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

Spotlight on... UrbanGolf & UKKO sponsored Pro Steve Smith

The first in a series of Pro "spotlights" or... Profiles (sorry). The format is simple: we ask a few questions, they answer and you get to see what makes them tick.

And before you ask how you can look that Professional, we can tell you that Steve's sporting our Black Merino Tank, White Cotton Polo and Black Leather Titanium Belt - all available to buy from our online store.

Where you based?
UrbanGolf, Smithfield London EC1

What's your role?
Head Golf Professional

Handicap?
Professional, last year’s scoring ave. 72.0 (just12 events sadly – too busy!!)

What's in your bag (we like details!)
Driver - Epon AF-101 Japan Forged Titainium/10.5 degree, Diawa Roddio 6BA Stiff Shaft @ 44.5”
Woods - Zodia 15 Degree F/Way Matrix Code 7 Stiff; Zodia 18 degree Xcon 7 Stiff
Irons - Cleveland CG1 Tour Blade 3-PW Nippon NSPro 850S; 54 deg. & 60 deg Cleveland RTG 588 Wedges, bespoke grind
Putter - Whitlam Golf Hummer 2 First Run; 33.75”, Balance Certified
Balls - Taylor Made Red LDP

So you like details. What's your ultimate fourball with anyone past & present?
Albert Einstein - the man’s a quote-a-thon. Profound stuff from him between shots undoubtedly.
Percy Boomer - A personal coaching hero, very sage individual ahead of his time…much like myself…
Jerry Macguire - Love that movie, ticks all the boxes.
If any of them are a ‘no show’ then I’d let Megan Fox play if she asked nicely.

Where would you take them on?
Loch Lomond, Scotland - a more pleasant and challenging golfing experience you are never likely to find in my opinion. Lovely Sticky Toffee pudding in the spike bar.

Before the big game, what's on your iPod to get the adrenalin pumping?
Hip-Hop; probably some Gangstarr, though Big L, EPMD, A Tribe Called Quest would make up the bulk of the playlist.

Which club's first in your bag?
Sand Wedge, no question

What's your fairway style - Bling or brogues?
Both, depends how I’m feeling on the day

How would you celebrate your win?
Spectacularly. I am noted for my oratory, so a lengthy speech to anyone who’ll listen would do it.

Hmm... we think anyone who knows you may well agree. Your 1st and last drink on the night?
A nice Shiraz or Merlot to calm proceedings, than later a cheeky Jack Daniels & Coke

You decide to take the party for a spin in your private jet - where d'you fly?
The Monterey Pennisula; home to Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill, Cyprus Point, Spanish Bay et al.

The next day you're feeling a bit worse for wear - what's cooking?
Full English, naughty but nice. Has to include hash browns mind.

If none of this happened and golf didn't exist, what would you be doing?
Skiing, or playing Footer. Something sport-related, what’s the point in anything else...?

Anything in the pipeline for you and at UrbanGolf?
Two new Urban Golf centres opening up, one in South Kensington and one in Spitlefields to add to the existing Soho and Smithfield Centres.