Langer and Perry flew veterans’ flag
IT was a case of rolling back the years on both sides of the water this weekend as my old mate Bernard Langer and Kenny Perry flew the flag for the more, shall we day, experienced of us golfers. At the age of 51, Bernard was looking to become the oldest European Tour winner at the BMW International Open and, with it, clinch a first-ever victory in his homeland Germany.
Unfortunately, after three fantastic rounds, he couldn’t quite keep it going and a final round 72 saw him slip to share of ninth – but still an incredible performance.
The plaudits, however, were saved for England’s Nick Dougherty, who kept his nerve magnificently amid a storming finish from Rafa Echenique to clinch his third Tour victory.
Echenique hit a magnificent albatross on 17 for a record outbound total of 27, but the resolve and character Dougherty showed in putting out for the title said a lot about him.
Also flying the flag for the veterans this weekend was Kenny Perry, who clinched the Travelers Championship by three shots to reach a career-high fourth in the world rankings at the age of 48. Kenny put in an incredible performance to make last year’s American Ryder Cup team and hasn’t looked back since, only missing out on the Masters after a play-off in April.
As for this old fella, not quite such good news to report, I’m afraid, as I was forced to pull out of the PGA Seniors Championship at Slaley Hall due to an unfortunate thumb injury sustained after an opening round 74.
It’s certainly not perfect preparation for the Seniors Open at my home course, Sunningdale, but everything seems to be in order now.