Paul Broadhurst won’t rush PGA defence
Paul Broadhurst believes that remaining level-headed at Oak Hill Country Club is key as he defends the Senior US PGA Championship he won in stunning fashion a year ago.
The Walsall-born 1991 Ryder Cup player recovered from a one over par first round at Harbor Shores, playing his next three rounds in 20 under par to sign for a 19 under par total, winning by four strokes.
An eight-time winner on both sides of the Atlantic since turning 50 in 2015, and a two-time winner of the John Jacobs Trophy for topping the Staysure Tour Order of Merit, the Englishman will be drawing from his previous victories on the over-50s circuit this week.
Broadhurst began his defence last night with a level par opening round of 70 on the formidable East Course in Rochester, New York, in a field which includes former champions Roger Chapman (2012), Bernhard Langer (2017) and Colin Montgomerie (2014 and 15).
Broadhurst said: “You want to get off to a fast start. But a four-round tournament gives you that opportunity to come through the pack.
“In three round events, you always feel you need to get a off to a flier because it’s difficult to play catch-up over two rounds.
“I seem to be making a habit of starting slowly in the Majors, and then having a good Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If I don’t start too quickly, I won’t be beating myself up.
“I just have to stay patient, especially around a course like this.
“It’s set up really tough – patience is going to be important.”
“I think every player would take level par round here.
“I was chatting last night saying that maybe four rounds of 72 would be a good score.
“There’s not too many birdie chances out there. The greens are firm and you’re struggling to get it really close to the pin. Level par would be an incredible score.”
