IF YOU are a golf-widow -- a football-widow or a fishing-widow, for that matter -- there is now a chance for revenge.

De Vere Hotels, who next month play host to the 34th Ryder Cup at the De Vere Belfry in North Warwickshire, recognise that behind every avid golf fan is a woman .... gnashing her teeth.

So, they are encouraging women to tackle the problem positively, by suggesting a spot of pampering.

The hotel chain includes leisure and health club facilities in its own establishments around the country.

And what they are advocating is simple: if your man is a sports addict, reclaim the high ground by taking advantage and enjoying yourself.

Although you might well have to be staying at one of De Vere's own hotels to sample their leisure clubs, the principle is fine and could easily be adapted to whatever kind of pampering treat you can arrange.

I tried out this splendid idea at the De Vere Whites Hotel at the Reebok, which boasts a comprehensive leisure and health club.

So, if your man insists on any special break away involving a hectic sports' schedule, enjoy yourself.

You can easily go for a gentle workout in the gym, swim happily in the pool -- interspersed with a sauna or a session in the steam room -- or even have a wonderfully relaxing aromatherapy back massage.

The result will be that you are more kindly disposed to his sport, because your "sport" -- pampering -- has been equally successful! TEED OFF: "No, you go off and enjoy yourself, darling .... I'll just sit here and dry my nails." Golf-widowhood can give way to that other "sport": pampering, as our local models Sandy Bowden and Andy Taylor demonstrate