a great start to 2008 for many ISM players, but none more than Richard Sterne.   The way he won in Johannesburg was nothing short of amazing, producing world class shots exactly when it mattered to claim another title in...> More

Posted 01 Jan 2008

What a remarkable ending to 2007 and how exciting the New Year is going to be for everybody connected to ISM.   But for a cruel twist of fate, Ernie Els would have joined Richard Finch and James Kingston and completed a...> More

Golf Websites:    Lee Westwood - Darren Clarke - Paul McGinley - David Howell - Rory McIlroy
Jeev Milkha Singh - Simon Wakefield - Ross McGowan - Louis Oosthuizen