Who was the first golfer to really leave an impression on you?
When I was young and finding my way in the game, Ben Hogan and Sam Snead, the great Americans, were the ones who I remember following around Wentworth. Hogan was a wonderful player to watch.

And what about golfers you played with?
I've been lucky to play with many of the greats of the game over the years, but I'd have to say that Jack Nicklaus really stands out. He certainly left an impression on me and everyone who followed him throughout his career. It was his temperament that marked him out. He had all the shots but he was a tactical player, and a real gentleman as well.

Closer to home?
There was a fellow called Dai Rees who was one of the best players around when I was starting out. He was a terrific player but I managed to beat him in the Hertfordshire Championship when I was about 21, and that was an important victory at the time because it gave me a great deal of confidence.

What about courses around the world that have left an impression on you. If you could only play one more round of golf in your life where would that be?
Tough question! I've been very lucky and played at some fine courses all around the world, but if I had to pick one I'd say St George's Hill, which is my home course. Sunningdale would be a close second.

And what do you remember about your victory at the Ballantine's Championship in 1961?
Well, that was the first tournament of course that we played with the big ball which was a significant moment in the evolution of the sport. But for me personally it was a wonderful victory because the Ballantine's Championship was the biggest prize around in those days and certainly the biggest prize I'd won so I was obviously delighted, even if the sum seems tiny by today's standards.

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