Open Diary:COLM Moriarty has enlisted the help of his friend Justin Kehoe as caddie for his debut appearance in the British Open – the same Kehoe who played in the championship when it was staged at Carnoustie in 2007.
“Justin’s a good player himself and he knows the shots you are seeing and whatever else. It’s definitely been of benefit having him on the bag,” said Moriarty, who started using his friend as caddie two months ago after Kehoe became disillusioned with playing on the developmental EuroPro Tour.
So, what expectations does Moriarty – who plays on the Challenge Tour – bring into the championship? “I’ve no expectations whatsoever. If I play well, I’ll do well. If I don’t, I won’t. Obviously I’ve played a lot of links golf growing up, so I do feel comfortable with the wind and manufacturing shots or whatever it takes. But I’ve no expectations.”
Apart from taking on Kehoe, Moriarty, who is 31 and into his sixth year as a professional, has started working with Pádraig Harrington’s coach Bob Torrance.
“Bob has made a difference. All of a sudden, you just go out and shoot a few better scores and just feel a little more comfortable. It takes years to achieve overnight success, as the fella said. I feel now that I am on a better roll.”
It’s Garcia, not Ramos
SERGIO Garcia turned down a ticket to the World Cup final in order to prepare for the British Open – but he showed his support for the conquering soccer team by wearing a Spanish jersey during his practice round over the Old Course yesterday.
Would he wear a similar jersey during the championship?
“We’re working on it, hopefully it will be a nice surprise. Be patient!”
Garcia – who has slumped to 44th in the world rankings, only the third-ranked Spaniard behind Miguel Angel Jimenez and Alvaro Quiros – is aiming to follow up Spain’s World Cup win and Rafa Nadal’s Wimbledon success.
“That’s what I’m here for.”
Phil the Abstemious
TOM Watson, who could have won the claret jug at Turnberry last year only to come up short in a play-off with Stewart Cink, has apparently enjoyed a drink or two in the hostelries around the university town of St Andrews.
But Phil Mickelson has no intention of joining Old Tom for a pint of beer.
“I have nothing against having a pint, I just don’t care for the taste. I haven’t had a beer since college, it is not my thing.
“But I like to go out and hear the stories. The problem is, as people have more and more pints, I can’t understand them.”
