TG Blog: No luck at the Senior USPGA Championship

Friday 3rd June

Unfortunately, it was not my time to shine out in the States. As I have previously mentioned, the preparation leading up to the event was not ideal and so I felt this would be difficult.

When I arrived at the course I hadn’t realised how long it was going to be. I had heard it was going to be longer than usual for a senior event, but was not expecting what I found!

The first day was ridiculous as we found ourselves in some pretty awesome storms. The sky looked ominous and this perhaps gave me an indication of how my week was going to go.

As the conditions were wet and we were continually on a stop start-basis I never really got into a rhythm. Valhalla is a fabulous course and staged the Ryder Cup not so long ago, but I felt that it needed to be tailored a little better to suit the senior game.

I was delighted for Tom Watson as he is someone I have always admired and with a rich history in winning Major championships it was fitting that he won, becoming the oldest player to do so since the inception of the US Seniors Tour.

Also, congratulations have to go to Mark Mouland who was the leading European charge at the end of the championship (finishing tied 22nd). I have known Mark for a number of years now having played with him at the Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship at Nailcote Hall, as he is the resident professional there.

Having joined the Senior Tour only recently, I believe that Mark will do well and could well challenge me for the Rookie of The Year Title!  

All in all, the tournament was not as successful as I thought it would be. I had reservations about competing at all and although I missed the cut, this is an experience I can learn from.

I am looking forward to Stapleford Park this week, the field is full of big names from the world of golf but I am feeling confident having played in a Pro-Am there last year. I know what the course is about and will look forward to taking it on and hopefully moving up the Order of Merit.