Playing in the Open championship has always been a dream of mine. Last July, my dream came true and I teed it up in the 141st Open Championship at Royal Lytham. This is the story of how my 4 year old boy helped me to realise a lifelong dream;
Final qualifying was held at Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club on July 2nd where 72 players teed up for 3 spots in the championship over 36 holes.
I know S&A very well having been brought up at Hoylake just down the road so I didn't feel the need to play a full practice round. I decided to take my 4 year old son Archie with me for half a dozen holes of practice on the Sunday afternoon. It was a relaxing way to spend a practice day.
I played pretty well from tee to green in the morning round but struggled a little with my putting en route to a round of -2 70. It wasn't as low as I had hoped for but a quick look at the scores helped me realise that I was still in it.
A friend of mine kindly picked Archie up from school and brought him to S&A for the final few holes. I was looking forward to him coming all day and I had imagined the evening before how I would cope playing the final few holes with a chance to qualify for the Open and with Archie watching. I managed to get a few putts in and was -4 for the afternoon round when Archie joined me on the 15th green. I shakily parred my way to the clubhouse to see I was, at that time, the leader in the clubhouse.
With 12 groups still to complete, I had an agonising 2 hour wait but Archie kept me calm playing with him and his toys!!
Eventually, I learned I was in a playoff. 3 players for 2 spots.
The playoff was sudden death and started on the 1st hole - a 210 yard par 3. I went 1st and hit a great shot to 10ft. After one of my playing partners missed his par attempt. That left me with 2 putts from 10 feet for a place in the championship. I holed out and Archie leapt into my arms and said "How did you do it Dad?"
One day I'll explain to him how big a part he played!!
Ian Keenan
Memory added on February 8, 2013
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