Des Smyth seeking Woburn hat-trick
Des Smyth. Picture: Getty Images
Des Smyth will look to continue his love affair with Woburn Golf Club this week as the European Senior Tour gets set for another edition of the Travis Perkins Senior Masters.
The 63-year old won this prestigious title in 2010 and 2012 and would dearly love to complete his hat-trick over the Duke’s Course at Woburn.
“It is a wonderful setting and we are very lucky to have the chance to come back to Woburn every year,” said Smyth.
“This is one of the best tournaments on the Senior Tour – we get big crowds here and we play on an amazing golf course. The greens are super-fast this week so it will be interesting. It’s great to be back, though, and we are in for another great week.
“I have been lucky enough to win here twice and I would obviously love to make that three, although the form doesn’t suggest as much. I have had some good low rounds recently but haven’t been able to put the three good ones together on a given week. But I’m an eternal optimist and I’ll certainly be trying to get the third one this week.
“This area around Woburn is a very special place for golf in terms of the spectators. They see a lot of tournaments here, but they always come out and support us and that makes such a difference to the players. You want to play well and put on a show and I am sure the fans this week will get that because it is a very strong field.”
Smyth will be joined by James and Torrance for the first round at Woburn, and given their association with The Ryder Cup, the upcoming match between the USA and Europe, where Torrance will form part of Darren Clarke’s backroom team, will be high on the agenda.
“I am playing with two past captains and obviously I have been a vice-captain twice so that will be a lot of fun,” said Smyth. “I am sure Jesse and I will be trying to find out from Sam what is going on behind the scenes as he is obviously part of Darren’s team going to Hazeltine.
“This week was a big one for The Ryder Cup with Darren making his captain’s picks. Now that’s out of the way, we all want to see a great team going to America to retain that trophy. It will be tough out there but I am sure they will give everything for Darren and the team.”
