Alfred Dunhill Links Championship

The historic clubhouse at the Old Course, St Andrews.

Another aspect that makes the Dunhill unique to the European Tour is that it is played over three different courses. And what a trio of courses, namely the Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns, three of the finest links you will find anywhere on the planet. The final dimension is the good old British weather which is seldom predictable and often diabolical!!! It certainly hasn’t disappointed this week with a cold north-easterly wind making conditions decidedly chilly for the players. There’s also been the usual smattering of rain with Tuesday’s practice day being particularly inclement. The Dunhill presents a very unique set of challenges for the players, with patience and shot-making required in equal measure for anyone looking to challenge for the title.

Following a return to action at last week’s Vivendi Trophy we are pleased to welcome Titleist Ambassador Robert Karlsson back to tournament play following an enforced absence. The reigning European Tour Order of Merit winner has had a tough 2009 due to a persistent eye problem, so it’s terrific to see him back in action at the Dunhill. Robert returns to action armed with a new set of Titleist MB irons. Having always preferred a preferred a bladed iron Robert was keen to try the new MB and despite having only a limited amount of time to practice with the new clubs he was delighted with the feel, trajectory and performance. Robert was so impressed with the MB that they have gone straight into the bag for his first full event back; quite an endorsement from one of the European Tour’s top players. The specifications of Robert’s MB irons are as follows:

Robert Karlsson

Model: Titleist MB
Composition: 3-PW
Shafts: True Temper Dynamic Gold SL X100
Length: +1” (#6 iron @ 38.50”)
Lie: 1° Upright (#6 iron @ 63.5°)
Loft: 1° Strong (#6 iron @ 30°)
Grips: Golf Pride Multi-Compound .600 Round (+1/32”)
Swingweight: D7

Titleist Ambassador Robert Karlsson is back from injury with a new set of Titleist MB irons.

Another player making the switch to the new Titleist MB this week is Frenchman Gregory Bourdy. Gregory is a long time user of the Titleist 670 and loved the classic, clean lines of the new MB. Having spent some time testing them on the range he found the performance to be every bit as good as the looks. Gregory’s new MB irons are in play for the first time at the Dunhill and we’ll look forward to catching up with him in the coming weeks to hear his thoughts on the new irons and to make sure that he is 100% happy with their set-up. Gregory’s specifications are as follows:

Gregory Bourdy

Model: Titleist MB
Composition: 3-PW
Shafts: True Temper Project X 6.5
Length: Std (#6 iron @ 37.50”)
Lie: Std (#6 iron @ 62.5°)
Loft: Std (#6 iron @ 31°)
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet .580 Round (+1/64”)
Swingweight: D3

In addition to players switching into new Titleist irons the team have also been working on a 909 driver for Titleist Ambassador Seve Benson. This week Seve spent time working with Titleist Tour Representative Phil Dimmock on a 909 driver set-up and has taken away a 909D3 for further testing. It remains to be seen whether the new driver will make its way into Seve’s bag but it certainly looked good on the range. Seve currently lies 111th on the Race to Dubai Rankings and will be looking for some solid late season finishes to secure his playing privileges for 2010. We wish Seve all the best in the coming weeks as he looks to secure his Tour card.

Seve Benson

Model: Titleist 909D3
Loft: 8.5°
Shaft: UST Mamiya Proforce V2 75 X-Flex
Length: 45”
Grip: Golf Pride Tour Velvet Cord (+1/64”)
Swingweight: D4

Things will be hotting up on the European Tour over the next few weeks as we move ever closer to the inaugural Dubai World Championship. Players will be looking to play their way into the event and their shot at the record $7.5 million purse. In addition, the season will reach crunch time for a number of European Tour players as the quest to retain their Tour card continues. It’s always an exciting time of the year, but with the added spice of the Race to Dubai and the season ending Dubai World Championship, the climax to the 2009 season promises to be a real spectacle. The Tour Blog will be there every step of the way keeping you right up to date on the progress of our Titleist Ambassadors and giving you the very latest details on their equipment.

For now, enjoy the Dunhill and we’ll be back this time next week for an inside the ropes update from the Madrid Masters.

The Titleist Tour Team pose for a picture on St Andrews' famous Swilken bridge.

Add comment October 2nd, 2009