Gary Wolstenholme hopes to continue his momentum in this week’s Swiss Senior Open after a morale-boosting joint runner up finish in the Acorn Jersey Open earlier this month.
Wolstenholme had targeted a top five finish in Jersey to book his place at Switzerland’s Golf Club Bad Ragaz, but quickly found himself at the top of the leaderboard after the second round.
Despite eventually missing out on the title in a three-way play-off against eventual winner Gordon Manson and 1991 Masters Tournament champion Ian Woosnam, Wolstenholme was pleased with his performance on the links of La Moye on the Channel Island.
“Golf is swings and roundabouts,” he said. “You have to accept the rough with the smooth. I went to Jersey knowing that I had to have a top five finish because I was seventh reserve for Switzerland.
“The likelihood of me getting in was minimal and it’s my favourite event on the schedule. I love going out to Switzerland and it’s a tournament where I’ve played well in the past and I know if I have a decent performance, I have a good chance of winning.
“I’m not too downhearted after Jersey. I’m pleased with myself and the performance I put in.”
Bad Ragaz is indeed a venue where Wolstenholme has performed well, having recorded four top ten finishes since joining the Senior Tour five years ago – his best result a tied third finish in 2011, three strokes behind winner Peter Fowler.
In Jersey, Wolstenholme carded a second round 65, his best score since the 2013 edition of the Swiss Senior Open, and forced his way into the play-off, despite a triple-bogey seven on the par four ninth hole in the final round.
“It was frustrating, having got myself so far ahead, only go give three shots back to the field. When I stepped over the ball, I knew I wasn’t 100 per cent comfortable – I then pulled my tee shot.
“I wasn’t unduly worried, but then there must have been about 40 people looking for my ball. Unfortunately, I had to do the long walk back to the tee to drive again, and it really halted my momentum. But I kept my head and hit a lot of good shots and putts, picking up a couple of good birdies too.
“Under the circumstances, my performance was brilliant. I was delighted to get the invite to Jersey, a big thanks goes to Acorn for that. I’ve had new clubs in the bag since Mauritius and I’m delighted that they’ve worked so well.
“There’s a lot to be thankful for and I’m excited now that I’ve had the chance to regroup and prepare for this week.”
