Got to see the last couple of hours of the Europena US open qualifier with Richard Pennell Monday afternoon at Walton Heath.
These are the final results.
About half the field were par or better and a couple of the pro’s withdrew at lunchtime after posting big scores in the morning. This was appalling for their partners, we saw one Scandinavian playing the round by himself.
Some images
The guy in the light blue tank top is Gary Wolstenholme who is a ‘career amateur’ most famously he beat Tiger in the Walker Cup at Porthcall. Another friend of mine wanted to follow his back nine ‘as he plays a game we can relate to’. He’s never been a long hitter and he gave Tiger upto 70 yards on each tee shot.
He’s about 165 from the flag and the guy he was playing (not long compared to others) was past the bunker about 30 yards longer.
This is his ball. Don’t ask me how but I swear it looks twice as big as an all white one.
The human interest came when he was one of the 5 playing for 3 places in sudden death.
Two failed to make par on the 1st extra hole, the 235 yard 1st of the old course.
This is Oliver Wilson on the second play off hole (1st on the new).
He got up and down from there – pin was just out of picture.
The third extra was the 18th on the new and Oliver birdies it to secure his place.
Then Philip Archerand Wolstenholme played the 1st again, and Guy found trouble with his drive.
He chipped out and was on the green in 3, but his opponent was just behind him on two.
I didn’t have the heart to take a picture of Wolstenholme as he took the long walk back to the clubhouse. It’s tough to loose anytime but when you’re 45 years old and you’ve just lost on the 40th hole of the day... he looked devastated.
After everyone had gone the place was magical.
Next week I will have the pleasure of pointing out to Mr Hutto and Mr Disher the divots they are attempting to play third shots from were left by the flatbellies second shots! Bring it on.