Europe’s Ryder Cup Captain, Sam Torrance, used his sprinting speed and hurdling technique to avoid a two shot penalty before moving within a stroke of the lead after the first round of The Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open.
Torrance had to make a frantic dash to the first tee at The Celtic Manor Resort after being altered by a European Tour Official that he was in danger of being late for his appointed time of 1.10pm. However the heart-stopping moment did not disrupt his concentration as he shot a six under par 66 to share third place with local hero Bradley Dredge, one behind joint leaders Richard Green and James Kingston.
Green, from Australia, and South African Kingston both established a new record for the Wentwood Hills course with their seven under par 65s, while Dredge and Torrance moved into a strong position on 66.
At close on 49 years of age, Torrance wasn’t exactly an athletic combination of Dwain Chambers and Colin Jackson as he battled to get to the tee on time, but he offered his gratitude to Tournament Secretary, Jennie Janes, who informed him of his impending fate.
Torrance explained: “I teed off at 1.30 in the Pro-Am and I guess I had that time in mind today when in fact it was 1.10pm. I was just sauntering over to the putting green to hit a few putts and Jennie came racing across the putting green screaming: ‘you’ve got 40 seconds to get to the tee!’
“So I ‘did a Colin Jackson’ and hurdled the fence surrounding the putting and just kept going. I got there with about ten or 20 seconds to spare – then played beautifully. My heart was thumping from the shock and I thought twice about jumping the fence. I thought I would either make the tee or break my leg!”
With six birdies, including a four iron to two inches for a birdie two at the ninth, Torrance proved that there is still life in the old dog yet. While the Scot seemed to be looking for a part as an extra in the European Athletics Championships, Kingston cut out the early running.
The 36 year old drew inspiration from fellow South African, Ernie Els, at Muirfield a couple of weeks earlier. Having failed to make the cut in the Open Championship, Kingston walked round the final 18 holes with Els and said: “I supported Ernie and also had a sip out of the Claret Jug afterwards. It was nice to share that experience with him. He is such a nice man and it was wonderful to see him win that week.”
Green, one of the late starters caught in incessant rain during the afternoon, lipped out from four feet at the final hole to take the outright lead on eight under. He said: “That was a shame. I didn’t read it correctly but it’s only Thursday and I’m in a good position.
“I’ve been putting in a lot of hard work with Claude Harmon, who also works with Trevor Immelman. He has been helping me out a lot and getting my swing back on track.”
Dredge, currently 22nd on the Volvo Order of Merit after a season in which he has enjoyed five top ten starts, enjoyed the feedback of playing in front of his home supporters at The Celtic Manor Resort.
“I think it brings its own pressure, but a nice pressure” he said. “It’s good to have such a great support and to have people there that you recognise, the odd familiar face in the gallery. That relaxes me a bit.”
Dredge, born not far from the golf course at Tredegar, also draw encouragement from playing partner Darren Clarke, who played solidly in a rounds of 68, one of six players on that score while Welsh favourite Ian Woosnam was well position after a round of 70, two under par.
