Time to go back to basics
AFTER a desperately disappointing Seniors Open Championship at the weekend, it’s high time I took a rest from the game and go back to basics.
I knew my game was struggling, hence the three-hour trip across Scotland to see my dad in the build-up to Carnoustie.
It saw me through the first day, helping me to an opening round 69, but from there it fell
apart and I tumbled down the leaderboard.
I was delighted for Bernhard Langer though, landing his first Seniors Major after seeing off a great performance from US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin.
But, as for me, it’s three weeks on the practice greens as I look to turn things around for my home Scottish Open at St Andrews on 20 August.
While I’m rediscovering my game, Langer leads a European contingent for the US
Seniors Open in Seattle – and few would bet against the German claiming back-to-back titles, given the way he is playing.
On the main tour, Louis Oosthuizen came mighty close to following up his tremendous Open success with victory in the Scandinavian Masters, only to make four bogeys in a final-round 73.
Credit though to Richard S Johnson, who became only the second home winner in 12
years of the tournament with a 30-foot birdie putt on the final green for a first title in eight years.
Next up on the Race to Dubai is the Irish Open, which will be something of a celebration this year as they cheer their new golden generation.
In Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, plus new Ryder Cup vice-captains Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, Irish golf has never had it so good, and with all five in action at Killarney this weekend, it promises to be a special event.