I was lucky enough to have had the chance during my career to play at The Open Championship. And what is more, I have played it twice. Perhaps it is not so much, but it fills me with joy whenever I think about it. Ever since I was sixteen, having watched my hero Seva Ballesteros playing at the most prestigious tournament and winning three times, it was always my dream to win The Open, or at least to play there.
Seva’s game suited the tournament perfectly. He could manage even the most challenging moments of the game. He not only secured his game but also even scored. He won his first Open Championship in 1979 with a closing 70, a round in which he famously hit his tee shot into a car park on the 16th hole yet still made a birdie! Incredible!
But it was not just Seva who awoke my passion for The Open. For us Brits, this tournament means a lot. It is the most important event in our golfing lives; something we love more than anything. No other tournament can beat The Open Championship.
I could have played The Open three times
When I first played at The Open in 1998, I fulfilled my life dream. Just two years before I was very close to it. At that time I played the qualification for the participation in the main event and got into the playoffs. But then it was probably the worst play-off in golf history. I played a bogey on the first hole. On the second hole I even played double-bogey and got the position of first substitute. I played all the practice rounds and hoped to get the chance to play at The Open Championship.
It did not turn out well back then. However, I did not miss the 1998 Royal Birkdale (The 2017 Open Championship will be played there). This was a great and unforgettable experience. The golf course is situated in the middle of the United Kingdom. A lot of golf enthusiasts arrived, creating a spectacular atmosphere; the grandstands were absolutely packed. I was lucky to play with Justin Leonard, the defending champion, who won at Royal Troon golf course the previous year. I made the cut and finished, tied 44th place. A year later, while playing at Carnoustie, I did not make the cut, but it was still great.
In both cases, it was classic links golf – The Open is always played on links courses, courses that are so challenging but still one cannot but give it a try. Playing there was unbelievably difficult; I was absolutely shattered. If I wanted to make it, I had to be absolutely focused. There was no time for mistakes. And it was so easy to make them. The Open is incredibly hard, but at the same time it is an amazing experience and a never-to-be-forgotten challenge.
No jitters, just excitement
I did not feel nervous during my two starts at The Open. What I felt was a tremendous amount of excitement from the first moment I arrived. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the people, everything around – every single minute of it. I was overwhelmed by the fact that I had a great chance to play alongside great golf players.
I played with golfers such as Leonard and Billy Mayfair. I even played a practice round with Nick Faldo. Could this get any better?! I was surrounded by the best players in the world – by true legends. I could not believe how lucky I was. It was truly unique, so many golf stars in one place! Something like this can never happen at regular tournaments. I will never forget this.
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