Last week I was down at Carus Green in Kendal with three great pals for some golf along with some apres golf – a laugh a minute as always. The golf complex there is brilliant with accommodation, driving range and golf course in great condition. Oh and the sun shone…..until Friday that is. We played beautiful Silloth on the Friday, teeing off in a 30mph wind. Then the rain came …and came…and came…..game abandoned after 5. I was in the shower within 15 minutes which was great but I overlooked one thing in my haste….a towel…which you can only get from the bar! Great fun though and a character building game of golf!
You can’t have failed to be aware of the hype surrounding this year’s Open at St Andrews. Everything about it seems bigger this time round. Including some massive temporary buildings and stands. Regards the golf, the R&A held Regional Qualifying yesterday at 15 venues around the UK involving something like 1800 golfers I guess trying for around 150 spots through to final qualifying.
I played at Panmure yesterday but missed the qualifying by a few shots. I shot 3 over 73 which included me chasing for birdies on the last few holes, I would have needed 2 under to get into the playoff for the last 5 spots with 10 in total going through. Fighting for birdies I hit a stinger drive at the par 5 14th which ran for ages leaving me a 7 iron to 20 feet above the pin, the eagle putt would have taken me back to 1 over with birdie chances on the way in – the putt was in the cup all the way but was 6 inches short. A great feeling to have a chance though and feel the competitive juices flowing again. Last night was a really odd mix of emotions, while disappointed at not getting through to Final Qualifying next week, I was really happy with the way I played and the account I gave of myself. A better score like this is what we’ve been looking for as my game has improved. Panmure was playing pretty tough with a stiff southerly wind on the way out, fast running baked fairways and whispy rough. The course was in fabulous shape with tremendous greens. All in all, a great experience to be part of it and better scoring than I had in last year’s qualifying.
Also on the positive side, Coach Pete shot 2 under and qualified from the playoff for a spot in next week’s Final Qualifying at the Fairmont. I’m delighted for him and wish him all the best for next week – him qualifying will make the 150th Open even more special!
Next for me is Italy tomorrow, I’m off to Padova for a three day tournament over two great looking courses. After yesterday I’m so excited to get back on a golf course. Will let you know how I go.
All the Best
Calum