| Johansson - good putting essential at Russian Open
Defending champion Per-Ulrik Johansson believes good putting will be the key to victory this week at the Inteco Russian Open Golf Championship.
The Swede shot a stunning 23 under par 72-hole total last year to win his sixth title on The European Tour, but he believes a successful defence will be especially difficult if his touch on the greens is not up to scratch.
He said: “All the holes are good holes here. You have to keep it on the fairway and there are a few really tough greens out there where if you go for the flag and miss it then you will be in the water or in serious trouble. It’s quite narrow so the key is to keep it in play and putt really well.”
Last year’s feat, which was achieved with the lowest four-round total in the event’s history, has since had a prominent place in the 41 year old’s thoughts, but now he is desperate for success again.
“I am very proud. This is a special place for me having won last year and it is really a great place – I wish more players would come here because the place is great.
“I play it over in my mind all the time. It really was great, a great feeling. I managed to make the last flight back last year and my family and friends in Sweden threw a big party for me. There were 30 to 40 people there with champagne and good food – it was a great feeling.”
“I played well after this tournament last year but I haven’t had great finishes. I have had a few top 20s when I have played really well last year, but if I can putt as well as I did here last year then I know that I can win again on Tour.”
Ireland’s Gary Murphy, who finished in a tie for fifth last year at the Le Meridien Moscow Country Club, has had good results at this event and is glad to be back.
He said: “I really enjoy this golf course and the place. It’s a fun week, a relaxed atmosphere, everybody is staying on site and it’s all very laid back which kind of suits me really. I have had some good success here – five out of seven top tens. I just enjoy the course.”
Despite his comfort with the surroundings, Murphy is taking nothing for granted. He said: “I have had success here and you feel that there are a lot of birdies out there and chances to be had. Obviously the weather can throw anything at you here – I have played here in frosty conditions some mornings – but just because I have done well here in the past doesn’t mean that I am going to do it again. I have to focus the mind and be patient.”
Murphy feels the tournament is going from strength to strength. He added: “The forecast is good this week, and we have John Daly here who is a big draw so hopefully we will see more people coming to enjoy the golf. Hopefully John plays well and adds a bit of excitement to the event.
“This tournament has gone from having a £70,000 prize fund to having one of €2 million and the people here are very positive and hopefully the support from the players continues to improve. The organisation here is phenomenal when you see how much has changed.” |