Questionnaire: Sir Michael Bonallack - Secretary Of The Royal And Ancient Golf Club

Who is the best golfer you have ever seen?

Ben Hogan is the best striker, but I think Jack Nicklaus is the best golfer.

The best course?

Pine Valley, USA.

Have you ever abused your equipment?

Practically every time I hit a golf ball. The heel of my woods used to wear out.

Most people play golf to escape work. What do you do to relax?

Play golf!

What will it be like to give up the best view from an office window (over St Andrews Old Course) in the world when you retire in September?

Hard - but the view from the big room below is nearly as good.

What other sport would you have liked to be a champion in?

Tennis. But I was never any good.

Which golfer would you have swapped lives with?

None.

Would you have turned pro with the rewards available today?

Only if I had a better swing than I used to have.

What will be the best bit of advice you will pass on to your successor, Peter Dawson?

Enjoy the best job in golf.

The finest moment of your career?

As a player: being captain of the 1971 Walker Cup team. As an administrator: being appointed secretary of the R&A.

The worst?

Playing badly in my last Walker Cup, in 1973.

Has Carnoustie this year been fair?

Very difficult yes, but unfair no.