Blizard storms first round at Players Amateur
IN: News | US Mens Amateur | Players Amateur (2007) | Round One | by Anthony Powter | 13 Jul 2007
Rohan Blizard opened his campaign at The Players Amateur in Bluffton, South Carolina, in style with a six under 66, that has the Australian Amateur Champion joint leader with New Zealand’s James Gill and American Cale Barr.
Leigh Deagan is the next placed Australian in T5, after an opening four under 68, a single stroke behind fifth placed, Manuel Villegas.
Blizard, who’s off a top ten finish last week at the Rice Planters Amateur, attributed his low round to driving and feels the condition of the Belfair layout is suited to low scoring.
“It rained a bit yesterday and that made the course soft,” Blizard remarked following his opening round.
“Today, I drove the ball well off the tee and with the receptive greens, I was able to be much more aggressive with my iron shots. I’m really looking forward now to the week here and to post a good result.”
With the talent and depth of the players competing this week at The Players Amateur, the field is arguably the strongest assembled this season in the US. It’s getting towards the serious end of the US season with the Porter Cup, US Amateur qualifying and Walker Cup selection considerations all playing a factor in player’s minds.
Blizard, however, is taking the atmosphere with The Players in his stride.
“The level of the field here is tough, any player competing has a realistic chance to win. I’m happy with my start, but there’s more golf to be played. It’s a fantastic event and everyone is pumped,” said Blizard as he was making his way to the practice range following his opening round.
“I’ve got the Porter Cup as well as US Amateur qualifying ahead as well, so it’s great to have a solid round as that keeps you going.”
Rudi Bezuidenhout follows Blizard and Deagan as the next Australian, at four under T5, with Tim Stewart recording an opening two under 70 to be T16.
The heat will again appear to be a factor, with players like Stewart noticing its impact on their game.
“It is a really nice layout and reasonably long, but not too bad,” remarked Stewart.
“You need to drive it pretty straight if you want to keep a good score going. Keeping out of the rough is another factor that will help good scoring, as it is quite deep. It is however, a very hot heat. I think the heat index today was 105 and you really feel it during your round.”
Last year the fifty-four hole cut was at two over. Nine Australasians are currently within that mark, including Richie Gallichan (-1), Aaron Pike (Ev), Ray Beaufils (Ev) and Rick Kulacz (+1).
Andrew Dodt is currently at +2 and the Australian Amateur Stroke Play Champion felt a few shots were left out on the course this morning, in a round that he sees, should have been lower.
“The 74 today was frustrating, because it felt like I played better then my score,” remarked Dodt after his round.
“I don’t think my game is that far away to be honest, but there are a few shots per round that are costing me at the moment. If I continue to work hard now hopefully it will come together for our last two tournaments and US Amateur Qualifying.”
Dodt is not alone in recognising the US amateur schedule is nearing the business end of the season. Players are acutely aware of the importance of the bigger events, like The Players Amateur, and playing well in them.
For Blizard, an opening 66 is a sensational start and he is primed and ready to take his game to the next level. Blizard was a strong performer in the British Amateur, making the match play format of the Championship, and has settled into the American schedule well, no more evident than his top 10 finish last week at the Rice Planters. He certainly should challenge this week.
With both the Australians and New Zealanders, in particular James Gill, continuing to fire, our players are achieving the recognition that they deserve and it’s an excellent indication as to where they stand on the international amateur stage; namely, right up there.
