Ewan Porter: Open Bound
BY Ewan Porter | Australasian PGA Tour | 2007 British Open International Final Qualifying | Final Round | 07 Feb 2007
What can I say apart from stating the obvious that right now I’m buzzing and on cloud nine after yesterday qualifying for my first Major Championship, the 2007 British Open at Carnoustie in Scotland.
The qualifier at The Lakes was 36 holes in one day. It’s certainly something professionals very rarely experience and it was both physically and mentally draining. Being a gym junkie and workout man, I knew fitness wouldn’t be a problem, however there was one element of doubt that hung over me yesterday and that was the fact my infected blister, which forced me to withdraw after 7 holes of the first round last week in the Victorian Open, would hold up over such an extended period of time and punishment.
My practice regime over the past few days post-Victoria has consisted of bare feet, much to the dismay of some Cronulla members, however, it was doctor’s orders. I actually found that this helps with the stability and balance of the golf swing too, which has helped me. Yesterday, I did pull the boots on, but left the right one undone all day as to not let it get too tight and place extra strain on the injury.
The morning round was played in relatively calm conditions for the most part, with the breeze getting up late in the round. Fortunately I was able to take full advantage of the conditions and quite frankly my 66 (-7) was the worst score I could have shot after hitting seventeen greens in regulation and having numerous birdie putts shave the hole.
Frankly, I was thrilled with what transpired yesterday and what now lies ahead. My playing partner Scott Laycock shot a 5 under 68 to be sitting two shots back and I regard having him in my group as being a key factor in my performance. At the start of the day I said to my caddy Johnny Ayoub, that if I could finish ahead of Scott, I would most probably be playing in the Open.
It was great for us to be playing well in the same group because he is much more experienced than myself and during the afternoon I feed off his experience and calmness under the pump of the real chance that I’ll be playing in a major, which is exactly what happened.
What made the day even more memorable was having 100 or so members of The Lakes in the gallery for the afternoon round. Having been a member of the club from 1998-2004, I was familiar with nearly every one of them and chatting to them in between shots was a great way for me to relax and switch off between shots, which is a huge factor in my performance to be able to do that.
My mind set in the afternoon was to go out there and shoot for as many birdies as possible and being the aggressive natured individual that I am, decided that taking driver on the majority of holes was the way to go and it paid off.
My one regret from yesterday was not witnessing the plight of fellow professional and great mate James Nitties, whose ball was half submerged in the water on the 11th hole. James went to the dramatic step of removing every item of clothing except his Bonds comfy undies and after hitting his ball to 15 feet from the cup, I’m sure he was thinking at that stage; “Where are all the hot chicks”?
But all in all for me it was a new experience to be in that position coming down the stretch where the nerves and heart rate were peaking and to be able to control the nerves like I did. The three birdies on the last five holes were a massive boost for my confidence and I knew then I was in for a good chance to be going to the Open.
Come July, it’s going to be one heck of a ride and I’m going to certainly savour the moment. Expect some great stories of the experiences. Initially my plans for this year were to go backpacking around Europe for three months beginning May/June. That’s going to be delayed for a little while as there’s something important looming, my first major championship. Hopefully, the Claret Jug can make its way back to Cronulla in July where many a beverage would no doubt be consumed out of it.
Photo – Anthony Powter
