McGovern misses US PGA cut but better days lie in wait

Bernie McGuire

26th May 2018

Brendan McGovern’s fears of going in a little under-prepared were realised as he missed the cut at the Senior US PGA Championship in Michigan.

The Headfort professional carded a six-over-par 77 yesterday, one stroke better than his opening 78 to end his Senior Major championship debut well outside the cut-mark on plus thirteen.

McGovern had arrived in Harbor Town off the back of two wins in France on the Pay&Play Tour as he looked to get some tournament golf under his belt ahead of the $3million Major.

Having played the only European Senior Tour event of the year so far, McGovern confessed on Monday that “I wish I had five tournaments under my belt and not going into this one feeling like it’s my first.”

And although things didn’t go to plan, he will no doubt feel better for the experience going into Denmark next week as the Senior Tour kicks into gear with The Shipco Masters in Copenhagen. The tournaments then come thick and fast ahead of his first time playing St Andrews at the Senior Open from July 26-29th.

“I’ve never played St. Andrews before,” he told us here at IGM. “I never thought I’d ever play it – and now I’m going to play it in a Major event. It’s a nice way to do it.”

It may not have worked out this week but the Headfort man still has much to look forward to as he continues to live the dream in Senior company this season.

Americans Kevin Sutherland and Scott McCarron lead the way at eight-under-par with two rounds to go at Harbor Shores. They’re one shot clear of a group of four players at minus seven that includes Jerry Kelly while David Toms is in a three-way tie for 7thjust one shot further back.

Swede Magnus Atlevi heads the European challenge at five-under while Colin Montgomerie and Miguel Angel Jimenez are still in with a shout at minus three.

If you haven’t tuned in already, this one’s well worth a look, and for the pessimists out there who fear the passing of time, seeing is believing; there’s life after 50 and the smooth swings on display across the senior circuit would put many a younger man to shame!