Wood is ready to roll back the years
CHRIS WOOD has won three times on the European Tour and played in the scorching atmosphere of the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine.
But the moment he still savours more than any other happened nine years ago, when he finished fifth in The Open at Royal Birkdale while still an amateur.
“I can remember every single shot from that last round,” said the 6ft 6ins Bristolian.
“My dad caddied and I won the silver medal as the leading amateur.
“It was the start of my career and it will always be the best week of my golfing life.”
Wood returned to Birkdale a couple of weeks ago in the build-up to this year’s Open at the great Southport venue.
The style of apparel was different and so was the hair – but it brought back so many great memories.
“If I can avoid the trousers and the hair I’d happily watch the DVD of that day,” said Chris.
“But there’s no harm in watching it.
“Maybe I will look at how I played one hole or something, just to get some insight again.”
Wood has played five Opens since then but the first one meant everything to him in terms of his future.
“I have experience now,” he added. “I know what is coming.”
There was a fleeting moment on that emotional final day nine years ago when Wood actually had a chance of winning the Claret Jug. “I was going nicely,” he said. “I think I birdied the ninth with Ian Poulter and we were right in there.
“But when I got to the 11th they had moved the tee up some 80 yards because of the weather.
“My dad and I didn’t have a flicking clue what to do. It was like, ‘Oh well, I’ll just hit a driver again’.
“I hit it into trouble and that really derailed my challenge. But I was still where I wanted to be, winning the silver medal.”
Wood was third at Turnberry the following year but missed the cut in 2010 and his best showing since was tied for 23rd place in 2014.
His preparation this year has been far from ideal – rounds of 72 and 73 saw him miss the cut at the Scottish Open, which reaches a climax today.
But he insists his experience will stand him in good stead when battle commences over the Birkdale links on Thursday.
“I’ve been in the mix twice and I can handle it,” he said.
“I know I can do it in The Open.
“If I can get myself in that position, I have to take the chance the next time it comes along.”