South African John Bland has a score to settle in the Senior British Open after finishing runner-up three out of the last four years.And at Royal County Down today, he made the ideal start to go one better by firing an opening round of 68 to set the early pace.
All the South African’s progress was made on the front nine as he reached the turn in four-under 31.The opening three holes had the benefit of a supporting northerly breeze and Bland took advantage by reaching the opening hole, a 502 yard par five, in two and holing for eagle.
A run of five pars brought the 55-year-old to the short seventh and accordingly, his first birdie.Another followed at the ninth as he completed a flawless outward half.
With arguably the most difficult nine more than safely negotiated, Bland strolled home with eight straight pars and the only blemish was signing off with a bogey six at the 18th.
Not that he would wish misfortune on any fellow player, but Bland may well thank his lucky stars Christy O’Connor Jnr was unable to defend his title.
Recovery from a freak motorbike accident sidelined O’Connor Jnr, who in 1999 and last year forced Bland into second place.The other occasion he finished runner-up was in 1997 when Gary Player emerged victorious at Royal Portrush.