‘Playing in the Shadows’ The Golden Era of the European Tour – Andrew Murray #209

<p>Today on the Brain Booster we have with us former European Open winner Andrew Murray and we get the chance to discuss life on tour in the 1980’s</p> <p>A wonderful trip down memory lane</p> <p>Andrew played on what many agree was the golden era of the European Tour</p> <p>A period of time that saw the emergence of some of the legends of the game</p> <p>“THE MAGNIFICENT SIX”</p> <p>Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Sandy Lyle, Bernhard Langer, Jose Maria Olazabal and Ian Woosnam</p> <p>A period that saw European golf dominate many of the Majors most notably the US Masters</p> <p>Winning the Ryder Cup at the Belfry in 1985 for the first time in numerous decades and then going on to win numerous times over the next decade.</p> <p>Life on tour then was light years away from what we see now</p> <p>Pre Internet, pre mobile phones and the ability to organise all of your travel with one click.</p> <p>Having to get around Europe in camper vans, hitting your own balls to your caddie on the range, persimmon woods and balata balls</p> <p>Literally a different world</p> <p>But a world that shaped the wonderful tour we see now</p> <p>We discussed how many of the great players found ‘their’ way.</p> <p>The great fluid swing of Ian Woosnam and how a change of approach allowed it to flourish</p> <p>The wonderful talent of Sandy Lyle and how he won the European Order of merit without hardly ever hitting his driver over a full season</p> <p>The genuine kindness and sincerity of Bernhard Langer and why he has been able to play at such a high level for so long</p> <p>How Seve Ballesteros shared with Andrew some golden nuggets of information about the short game and then tried to steal one of his wedges!!</p> <p>Playing with the great man and how intimidating he was</p> <p>How he was the KING of playing the crowd and utilising their energy</p> <p>How Nick Faldo was able to switch off his analytical mind on the golf course and just play SHOTS</p> <p>The emergence of the great Swedish golfers and their approach to fitness and conditionin