American’s unlucky 13 in the Irish Open
There is hope yet for high handicap golfers around the world as American golf professional Jonathan Moore shows just how tough links golf can be.
In the second round of the Irish Open (28-31 May) at Royal County Down, Moore ran out of fingers when counting his score at the par 4, 13th hole. He finally wrote down an “unlucky for some” 13 on his scorecard. All credit though to the American, who had already carded 6-over par on day one. In really tough conditions, which included cross-winds and showers, he battled on to complete his second round in 15-over par for a tournament tally of 21-over par.
Ironic to realise that last week Korean Byeong Hun An won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth with a score of 21-under par. That’s a 42 shot difference! Guess you win some, you lose some. That’s golf!
Atrocious weather takes its toll on even the best
Moore wasn’t the only one struggling on the links course of Royal County Down. Despite the cut eventually coming at 5-over par, a host of big names headed home for the weekend. World number one Rory McIlroy was among them, although he would certainly not be twiddling his thumbs over the next few days. Rory would be playing host while busy entertaining the tournament sponsors. The 26-year old Irishman born in Holywood, was back on home soil for his own Open: The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation.
So no Rory at the weekend, but that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the loyal, and hardy, golf fans who turned out in their droves to support the rest of the field in all winds and weathers.
Life begins at 40!
On Sunday conditions were even more atrocious, subsequently taking its toll on overnight leader, Soren Kjeldsen from Denmark, who was leading on -7. After a 5-over par final round, he ended up in a three-way play-off with Eddie Pepperell (England) and Bernd Wiesberger (Austria), all on two-under, 282. The Dane held his nerve and won the play-off to secure his fourth European Tour victory and his first Irish Open title with scores of 69-70-67-76. Kjeldsen was a happy man. It had been six years since his last win on Tour. A timely return to form just two weeks after celebrating his 40th birthday.
Wendy Hoad
Photograph: Seriously bad weather has thwarted many golf tournaments this year including the Open Championship (pictured).