Here comes G9

In 2012 a company is looking to launch a new golf tournament called "G9." A round will be over 9 holes, consisting solely of par 3s. Players will be part of teams, their "owners" keeping a beady eye at tee-box and green. Never mind the fairways, it just slows things down. G9 officials say that it will attract people to the game who have never really been interested.

The match-ups will see the players race across to the green in golf carts, just to cut down on the boredom. (You can also bet on who gets there first, if you like). All of this with the djs and dancers keeping the crowd entertained at greenside. Commentators will be allowed onto the green, to get us inside the mind of the golfer and the putt they have to endure. Tournament organisers will be insistent though that all greens have no undulations or break, so that it makes the game quicker and easier for the competitors. Dammit, to add to the drama, it will be played at night. A hole-in-one will become commonplace and caddies will become obsolete. Hang on, there's my phone.....

It's Jon Daly...he says he's keen.
"Can't stand this 18-hole stuff and bothering to make the cut. No walking? Awesome. See if you can get me an alcohol and tobacco sponsors."
We'll see what we can do.

"Ok, lets talk money."
Oh, no money here boss. You guys earn good cash already. We can't match that.
Hello....hello...Jon?

G9 would fail because a guy named Tiger Woods has taken the old man's elitist game to common folk and beyond. He's one of the richest sportsmen of all time and inspired a new generation of golf fans with his gregarious personality, hard work and awesome talent. All of this whilst playing the traditional 18-hole game, in 4 day tournaments, in the toughest conditions against the world's best. No gimmicks.

Just because Tiger and others have made enough money and didn't want to take part in G9 would they be branded "purists?"

If international cricketers were paid better, would they chase after the IPL cornucopia? The only truthful answer would probably come from Chris Gayle.

IPL:Finally....Spotted...excitement on Safari

In Africa, if you are planning a game drive, your timing has got be spot on. You either need to go out before sunrise or late afternoon to sunset. Up to this point, trying to spot a good game in the IPL was like going on a game drive at midday. The animals were simply lazy, camping under big trees and out of sight. Last night, finally there was some excitement on the IPL African safari.

The game between the KKR and the Rajasthan Royals finally got me to sit down for longer than 10 minutes. Admittedly, I didn't watch the whole game - but saw the real excitement I guess....the super over.

The Royals' Munaf Patel's below-par over towards the death and Gaunguly's sheer guts got KKR back into the game. No-ball 6 and then the free hit next delivery going for 6 breathed life into them. Ganguly was fuming when Yashpal Singh got out. He had spoken to him the ball before and the youngster partner politely ignored - to get out, trying to be a hero. Ganguly surely then knew the die was cast. It was.

Ganguly got out and the game proceeded to go to a super over. Effectively - Game Over for KKR.

Despite Gayle's brave 15 off the super over, oddly bowled by Karman Khan - who got 3/18 in his 4 overs. 18 years old, ungainly action, would you back him? Warne did, though, and the commentators do seem loathe to question his calls. As if his legendary status puts him beyond it. The fact that the decision to bowl him paid off is a non-factor; Khan only got 2 from 7 deliveries in the area for his set field.

His over was all over the shop. Gayle was always aiming mid-wicket, mid-on, with two men at backward point, man at cover sweeper. Left-arm over, surely you have got to bowl it a half a foot outside off . Cut down the batter's options and let him make the running.

Kahn went full first ball, off-stump; decent area. Next ball - waist high full toss and hit McCullum bang on the right hand. Should have been called a no-ball. Ball 3 - too wide outside off, he is trying. Then too straight, 4 to square leg. AROUND the wicket then! (what is he thinking?) 4 over mid-on - who is up in the ring! CHRI....SIS. Back to over the wicket, 4 to mid-wicket. Last ball, he finally gets it right, Gayle slices it to cover sweeper. 16 to win.

The mystifying "Mendis Code" was made to look like 2 piece jigsaw by Yusuf Pathan. 18 runs, no trouble.

The drama was great, and made fantastic TV. The only trouble - it took 20 minutes to bowl these 2 overs. Probably 15 of those minutes to choose the 3 batters and 1 bowler from each side. There's drama, then there is a dynasty.

I do have a life.