| Phil Kenyon to report from the British Open 2009 at Turnberry |
| Wednesday, 19 August 2009 | |
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Phil Kenyon, as Director of Instruction for the Harold Swash Putting School of Excellence has been visiting the British Open 2009 at Turnberry for the practice days and this is his report.
Major championships are mostly quite from the perspective of players changing their equipment, however there are always a couple of guys that are looking for the extra edge. Gonzalo Fernandez Castaño had played well last week but was looking for something more on the greens, so the Tracy 3 we made up for last week, we adjusted a little so he can put it play this week. I also met up with Ian Poulter who had requested one of the new Dawn models. The putter is unique in that he has the names of his children engraved on the putter at his request. Ian never put the putter straight into the bag, but hopefully he can get to test the putter and put it into play in the next few weeks. On the Monday I met up with Henrik Stenson and we spent some time on the practice green, while on the Tuesday I walked the course with him to help with his preparations on the greens. Henrik played with Lee Westwood and Chris Wood on the Tuesday and looking back the way they all played it was no surprise they all figured high on the leaderboard throughout the week. Henrik finished in the top 15 eventually, having never really got into top gear all week. The double bogey finish on the Saturday, in hindsight proved costly, as without that he would have felt he had a chance going into the final round, without having to take too many risks on a course that was punishing if you were slightly astray. Getting out on the course it was also great to appreciate the set up and condition of the course. All of the players felt the course was in great condition, challenging but also a fair test. It was shame Tom Watson fell short at the last hurdle. I think golf as a whole was hoping he could pull it off. As a result however I think Stewart Cink's performance, and in particular his eagle, birdie finish has gone a little unappreciated. Stewart interestingly had changed to the short putter recently after years of using the belly putter. After a great week on the greens the courage needed to make that decision was rewarded with a major. Congratulations Stewart!
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