England's major championship drought continues |
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It has been a strenuous 17 years for English golfers in search of major victory, a time lapse that has developed at an alarming rate.
Much has changed since Nick Faldo sunk 'that putt' in April 1996 to win the US Masters. The prize money has gone up considerably, tour pros jet around the world to play in superb settings and training facilities are at an all-time high. However, it remains a constant that an Englishman hasn't captured one of the four major championships on offer every season since Faldo, despite having had other successes outside the major scene. English pros have reached dizzy heights in recent times, Ryder Cup wins and world number one statuses are huge feats for a pro to achieve and prime examples that they are at the top of their game. Yet, on the grandest of stages, individually, they cannot seem to produce. Why is this? There could be a number of different reasons why other nations have had more recent success than England. |
Is it all between the ears? Sports psychologist Gary Leboff gives an insight on how he prepares his tour pros for the big moments at major events. He also states his views on where English tour pros have failed psychologically over the past 17 years.
Ryder Cup hero Oliver Wilson gives his thoughts and first hand experiences into to the atmosphere of a major and how it stands out from a regular tour event. Club professional Keiran Poole portrays his experiences at the grass roots level of the game, he speaks about equipment, his teaching methods and shows how coaching has developed for junior golf. He even gives me a few pointers myself in a one-to-one session. There is also an in-depth look at the 2013 Masters tournament, giving the reasons why Englishmen once again were close but not close enough. |
Past chances must also be considered and who better to speak to than the Chairman of the Golf Writers' Association Bill Elliott as I pick his brains in a question and answer session.
The future of the game must also considered if the current generation are failing. I spoke to the youngest English Amateur Champion in history Harry Ellis and got his thoughts on being and up and coming prospect for English golf.
The future of the game must also considered if the current generation are failing. I spoke to the youngest English Amateur Champion in history Harry Ellis and got his thoughts on being and up and coming prospect for English golf.
The Four Majors: A brief history
The US Masters
Held at Augusta country club every April, its pristine setting, fantastic upkeep and challenging tests of parkland golf is what makes it famous in the modern day having staged its 77th championship this year.
The Golden Bear Jack Nicklaus is the most successful player to ever compete in the masters, winning the event and receiving the famous green jacket on six occasions. Nick Faldo is the only Englishman to ever win the event, capturing it three times. English post-war victories: 3 |
The US Open
The biggest and oldest tournament in America, the US Open is prides itself on being the toughest of the four majors as it is played on the most difficult courses in the US.
Amazingly, a 15-over-par score of 299 was enough to win the event back in 1935 when Sam Parks was victorious. Tony Jacklin is the only Englishman to win the US Open since the war when he was crowned champion at Hazeltine in 1970. English post-war victories: 1 |
The British OpenThe longest running of the four majors, 2013 marks the 142nd Open Championship. This year held at Muirfield
The competition presents its participants with one of the few tests of links golf in the world, often played on the coast at either, Henry Cotton was the first war Englishman to win the event, followed later on by Jacklin and Faldo. English post-war victories: 5 |
The US PGA ChampionshipThe final major of the season, the US PGA Championship has been the least fruitful for Englishmen over its 94-year history.
The major was originally a match-play event before it adopted the traditional stroke-play format. The tournament is often referred to as 'glory's last shot' as it is the last chance in the calender year for major honours. English post-war victories: 0 |
English Major Champions: Post-war era
English golfers have had previous success, but it has been a long time since the events below were replicated:
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