I think we are leaving Royal Troon today with our homework done a few hours before the start of an Open that evidently Luis (Masaveu) will never forget in his life. His first Major. It sounds like a cliché, but the instructions, beyond the technical aspects of the course or the strategy, are summed up in two words: enjoy and learn. That does not mean that I do not think he has more than enough game and quality to compete with any of the players who are here.
Being with him this week and carrying his bag has reminded me and told Luis about the week of my first Major, that Open in 2006 at Royal Liverpool. What a match they put me in, alongside Tom Watson, the King of the links, and Retief Goosen, at the peak of his career. Anyone could imagine the nerves I had on the 1st tee… A little further from the tee there was a row of tall grass and I set myself the goal that the ball at least passed those grasses.
Of that, of the nerves he is going to feel, I have also talked with Luis these days. It is the most normal thing in the world, you have to take it for granted and absolutely nothing happens. As I told him: a lot of nerves on the 1st tee, a few less on the second shot and almost none on the fairway of hole 2…
Today we went out to play the practice round with Zach Johnson. These are the blessed coincidences (and opportunities) that occur at an event of this caliber. Also, what a great player he still is. He told us that this week he plays his twentieth Open and that the first one he also played at Royal Troon, in 2004, which Todd Hamilton won. He has been very kind to Luis and the pity is that he left a few holes earlier, because I wanted to ask him something very specific: what would you change about your captaincy in the Ryder if you could go back in time?
We also met Ernie Els. Another legend. Among other things we commented on how impressive it is for someone like Luis to spend time with him, for example, and then Ernie told us a story about when he played his first Open, which was also his first Major. It was precisely at Royal Troon in 1989 and he had not even turned twenty yet… The fact is that Ernie brought a brother of his as a caddie and he had no better idea than to go out to the practice street and put the bag right between those of two other players who, look at you, were Jack Nicklaus and Seve Ballesteros. When Ernie approached and realized he didn’t know where to hide.
Anyway, this is starting now, although tomorrow we go out very late to play, at 15.54, no more, no less. As I said: enjoy and learn. And then, whatever has to come, let it come.
