Rhys Enoch (pictured above with his Dad) is playing in his first Open Championship at Royal Liverpool this week, he’s sponsored by Your Golf Travel and his attachment is Celtic Manor, we caught up with him to get his thoughts ahead of the biggest week of his career…
How does The Open compare to a regular tournament?
Everything is bigger and better. Whether it is playing in front of the huge grandstands, which were empty when I played my practice round – I can’t wait to walk up 18 with a packed crowd, to the amazing driving range, everything about this event is amazing. It is every golfer’s dream to play in The Open so I’m having the best week of my life.
What’s the best bit of Open memorabilia you’ll be holding onto at the end of the week?
Without doubt it is my Player’s badge. I’ll be sure to keep this safe for years to come; hopefully it won’t be my last!
What will you be doing to battle any first tee nerves?
I’d like to think I’ll be fine, I’ve played Hoylake a few times now so have a game plan and I’ll stick to that – I’ll pick my club, commit to the shot and focus on my swing.
Who are you playing your practice rounds with?
As an ISM golfer I’ll be playing with the likes of Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood, they’ve got great experience in playing in majors so I’ll be hoping to take some tips from them.
Are you not tempted to hang around the 1st tee at 5.30am waiting to see if Tiger Woods needs someone to make up his 4-ball?
Ha ha, I’d imagine I’d join quite a long queue of golfers wanting to play with Tiger. He certainly knows the best way round the course given how impressively he won here in 2006.
Who would you most like to be paired with on Sunday and why?
I’d say Tiger, simply because if I’m paired with him I think I’ll be pretty high up the leaderboard!
What are your impressions of the course?
It’s been great over the past few days. The course is very fair and placing the ball in the right position off the tee is just as important this year as it was when Tiger won. The fairways are a bit greener than what you’d typically associate with The Open but the course is in fantastic condition and a place I’m really looking forward to playing this week.
Any holes which particularly stand out?
The par-4 3rd hole is really interesting. The hole dog-legs to the right around the corner of the driving range, which is out of bounds, a long iron to the corner and a similarly long iron into the green make this stand out for me. How the hole plays depends a lot on the wind, regardless of whatever way it blows I’ll be happy with a par!
Will anyone from your home club Truro be supporting you this week?
I’m very lucky that my friends and family will be joining me this week. I’m sure there will be others making the long drive when I make the cut on the weekend!
