July9 lochlomondsetting
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Monday is traditionally ‘travel day’ in pro golfing terms and it was certainly a case of All Quiet on the Loch Lomond – scene of this week’s star-studded Barclay’s Scottish Open – front.
In fact TG were virtually the first to arrive at the Bonnie Banks which saw little golfing activity, either on the driving range or the immaculate course itself, until the middle of the afternoon when at least some players gradually started to pitch up.
There was certainly no sign of Colin Montgomerie…probably still on cloud nine and still celebrating following his long overdue first European Tour victory secured the day before at the K Club. After his momentous Ryder Cup exploits at the Ireland venue last September, Monty must wish he could play in County Kildare every week!
One of the first big names to put in an appearance was Darren Clarke who has been having a torrid time of late. However, despite his trials and tribulations, the big Irishman was in buoyant mood and is confident of soon turning the corner to improved fortunes – starting this week.
He told TG: “I’ve struggled a bit this year, but I’ve done okay in America in the past couple of weeks and I feel my game and form is coming back and that at last I’m starting to turn things round.
“I had a practice round at Carnoustie yesterday (Sunday) and I didn’t play too badly there either and that should act as a confidence booster for next week’s Open.”
Beavering away on the range was golf’s nattiest dresser, Ian Poulter, who is clearly determined to get back into the groove after a bit of time off. He explained: “I haven’t hit a ball for a week so I really need to get down to some serious practice.”
Among the other top players to make an early start and take advantage of the Loch Lomond sunshine were Lee Westwood, who was busy working on his ailing short game, and Great Dane Thomas Bjorn. Mind you, the latter could hardly be missed – he was was wearing a fetching all white outfit and would have looked more at home at Wimbledon! Poults eat your heart out….