Up The (nine) Irons!

WITH HIS shoulder-length golden locks and his general aversion to sleeves, Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain, 56, doesn't seem the golfing type. But European Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo, 51, still chose the notoriously manic Englishman to give a motivational talk to his team. The two became pals in February, when McBrain, an avid duffer, offered to swap drum pointers for golf tips. "I am not sure what Nick wants me to do, maybe teach some guys how to drum or tell a few jokes to ease the pressure," says McBrain. "Whatever it is, I will give my utmost support to the European team."