Wood surges into Nordea Masters lead as US Open spot beckons
Chris Wood will have double incentive today in the final round of the Nordea Masters in Sweden. Holding a one-shot advantage, the Englishman will be going for his first win in more than a year, as well as a place at the US Open in 12 days.
The 29-year-old shot a five-under 68 to advance to nine under, leaping from a tie for sixth into the lead over his nearest pursuers, the Italian Renato Paratore and France’s Benjamin Hébert.
Wind and rain are forecast for the climax at the Barseback Club in Malmo, but with his pedigree, Wood should be confident of securing a fourth European Tour title. In some respects, it would be an overdue success, following his breakthrough at last year’s BMW PGA Championship. That win at Wentworth effectively guaranteed Wood’s Ryder Cup debut, but a neck injury was to blight the Bristolian’s summer. Yet, Wood recovered and performed with distinction at Hazeltine, winning a foursomes match alongside Justin Rose before only succumbing on the last to world No1 Dustin Johnson in his Sunday singles encounter.
Wood became a father in February, when wife Bethany gave birth to Jonah and, inevitably, this kept him away from the range. However, after just one top-10 finish in the past six months, Wood finally appears ready to peak again. A berth at Erin Hills for the year’s second major would be a huge bonus.
“I’ve played nice all year without getting any results so in my mind it’s a matter of time before I start getting some decent results,” Wood said. He admitted that finishing 49th in his defence at Wentworth was the perfect motivation. “It was a busy week last week but driving home with my wife without the trophy was really difficult.”
Johnson’s own US Open preparations took an unexpected blow when he missed the cut at the Memorial Tournament in Ohio. It was the second time this season that Johnson, 32, had failed to make it to the weekend, but he still found the positives.
“I hate missing the cut, but it actually works out well,” Johnson said. “Now I’ll get to be home Monday.”
Johnson was due to make a reconnaissance mission to Erin Hills on Tuesday and Wednesday after fulfilling sponsors’ commitments on Monday. However, he headed to Wisconsin straight after his second-round 74. He remains confident of successfully defending the US Open title.
“I’m hitting it fine, just had a load of putts,” Johnson told Golf Week.”
One opponent he won’t have to beat at the US Open is Phil Mickelsen, who last night announced he would miss this year’s tournament to attend his daughter Amanda’s high school graduation.