Congratulations to Jason Day and Maarten Lafeber!
One of the best golfers on the planet right now, Australian Jason Day, currently rated number two in the world, is celebrating his 28th birthday today. The player born in Beaudesert in Queensland has had a phenomenal season. His five victories in 2015 which include his first Major – the PGA Championships in August – have earned him more than 9 million dollars on the PGA Tour alone. An exceptional run of form which saw him even become the world number one above American Jordan Spieth for the first time.
There were more proud moments for Jason Day in 2015 when his wife gave birth to their second child, Lucy. She is one month old today. Happy Birthday, Lucy! And double congratulations to you, Jason!
Florida sunshine and birthday cake for Lafeber
Dutch golfer Maarten Lafeber also celebrates his birthday on 11th December. He is 41 today. The player from Eindhoven was a regular on the European Tour from 2000 earning himself almost 5 million euro’s in prizemoney in a period of 14 years. He clinched the Dutch Open title at the Hilversumsche GC in 2003. It was one of his finest hours as he became the first Dutch winner since Joop Rühl in 1947.
Since he lost his tour card in 2013, he has seen more downs than ups. Like a number of other Dutch hopefuls, he was looking to rejoin the European Tour next season alongside Holland’s sole player on the tour, Joost Luiten. Alas, it was not to be. But never fear Dutch golf fans, Maarten confesses to being just as crazy about the game of golf as ever. His prediction is that he will be back on the European Tour, one day. In the meantime, he is destined for another season on the Challenge Tour, with seven other Dutch players.
With a bit of luck Maarten is tucking into a huge chunk of birthday cake today at his home in Orlando, Florida with his wife, Kim and three sons. When in Europe, he is often to be found playing at the International GC near Amsterdam, where he incidentally had the honour of making the first hole-in-one at the new course a couple of years ago.
Happy Birthday, Maarten!
Wendy Hoad
Pictured (above): Jason Day. (Below): Maarten Lafeber just a few hours before his hole-in-one in a friendly game at The International GC, Amsterdam. Photography by Golfing Inspirations.