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United States Open: Ahead at 48

It’s not just Phil Mickelson who knows how to stand out despite his age in a Grand Slam tournament. As he approaches his 50s, Richard Bland sits atop the table at 121e edition of the United States Open, played at Torrey Pines.

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Tied with Russell Henley by a -5 record, the 48-year-old Englishman is the oldest point guard or comeneur in US Open history after 36 holes.

What’s more, it’s the 18e golfer aged 40 and over to find himself in this position, according to renowned statistician Justin Ray. Among the previous 17, two then lifted the trophy. Bland and Henley are one step ahead of Louis Oosthuizen and Matthew Wolff. Bubba Watson and Jon Rahm follow at -3.

Where does it come from?

The question is valid.

Bland has been on the European circuit for more than two decades. He won his ticket for his second participation in the American Open by winning one of the three events on the circuit serving as a qualification for the championship.

Since 1996, the Englishman had not won a tournament. He ended his famine at the British Masters at Belfry on May 15 after participating in 478 career tournaments. He thus became the oldest golfer on the circuit to enjoy a first victory. It was a week before Phil Mickelson’s coronation at the PGA America Championship.

“It’s a year for us old men,” he joked after his round of 67 (-4) yesterday, when he was alone at the top in the middle of the day. Wise, he didn’t want to get carried away too quickly. He had only done half the way.

But throughout his career, Bland has always fought hard. On three occasions, he lost his European circuit card and was demoted with the youngsters of the Challenge Tour. When he picked it up at the age of 46 in 2019, he made a new page of history by becoming the oldest golfer to achieve the feat.

“When I had lost them, I wondered what I would do with my skin. Should I find myself a job in an office? I wasn’t smart enough, he said sympathetically. I was scared, but I was still the guy who bowed his head and worked hard. I knew I had the game to compete against the best. “

Well adapted

This week at Torrey Pines, he’s doing the same. In his fourth appearance in a Grand Slam tournament, he is building on his previous experiences. After all, he tried to qualify for the US Open four times, and three more times for the British Open.

If he’s been successful so far and turns heads with his inspiration, it’s because the South Course follows his eye. “He stretches out in front of me. This is the style of course that I like. Nothing jumps out at you or surprises you, ”he said.

In bulk

The Torrey Pines South Course played on Jon Rahm’s nerves yesterday. Known for his rather hot temper, the Spaniard showed his frustration as he missed nine of 14 fairways and seven of 18 greens in prescribed strokes in addition to visiting the pits. Despite everything, he signed a card of 70 (-1) thanks to three sparrows.

At times, it was believed that he would lose his temper. Obviously, he answered questions on the subject.

“Will I ever escape these kinds of questions?” », He asked at a press briefing, taking them with a grain of salt. “I have never lost control. I was frustrated on some holes, like in the 13th where I bugged because of a too short stroke which fell into a very bad position. Otherwise, I had good momentum and wasn’t getting the results I expected. I was sometimes more vocal, but I never lost control of my emotions. “

Canadians Corey Conners and Taylor Pendrith could not resist the chop, set at +4. Adam Hadwin fell slightly in the standings with a +1 card in the second round. With a score of 67 (-4), Mackenzie Hughes climbed to 7e echelon.

Jordan Spieth and Phil Mickelson resisted the ax.

Young Viktor Hovland withdrew yesterday when he was at 10e pennant. Bothered by grains of sand in his eye since his warm-up, the 23-year-old was at +6 in his second round when he decided to retire after two visits from the medical team.

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