Paul Broadhurst believes that remaining level-headed at Oak Hill Country Club is key as he prepares to defend the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship he won in stunning fashion 12 months ago.
The 1991 Ryder Cup player recovered from a one over par first round, playing his next three rounds in 20 under par to sign for a 19 under par total, winning by four strokes at Harbor Shores.
An eight-time winner on both sides of the Atlantic since turning 50 in 2015, and a two-time winner of the John Jacobs Trophy for topping the Staysure Tour Order of Merit, the Englishman will be drawing from his previous victories on the over-50s circuit this week.
“You want to get off to a fast start,” said Broadhurst. “But a four-round tournament gives you that opportunity to come through the pack. In three round events, you always feel you need to get a off to a flier because it’s difficult to play catch-up over two rounds.
“I seem to be making a habit of starting slowly in the Majors, and then having a good Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If I don’t start too quickly tomorrow, I won’t be beating myself up. I just have to stay patient, especially around a course like this. It’s set up really tough – patience is going to be important.”
In 2008, Jay Haas won his second Senior PGA Championship at Oak Hill with a winning score of seven over par, defeating Bernhard Langer, making his debut in this tournament that year, by one stroke.
“I think every player would take level par round here,” added Broadhurst. “I was chatting last night saying that maybe four rounds of 72 would be a good score. There’s not too many birdie chances out there.
“The greens are firm and you’re struggling to get it really close to the pin. Level par would be an incredible score.”
