Tom Lehman knows all about winning big on British soil, as his only Major came at The 125th Open Championship in 1996 at Royal Lytham and St Anne’s.
So it is no wonder he is excited about his chances at this week’s Senior Open Championship, played at Walton Heath Golf Club, in Surrey.
The American is chasing only his second Senior Major after claiming his first at the US Senior PGA Championship last year, but there are even more pressing matters at hand.
Lehman has already won three times on the US PGA Champions Tour this year and is currently leading the Order of Merit, so the former USA Ryder Cup captain has plenty to play for.
“The opportunity to play here at Walton Heath in a great Championship is a great opportunity. I absolutely love the golf course. It’s a fantastic 18 holes with a fantastic field, playing for a great trophy so it should be a great week,” said Lehman.
“Growing up in the United States it is a course that has that appeal – Walton Heath. It has history too with The Ryder Cup. It is a treasured heathland course, a bit like Sunningdale. I think the course is everything it is cracked up to be. It’s a thrill to play such a natural golf course such as this.”
Lehman finished a highly commendable tied for 22nd at the Open Championship in Royal St George’s last week and, while he was disappointed with the finish having shot a 67 on day two, it has filled him full of belief ahead of a busy and important two weeks.
“For me this is a great three week stretch with The Open last week, The Senior Open this week and the US Senior Open next week.
“It’s three great tests, three great championships. Last week was a great week. I didn’t play my best so it was a little disappointing in some ways but it gave me some confidence coming into this week. Playing last week was definitely an advantage coming into this week.”
