Is your course snowed under? UKKO Ambassador Tom gives you a few alternatives...

The hardcore few at your golf club will no doubt have turned up at the weekend for that last pre-Christmas round, and - mulled wine in hand - will have been faced with the ironically snow covered sign reading 'Course Closed due to Adverse Weather Conditions'. They will have no doubt, clad in their plus-fours despite the conditions, had to go closer to the sign to actually see what it said, and upon realising the cruel fate of wintry precipitation will have turned round and driven home.
Not is all lost though, putting practise did occur in large proportions in my lounge in front of some ridicolously cheesy Christmas movies on the growingly convienient 'Sky Christmas' channel. But what can us nine iron bearers do in these conditions? Well I've listed some alternatives to real golf:

1. Tiger Woods PGA Tour - I am one of the many not impressed by Tiger's recent antics, I love him. Some substitute for you and him not gracing the fairways is teeing it up on your games console and pulling off ridiculous shot from ridiculous areas and if your old school, you can have Dave Feherty's voice warm your mood.

2. Urban Golf - Anyone who has been to one of their centres will know that it is simply, awesome. Enjoy a drink from the bar while you play, don't worry about covering up your UKKO threads with ridiculous overcoats, and rest your legs as the screen does the walking for you. My favorite venue is Smithfields but the other venues are quality as well.

3. ESPN Classic - The greatest invention this decade, no exceptions. As well as golf highlights, re-live the tears of Italia '90, acquaint yourself with Muhammed Ali's awesome career and re-acquaint yourself with your teams glory days.

4. Read the UKKO blog pages - I've estimated that if your read word-for-beautiful-word all the blog entries, you have too much time on your hands and should be working. However, this will keep you occupied, insighted and laughing for many an hour.

Putts ain't falling all around us, but snow is, so have a staunch Christmas and a great New Year, see you in 2010.

Tom Ayling