No excuses, it was just a bad day at the office
Sometimes in sport you just have to hold your hands up and accept you’re going to come across the odd bad day at the office.
Unfortunately for me, that day arrived just when I least wanted it to and it spelt the end of my Senior Open Championship hopes. A two over-par 73 on Thursday put me in contention, five shots off the lead, but a disastrous 81 on Friday saw me miss the cut by a couple of shots.
While I didn’t get the best of the weather, that is no excuse. I just wasn’t on my game.
Fortunately, however, there is precious little time to mope as I make the trip over to Colorado Springs today to take part in the US Seniors Open.
Good Spirits
This course is at extremely high altitude and is going to be a real test. The Americans Bruce Vaughan and John Cook, who contested the play-off for the Open, will be confident ahead of this, as will Bernhard Langer and Greg Norman, who also performed well at Troon.
Now, after a disappointing week, I’m back in good spirits and determined to give them a run for their money.
I was also disappointed this week to hear of Luke Donald’s withdrawal from the US PGA Championship with his wrist injury.
Last-Ditch Claim
Already, Luke has had to miss two Major tournaments and the finale of the US Open, but unfortunately I think it may also mean the end of his Ryder Cup hopes.
With the likes of Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey all competing for a wild card from captain Nick Faldo, Luke needed a good tournament at Oakland Hills to make a last-ditch claim.
Take The Plunge
I really can’t see Nick ignoring these names to take a gamble on an injured player, it’s just a huge shame for the lad.
Yesterday also saw young Chris Wood take the plunge into the professional game after a highly successful Open Championship.
Chris played so well at Royal Birkdale and showed a mature head beyond his 20 years. It’s a big step, but I’m sure he’ll go on and enjoy a successful career.