Bernd Wiesberger is hoping the experience of playing alongside Rory McIlroy in the final round of the US PGA Championship will inspire him to bigger and better things as the Austrian returns to action for the first time since that dramatic Sunday in Kentucky at this week’s D+D REAL Czech Masters.
The 28 year old launched his name into the limelight at the fourth Major of the year two weeks ago when a dazzling third round 65 moved him to within a shot of leader McIlroy heading into the final day at Valhalla Golf Club.
While it was not to be for Wiesberger, who carded a three over par 74 to finish in a tie for 15th, he was still honoured to be at the heart of the action as his Northern Irish playing partner emerged victorious following one of the most thrilling final days in recent Major history.
As a result, he arrives at Albatross Golf Resort for the inaugural edition of the D+D REAL Czech Masters with a renewed sense of confidence and focus and looking to get back to winning ways, having not recorded a victory since claiming two titles in 2012, including one on home soil at the Lyoness Open powered by Greenfinity.
“It was a really fun week,” said the Austrian-born player. “Sunday was a bit disappointing obviously but it was still a great position to be in and I have a lot of stuff to take with me from that day. It was really nice.
“I knew going into the weekend I was in a great position, to be playing with Phil (Mickelson). I knew we would have big crowds, it would be a lot of fun being out on the course and even more so playing the way I did on Saturday.
“I really got the crowds going down the stretch which was good to see. I wasn’t too nervous on Sunday, I had my emotions under control and my game under control but it was just one of those days when I couldn’t drive the ball as well as I did before.
“I just couldn’t get the ball close enough as a result of that and therefore I made a couple of mistakes and had a couple of bogeys and couldn’t really convert any birdies. But it was a great atmosphere and nice to feed off.”
Wiesberger is now looking forward to getting back into the swing of things in the Czech Republic, especially given it is just a matter of hours’ drive from his home town, and even closer to the north western border of Austria.
“Last week was nice to have a week off. I went for some sight-seeing in New York which was great. It was a nice little jump in the Rankings with the US PGA Championship result as I hadn’t played as well this year as I had in previous seasons.
“I haven’t given myself chances to be in contention for a win this year. I'm going to try and feed off that good week in Kentucky and hopefully I can do that more often for the rest of the season.
“I will have some support with me this week. I drove here from where I live and it took me about five hours door to door. I've got some friends from the Lyoness Open coming over, my brother will be coming and my girlfriend too.
“It’s not too far from the north western part of Austria so maybe some people will make their way up here.
“I've never been to Prague so that’s going to be good to see too. I've heard it’s very similar to Vienna with the river going through the city and the old town, so I’m looking forward to seeing the city.”
