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Open Championship - 12.07.04 | |
| I had to leave Loch Lomond two days earlier than expected after missing the cut - not something I enjoy at the best of times and particularly since the Scottish Open is sponsored by my own backers Barclays. At least my visit to the bonnie banks was not without its lighter moments and the main one was the sight of the author of these notes on the dance floor at Duck Bay’s restaurant and bar. Exactly who our media man Martin Hardy was dancing with was not immediately discernible, but it was a sight to behold. Arriving early at Royal Troon for this week’s Open Championship at least gave me the chance to work on my short game. Don’t think that I’ve lost confidence in my chipping if you see me using the putter from as far as 25 yards off the greens here. The Texas Wedge will be a very valuable weapon here and I can see me using it quite a lot. I practised alone in the company of my caddie Pete Coleman and fitness expert John Newton, affectionately called Newt The Bewt. I have always enjoyed Troon and not simply because it was here that I first contended in a Major. This is a true links and I really am looking forward to this week. Unfortunately I won’t be sharing the stage with England’s John E Morgan, who spends most of his time in America. John has overcome plenty in his bid to become a top player and on Sunday he came within an inch of qualifying for The Open through the last available place. He birdied four of the last five holes to get into a play-off for the John Deere Classic where one place for The Open was available to the leading non-exempt finisher. John lost at the second extra hole and thought he’d get the slot when winner Mark Hensby declined the chance to play in the world’s top golfing event. The powers that be ruled otherwise and spectators at Troon have been deprived of the chance to see a true character. |
