Tommy Robinson's goal of making the cut at this year's U.S. Senior Open is on life support after a rugged first 18 holes at Sahalee CC in Sammamish, Wash.
Normally a straight and long driver of the ball, Robinson suffered an uncharacteristically poor day off the tee today en route to a 13-over-par 83 that has left him, currently, tied for 146th place in a 156-player field. With the current lead at 4-under-par (Kansan Bruce Vaughn is in sole possession of the lead right now) and the cut set at the low 60 players plus ties, as well as anyone within 10 shots of the lead, Robinson will realistically need to be in red numbers for most of the second round to see the weekend at Sahalee.
"I'm not sure what happened," said a frustrated Robinson following his round. "I just couldn't hit the ball off the tee to save my life. Normally, I'm a pretty straight driver of the ball and kind of struggle with the putter, but today it was the complete opposite. I'm really at a loss."
The superintendent at Ravinia Green CC in Deerfield, Ill., fought his game from the opening swing, when he sent his drive hooking into the trees along the left side of the fairway on No. 10 ("And I never hook the ball"). He really only had three legitimate birdie chances on the day — on Nos. 2 and 3, then again on No. 6 — but settled for par on each.
The stark numbers really do tell the tale for the 34-year GCSAA member — he hit only four of 14 fairways (29 percent) and only four of 18 greens in regulation (22 percent), both of which rank in the bottom third of the field. His putting was fairly good — he needed just 30 putts, which puts him in the top half of the field — but it wasn't nearly enough to cover up for the other parts of his game.
Much more from my post-round conversation with Robinson to come. For now, heading over to chat with Sahalee superintendent Rich Taylor, CGCS.
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