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Summer of British discontent: TALKING SPORT WITH JAMES SHIELD
IN NORMAL circumstances, any man spotted skulking around Merseyside sporting day-glo pink trousers and visor to match could earn himself a stern word or two.
In Ian Poulter's case it netted him 450m and, in all probability, a seat on the plane to Valhalla for this autumn's Ryder Cup.
Still, I suppose it makes a change from the chav-tastique Burberry check ensembles which grace Liverpool's main thorougfares of a Saturday evening.
Golf eh?
The game of the people.
But joking aside, last week's Open at Royal Birkdale - (I wonder when Lizzie last took a stroll along the north-west's craggy, barren coastline?) - only added to what has been a wonderful summer of sport in this country.
A thrilling mens' singles final at Wimbledon, Padraig Harrington's remarkable defence of the Claret Jug, oh, and three weeks spent lounging on the sofa marvelling at the wonderful flowing football of Euro 2008.
Anyone spotted the common theme though?
We - and by that I mean us Brits - didn't win any of them.
Mark Cavendish has gamely attempted to keep the home fires burning with his history-making exploits in the Tour de France but, with all due respect to the saddle-sore youngster, cycling has always struggled to capture the nation's imagination.
Apart from during an Olympic year when our medal prospects are so low that any exponents of even the most obscure sports are afforded hysterical coverage by the Beeb.
So, as we prepare to be bombarded by lifestyle pieces telling us how rifle-shooter and dingy racer have always topped a youngster's list of chosen-professions, it's worth considering why we seem able to host great events but, by and large, are unable to participate in them.
The general consensus seems to be, with regards to golf and tennis at least, that they are too elitist.
In the latter's case that may well be so but, in fairness to the former, it has gone to great lengths to ensure a lack of cash is no barrier to success.
Sheffield's network of municipal courses is a great example.
But if there are any young hoodies out there who fancy pulling on a pair of plus-fours, chancing their luck in a cheeky little lilac number but still feel a bit alienated from Woods, Nicklaus and Co then fear not - there is the perfect role model.
A man whose idea of a practice session is, according to his former coach, a heavy session in the 'Hooters' tent.
Who doesn't bother with tee pegs when there's an empty can of bud to hand.
And who was pictured after his own Open triumph lifting the most coveted trophy in the game puffing proudly on a Woodbine.
Ladies and gentlemen I give you John Daly.
Heaven knows what over par but the Peoples Champion.
What do you think? Post your comments below.
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Weather for Sheffield
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
