Former Jayhawk Gary Woodland in the hunt at Royal Birkdale
By Stan Unruh
Kansas Jayhawk fans are watching Gary Woodland in The Open Golf Championship. After two-rounds we know Royal Birkdale is a perfect fit for his long game.
With two rounds in the books, former University of Kansas golfer Gary Woodland is in a great position at The Open Golf championship- the tour’s third major of the year. As a matter of fact, Woodland is among a handful who are under par at Royal Birkdale- sitting in 6th with Rory Mcilrory and a few others and just back of leader Jordan Spieth.
As we anticipated before the tournament, Woodland’s long game is perfect for Royal Birkdale. He started in the wee hours Eastern Daylight time Thursday. Woodland had a pair of bogeys on the front, two birds on the back and played the way we expected.
It was a different weather story Friday. Woodland played through some of the worst British weather typical of The Open Championship. This Kansas boy did not let the weather ruin his second round. He overcame the storm with an amazing 2 on the par 4- 5th hole that set the tone for the rest of his round.
#BOOM! That's how you use a tailwind @garywoodland. For more videos visit https://t.co/aSq4VVSwT8 #TheOpen pic.twitter.com/55NA4ijwtP
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 21, 2017
When tournament organizers halted play Friday due to the weather, I thought it would slow Woodland down. The fifteen-minute rain delay did not seem to bother him. I understand there is more rain in the forecast this weekend. Woodland is ready for anything.
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Holes six through thirteen are reportedly the toughest on the Royal Birkdale course. Woodland had four bogeys and a birdie on that stretch over the first two rounds. He needs to improve on that stretch over the final two rounds to have a chance to win. With all the first-time winners on tour this year, I think it’s time and certainly realistic for Woodland to get the job done.