Seniors golf is very competitive but there is a more relaxing element to the over 50s circuit compared to the dog eat dog nature of regular tour golf. So the OFX Irish Legends at Carton House was the perfect environment for a family affair.
Former major champions and tour winners brought out what their children, nieces and nephews to perform as esteemed caddies and who knows, perhaps they will return the favour on tour in years to come.
For Ballymena’s Cameron Clark it has been a difficult season to date but he felt the presence of his young son as his caddie was a huge help as he carded an opening 69 to sit five shots off the lead on three-under.
“Having my lad on the bag really helped to just confirm what I’m seeing so it was good. It helps relax me, he’s a great kid and I’m very happy to have him,” said the Legends Tour rookie.
Paul McGinley’s late father was his inspiration growing up. He introduced him to the game. McGinley has his nephew as a caddie this weekend and he has done a fine job.
The 2014 winning Ryder Cup captain is instilling the values of the game that his father taught him as a child and hopes that his nephew will go on to have a career in golf.
“I trained him a bit but this was his first step up in competition. He acquitted himself very well I give him nine and a half out of ten! He was immaculate, always there on my shoulder, never got in my way, never had to tell him anything and that’s the way my dad taught me and you learn the code and ethics of the game, the behaviours of the game before you learn how to be a golfer.
“He has a lot of talent, eleven years of age, boy what a golf swing he has got, 16 handicap and hits it a good way so I want him to keep playing hurling and Gaelic at this stage not just golf!
“I’m teaching him the way my dad taught me. My dad was my inspiration. Where to park the buggy, where to put the clubs down, what to do with the flag, where to put it. How to not stand in somebody’s line when they are putting. Teaching him all of those things and that will stay with him forever. It’s great that when you tell them once, they remember it and do it.”
Peter Lawrie probably has to explain to his son that yes, he once was a very good golfer on the European Tour. The 2008 Spanish Open winner doesn’t play regularly on the Legends Tour and lamented some rust with the putter in a 74 but enjoyed the day out on the Montgomerie Course with his son who wheeled the clubs around and gave a hand in reading putts.
“Hopefully I can repay it when he is playing Challenge Tour or something like that down the road or main tour but sure look it’s nice to be here with him, the weather is lovely and it was nice to be out.”
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