Golfers are part-time philosophers, amateur meteorologists, have minor degrees in surveying and are schooled in geometry. In short, they will preface shots by throwing up grass, sniffing the wind, considering the angles and contemplating the yardage book as if it contains holy verse.

They call it a process. Mostly it feels like an ageing one. Copycat amateurs then start to believe that reviewing a putt for 90 seconds will somehow ensure it will go in. No Sir, that requires practice.