Doctor Likely To Cause Some Bad Headaches
Sydney Morning Herald
Wednesday January 23, 2002
The last tournament of any significance at Lake Karrinyup Country Club was the 1974 Australian Open, so it was a hidden gem to the majority of players until they began assembling yesterday for the $2.6 million Johnnie Walker Classic, and already hands are trembling over the pace of the undulating greens.
It was only Tuesday, and the greens were double-watered the previous evening, but they were already running between 11 and 11.5 on the stimp meter which is quick, approaching the speed of those at Royal Melbourne where Lee Trevino once remarked they were a ``bigger joke than Watergate".
No-one is complaining yet but fears were expressed about later in the week, particularly if the wind gets up and, more particularly, Perth's local sea breeze known as The Fremantle Doctor.
Englishman Lee Westwood said of the greens: ``They're very firm, almost with a blue look to them, which is surprising [early in the week]. You normally get that on the weekend of a tournament. Their intention is obviously to get them very firm and fast for the first day.
``God knows what they'll be like on Sunday."
But Westwood, who won the 1997 Australian Open at Metropolitan, was smiling as he spoke, unlike some of his European colleagues, who are here for this joint-sanctioned European/Australasian tournament and who've never experienced Royal Melbourne or its adjoining Melbourne sandbelt courses.
``When they're as quick and undulating as these, you need a little more imagination," he said. ``I remember at Metropolitan they were like a bowling alley. I've got pretty good form on fast greens. I'm pleased that they're running quick."
Westwood, though, is lacking good form. His 2001 was downright lousy after toppling Colin Montgomerie from his seven-year reign as winner of the European Tour Order of Merit the previous year with earnings of more than $6million. Last year, he collected less than a sixth of that in finishing 52nd.
The pace of the greens certainly enhances the chances of an Australian victory in this tournament, which has enticed three of the world's top 10 players Sergio Garcia (No4), Ernie Els (No5) and US Open champion Retief Goosen (No9) as well as the likes of Colin Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Thomas Bjorn, Westwood and Michael Campbell.
Aaron Baddeley is certainly happy enough with the greens but is awaiting a package from the US. His favourite Scotty Cameron putter was damaged by luggage handlers in Fiji last week and it's been sent to California for repair, so the club manufacturer has sent a replacement.
Will the original arrive in time? ``Fingers crossed," he replied.
© 2002 Sydney Morning Herald
