Former Ryder Cup Star Walton Qualifies for the Open
Jul 9th, 2008 by hole high
Philip Walton, the hero of the Ryder Cup back in 1985 qualifies for the Open Championship by carding 142 for first place in final local qualifying at West Lancashire on Tuesday.
Walton, no longer a European Tour player has gone down in Irish golf folklore as the guy who secured the European win at Oak Hill by beating Jay Hass on the final green. He said after qualifying “They still talk to me about the Ryder Cup in Ireland, but it’s a long time ago and I’m looking forward to next week.”
Other players who qualified at final local include the frenchman Jean Van de Velde, famous for his collapse at Carnoustie 1999.
Not so lucky at International Qualifying at Sunningdale last week was Jose Maria Olazabal. Olly, still suffering from a long of spell of fatigue, lost his place in a play-off. Lets hope he recovers and finds some form ready for next season.
A selection of top players who failed to qualify at both local and international level get a second chance in the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond this week. The likes of Rory McIlroy, Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke need to secure a top five finish to tee up at Birkdale next week.
Philip Walton is a legend and can still hit a great golf ball as he demonstrated in the SFG Challenge Cup Final in 2008 at Woodhall Spa http://www.singlefiguregolfer.co.uk/challenge_cup_2008