SIMON HALLIWELL had an unusual recipe for his first major victory in 25 years – lots of alcohol and little sleep – in Captain’s Prize as he lifted Saddleworth Golf Club’s Claret Jug on the day when the final round of the Open Championship was staged.
The 55-year-old admitted his preparations for the rain-interrupted competition, which was reduced to 18 holes instead of 36 after Saturday was washed out, was far from ideal after a heavy night at a barbeque at the club.
“It was a late night and I had quite a lot to drink and little sleep. I was up at 6am to take my dog a walk and I was on the tee at 7.45am,” said Simon.
It worked a treat as Simon posted a score of 73-6-67, a round which included five birdies and was only two-over-par gross.
Simon admitted the alcohol may have calmed his nerves as he says he had been playing poorly until his latest success which is his third major win in a 45-year playing career.
“I was thrilled as I hadn’t won a major for 25 years and was beginning to think it may never happen again,” explained Simon who works for Rochdale firm Rentruck.
After being in the second group out, Simon admitted it was a lengthy wait before he knew he had triumphed. In the end he triumphed on the card from Dean Jagger who returned 72-5-67. In third place was Stephen Pullen (71-3-68).
Dean failed to completed a coveted double having earlier this season won Vice Captain’s Prize.
Simon said: “Commiserations to Dean because it would have been great to win the double.
“It is disappointing to lose out on a card play-off as I found last year when I lost out that way for first place in the Vice-Captain’s Prize.”
It was back in 1984 when then captain Charlie Robinson had a special Claret Jug commissioned for Captain’s Prized based on the Open Championship trophy.
“Perhaps I should have superimposed myself next to Rory McIlroy with both of us holding our Claret Jugs,” he joked.
