Luke Donald, now 37 years of age, was world No.1 four years ago, but following a loss of form in recent the last couple of years, is currently ranked as low as 66th
That meant he was not guaranteed a place in the field at Chambers Bay for the second major of the season (June 18-21).
Luke just about sneaked through qualifying at the Bear’s Club in Florida. An even-par 72 in the morning round, meant he was in serious danger of not making it, but an afternoon 68, which included seven birdies, saw him finish top of the leader board alongside Andrew Pope and Jack Maguire.
Lee Westwood announced earlier this month that he was “feeling old”. Maybe it’s time for a 'changing of the guard' in English golf?
24-year-old Eddie Pepperell (3rd) and 28-year-old Danny Willet (6th) both recently impressed in the Irish Open. Danny also currently stands second in the Race to Dubai Rankings (see left).
Also, the as yet little known youngster, Tom Murray, (right) a member at Headingley Golf Club, this week broke his home course record, carding a superb 63 to win his club's Scratch 36 Hole Medal. Although ‘one swallow doth not a summer make’, he may well be one to keep an eye out for in the next few years.
It took an exciting 5-way sudden death play-off on Buckinghamshire GC’s par-3 ninth, to determine the final two qualifying spots for next month’s US Women’s Open at Lancaster Country Club, with 21 year-old Lauren Taylor from Woburn and Kylie Walker from Mar Hall finally booking their place.
Lauren commented afterwards, “It couldn’t have gone better. I finished birdie, birdie and then to go into a play-off and birdie the hole was really fun.” Although some might consider her a bit of an expert when it comes to play-offs, having won both of her LET titles last year in similar circumstances, Kylie Walker spoke of the pressure she felt. “I tried to control my nerves and the tee shot was fine but when I realised this was to make the US Women’s Open I tried to get that shot out of my mind. It was a nice fist pump at the end.”
Previously, England’s Holly Aitchison (left) with rounds of 72 and 68, along with Scotland’s Heather MacRae, who followed up a rather disappointing 75 with a scintillating final round of 65, had qualified outright. Holly, who birdied the last three holes, commented: “Everyone wants to play in a major and this is going to be my first major outside of Britain. It’s going to be a really, really good experience and I’m very much looking forward to it.”