Di Dougherty meets Ed Chamberlain
How is your golf at the moment, are you a member of your club and what do you play off?
Rusty. Very rusty. I’ve been in winter hibernation and recovering from an ACL injury so I need to get practising. I play off 12 but am probably nearer 112 at the moment. I’m lucky enough to be a member of both Leckford, which is right on my door step in Hampshire, and St Enodoc in Cornwall, which is a course and area I am passionate about.
Do you prefer inland or seaside golf and what’s your favourite course?
I have been brought up playing links golf and a sunny day at St Enodoc is hard to beat with its stunning views of the Camel estuary. My favourite inland course is Sunningdale.
How closely do you follow golf on TV and who are your favourite players?
Very closely. There is no better way to unwind after presenting Super Sunday than to watch the final round of a tournament in the US on Sky Sports.
I enjoy a bet on the golf and Phil Mickelson has done me a few good turns over the years, especially at Augusta National.
When were you most nervous on a golf course?
I do get nervous and am hopeless under pressure. The most nervous I have been was when I was paired with Wayne Rooney at the England golf da. I stood on the 1st tee at The Grove with three camera crews filming and the entire England squad watching. My knees were knocking and live on Sky Sports News I put my tee shot straight in a bush at short mid-wicket – much to Rooney and Steven Gerrard’s amusement. However, I held my pose a la Monty to make it look like it had gone down the middle and got a number of texts from people saying ‘that looked like a good shot’.
I love Mickelson’s flop shot, which I fancy myself at too – although often it ends in a shank. Will Tiger Woods win another Major?
I’m sure he will. He didn’t play that well, got penalised two shots, yet still nearly won the Masters.
Give us your tip for the Open
I would love to see Lee Westwood win. I can’t wait to see it back at Muirfield, which is my favourite Open course.
Who is your favourite golfer?
Easy. Seve.
Whose swing do you most admire?
Tiger and Adam Scott. I love Mickelson’s flop shot, which I fancy myself at too – although often it ends in a shank.
We know you play golf with Gary Neville and Jamie Redknapp. Are they useful?
I have played and lost to both! Despite my opening tee shot I was the leader in the clubhouse at the England golf day until the final group came in. Nev won it on the last. I was inconsolable.
Which footballer in your eyes is the best golfer?
Redknapp and Matt Le Tissier are right up there and James Milner looks the best of the golfers in the England squad.
For more visit www.didougherty.com and follow her on Twitter @DiDougherty1
