JOIN USI couldn’t wait to get off the course today, even though we played in the morning session. Things were already getting tougher as I came off with a one-over 72, which should safely see me through to the weekend rounds of the Open.
Well, when one plays in Scotland, one is mindful that you can always run into some real trying conditions. They were something like that and I am glad and proud that after a rather poor start and then again at the turn, I recovered well to shoot one-under in last eight holes.
Yet, there was a tinge of disappointment. I should have scored better yesterday and again today. I took 33 putts yesterday and today a lot of the putts burnt the lips but did not drop. Yet I will say I putted much better than first day.
But maybe the positives I can take back are the recovery on the back nine and that nice birdie on the Par-3 Postage Stamp. Though it is one of the hardest holes, I got a good shot and then a 10-footer went in perfectly. But don’t be surprised with a lot of birdies on it today because of how the winds are today. That apart it was a grind on the greens for me.
The hardest holes are around the turn. Our group played seven, eight, nine and 10 in the wind and rain and that’s when conditions are the hardest. It’s hard to judge exactly how far it’s going to go.
Overall, the satisfaction was that I managed to control the damage. I was looking at a good start to get some momentum, but it did not happen. An early bogey and then two at the turn did not do me any good. I hung in for it could have been worse.
Now for the weekend. I have a chance to make up. A couple of nice red numbers can help me rise and if Saturday is good, then there could a run on Sunday and that’s the prospect that keeps all going each week.
Hats off to Phil Mickelson who is now 10-under with a 69 after a 63.