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Horsey sharpens up

18/ 7/2008

ALWAYS the perfectionist, David Horsey headed straight to the practice ground to straighten up his driving despite returning a highly respectable opening round of four-over-par 74.

"I missed a few fairways and you can't afford to do that round here," said the 22-year-old Styal professional.

"It put too much pressure on my short game which did not give me enough birdie opportunities but in view of the weather I suppose I can't complain.

"It was tough going, especially over the first six holes when we had to battle against a strong wind and torrential rain.

"There's nothing worse, especially when you're playing your first major championship."

Horsey admitted he was a little nervous on the first tee - and he wasn't alone - causing him to pull his drive into the rough. It cost him a shot and he leaked another at the short third where he left his three iron short.

A birdie at the next, where he nearly holed his approach, was immediately followed by a double bogey caused by two visits to the long grass.

"Conditions eased slightly after that and I settled down," he said.

He atoned for dropped shots at the 11th and 15th and with a great up and down on the long 17th where he missed the green left then struck a lob wedge to a couple of feet.

Nick Dougherty birdied two of his last four holes to lie a shot behind him - and then vowed to come out fighting today in his bid to survive the cut and keep alive his Ryder Cup hopes.

"I'll take that score because I was playing myself out of contention when I was seven-over-par after 14th. That finish will give me something to work on," he said.

"But it was a struggle because in wind like that it is hard to play normal shots and you end up pushing the ball around. You have to learn to take the rough with the smooth."

Phil Archer, well used to performing in front of big crowds after two appearances in the US Open, also admitted suffering from first tee nerves in front of his home fans but was not unhappy with his 75. Jamie Howarth still managed to raise a smile despite a bogey-strewn 85 which left him propping up the leader board in his first big tournament.

"It was never going to be easy in those conditions but despite my disappointment I still enjoyed it," said the 24-year-old who lives in Stockport.

With his brother Scott, the Marple professional, caddying for him he saved the best to the last when he salvaged a par after being plugged in a bunker.

"I had to hit the ball out sideways then I struck a six iron to two feet. I received a cheer from the crowd and it cheered me up," he added.

"It was tough going but I made it even tougher for myself. I've learned alot from the experience.

Top regional player was Cheshire's Paul Waring who signed for a 73 thanks to birdies at the 16th and 18th.