Lock stock and two token barrels
Alex’s bid KO’d after lost keys rob him of clubs & reduce him to couple of practice swings with set found in pro shop
LOSING his car keys cost Alex Cejka the chance to give his crack at a third senior Major both barrels.
The Czech-born German was forced to play with a brand new set of clubs after a high-speed dash to Gleneagles to make his 9.20am start.
He only had time to hit two practice shots with his new equipment before having to tee off.
The 51year-old arrived at the King’s Course in a rich vein of form after making it majors double by adding the US PGA to last year’s Regions Tradition title.
But it all started to go horribly wrong after the early morning drama of the frantic and ultimately fruitless search for his keys .
An opening 70 had left Cejka within striking distance of the leaders but his 73 yesterday left him right on the cut mark.
He revealed: “I left my clubs in the car for the first time in my career.
“After discovering my keys were missing I tried and failed to force my way into the car to retrieve my clubs, so I called a cab.
“But after waiting an hour it still hadn’t shown up and I had to borrow a car in an effort to make my tee time.
“I arrived with just minutes to spare and after finding a set of clubs in the pro shop I only had time to hit two practice shots.
“Not being used to the clubs, I wasn’t sure exactly where the ball was going to go and the loft also felt a little weird.
“I also made a lot of mistakes. I three putted three times, stupidly.
“But I suppose three-over wasn’t bad considering.
“I feel a little bit unlucky, but I’ve also learned a great lesson: never leave your clubs in the car.”
Cejka’s struggles didn’t affect playing partner Darren Clarke.
The former Open champ signed for a 67 to set the halfway pace at eight under.
The Northern Irishman said: “I played all the Bell’s Scottish Opens here and you learn where to hit and where not to, so that’s been very beneficial.
“There’s still two rounds to go, but it would be great to get myself in contention on Sunday and give myself a chance to put this jug beside the other one.”
Another former Open champion, Paul Lawrie threatened to put himself in the mix when he reached three under after 10 holes.
But the Aberdeen ace, 53, limped back in level par for one under and admitted: “I was absolutely shocking the last eight.
“My foot has been sore and whenever it’s sore I can’t get through it and hit horrible necked shots with the driver.”
Colin Montgomerie fired a 66 to soar to joint 11th and into contention at four under.
I feel unlucky but I learned great lesson: Never leave your clubs in your car
ALEX CEJKA CAUGHT UP IN
EARLY MORNING DRAMA