HomeGolfLiam Nolan learns what it takes to become a major champion -...

Liam Nolan learns what it takes to become a major champion – Irish Golfer Magazine

Date:

Related stories

spot_imgspot_img

Galway amateur Liam Nolan might be all smiles and buzzing with butterflies in his stomach ahead of his major championship debut at the Open this week but he was given a stern reminder that Royal Troon is strictly business.

Playing in a skins match with Pádraig Harrington and Shane Lowry from the seventh hole to the twelfth and American Mason Andersen who linked up with them on the tenth, Nolan gained first hand experience at what makes a major champion tick.

The 24-year-old aims to turn professional later this summer and there was no better school for what awaits in the pro ranks than the cut and thrust of preparing for a major championship alongside former winners Harrington and Lowry.

“We played a money match for the last six holes and what I took from it was that when you think you have a great chance to win the hole, they very quickly shut that down with an amazing chip or a really big, long holed putt,” explained Nolan who qualified for the Open at Final Qualifying.

“They’re the best in the world at what they do. So just noticing that you can get a little bit better at everything is my big takeaway from today.

“This is definitely the best test you can have in terms of turning pro now at the end of the year. So I’m going to soak it all in and give it everything I have.”

Nolan was left amazed by the ability of Harrington and Lowry to make pars from anywhere. Major championships are all about staying alive which means you must practice like you play and the par-4 11th hole was a steep learning curve for the former Walker Cup star who was left dumbfounded that he didn’t win the skin.

“I thought I had a chance to win the skin, and I ended up having to make an eight-footer for par to match the two boys,” Nolan said.

“Pádraig was off the green left to a tight left pin, and Shane had a 40-footer for par.

- Never miss a story with notifications

- Gain full access to our premium content

- Browse free from up to 5 devices at once

Latest stories

spot_img