OKLAHOMA, July 11, 2014 (HK Golfer News Wire) - Hong Kong’s Doug Williams tees off in the first round of the US Seniors Open Championship on Thursday having already enjoyed one of the best golfing experiences of his career to date.
US-born Williams, a member at the Hong Kong Golf Club, enjoyed a nine-hole ‘mini Ryder Cup’ game during Wednesday’s practice round at the demanding Oak Tree National course in Oklahoma alongside American legend Hale Irwin and the English pair of Barry Lane and 2012 US Senior Open winner Roger Chapman.
"On the first tee, Hale suggested we play a ‘mini Ryder Cup match’ – America v Europe," said Williams, who earned his first major start having won the championship’s sectional qualifier in Hawaii last month. “I actually contributed two birdies to get Hale and I 1up with three to play, but Roger birdied the last three holes to win 2up."
Wandering over to the 10th tee after the match ended, Williams, who has conquered all before him on the Hong Kong senior amateur scene since reaching the qualifying age of 55 last year, was joined on the back-nine by South Africa’s David Frost, Scott Hoch and 2013 US Senior Open champion Kenny Perry.
"This week has been a truly amazing experience for me, despite the airline losing my clubs and baggage and my having to scramble to get replacements at the last minute,” said Williams, who claimed the 1982 Spanish Amateur title. “I’m still not used to the irons and I’ve got blisters on my feet from the new shoes, too."
On Tuesday, Williams, who tees off in the first round at 3.06pm, played alongside Americans Olin Browne (the 2011 champion) and Steve Pate.
"I think it must be the first time in US Senior Open history that a first-time player has played with the last three US Senior Open champions in practice rounds," he said.