Gaganjeet Bhullar among qualifiers for Open Championship
- Wednesday, 1 April 2009
- 0 Comments
Open Championship qualifiers for Turnberry: L-R, Terry Pilkadaris, Tim Stewart, Gaganjeet Bhullar and Liang Wen-Chong.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar carded a four under-par 67 to win International Final Qualifying – Asia and book his place in The Open Championship 2009.
A two-day total of 6-under par ensured that he will be competing against the world’s elite on Turnberry’s Ailsa course this July.
China’s Liang Wen-chong returned a 5-under par 66 to secure his second Open appearance while Australia’s Terry Pilkadaris had to endure a nervous wait before learning that he had also earned his ticket to the world’s oldest Major, after a second-round 72.
Australia’s Tim Stewart, meanwhile, had to endure a play-off to earn the last of the four berths after nine players were tied at 2-under par. “It’s pretty heart-stopping stuff out there. I’ve already booked a taxi to the airport and was called back for the play-off," reflected Stewart.
A delighted, Bhullar said: “I actually set a target of 5-under for today, although I managed to finish in 4-under. But it’s okay. I’m really happy now that I’m on my way to The Open.”
Pilkadaris was a relieved man after ending the 36 holes with a performance that he thought had cost him his chance of qualification.
“I put myself under lots of pressure by hitting into the trees with my drives and was always scrambling to recover. I’m really relieved.”
The 138th Open gets underway at Turnberry on July 16.
Where next?
- Geary and Wood qualify for Open Championship
- England's Jeremy Kavanagh qualifies for Open Championship
Competitions
Reader comments
Add your commentsNo comments have been added yet. Be the first by adding yours below...