TG Blog: My first Senior Open Championship
Published: Last updated:
Tuesday 26 July
This was my first appearance at the Senior Open Championship and I really enjoyed the week I had at Walton Heath, despite finishing 31st! The course was lined with heathery rough and played very long, which made it very challenging for me.
I enjoyed playing in a field containing some of the biggest names from European golf and and America, including Corey Pavin, Tom Watson and Ian Woosnam. The course is certainly up to the required standard and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a European Tour event there in years to come.
I was delighted for the winner Russ Cochran, his final two rounds were incredible and some of his approach shots were superb. There was another fine finish for Tom Watson who is showing no signs of slowing down! In the end I would have loved to finish in the top 20, but after a slow start I felt I improved and I am reasonably happy with the way I ended the tournament.
It was really nice to play alongside Gordon Brand Jnr as we get on well and seem to galvanise each other.
Unfortunately, I am not playing in the upcoming US Senior Open but will look forward to seeing Bernhard Langer defend his title. I will, however, be playing at this year’s Farmfoods British Par 3 Championship on the 9-12 August, lining up against some famous faces in golf including Doug Sanders, Tommy Horton MBE and host for the week, Tony Jacklin CBE!
First prize has risen to £15,000 this year, which I am sure will spur on the strong field.
Touching on The Open and Darren Clarke, I would just like to say how happy I am for Darren. He had a great tournament and no one deserved the title more than him, he is a true gentleman.
