The partner from heaven

YOU KNOW those golf partners who, though they’ve never previously set eyes on you, have managed to point out a dozen things you’re doing wrong before you’ve finished even your first hole?

As your nervous opening drive heads off left into the trees, you’re informed it’s because your club-head is closed; your next shot scutters along the ground heading wide right (you’re crowding the ball), and as for your putting, well, he just can’t stand and watch any more, so you get an instant complete lesson. Before you reach the 18th, he has dismantled a game that was already falling part, but has nothing to replace it.

He’s the 18-handicap, read-a-book, know-it-all, instant expert, the partner from hell. Well, meet Butch Harmon, the partner from heaven.