Ian Keenan finally playing at the Open Championship
Ian Keenan had to come through a regional qualifier to book his place at the Open Championship. A few months back, he missed the US Open very narrowly but it is the Open Championship that he has always dreamt of.
Keenan plays on the lower profile events on the European tour and his financial condition is so weak that he has to work part time in order to make both ends meet. However, at the Royal Lytham, he was practising alongside Matt Kuchar.
Keenan knows the tricks needed to play at the links course, he has been associated with Royal Liverpool Hoylake. He has his aim set, he is not eyeing the glory but he is looking to come up with a strong performance.
Keenan has a family to support and to participate in the Open he had to spend £1,000, which is too much, considering the fact that his financial conditions are not too promising.
‘I have had enough rounds, I know my lines and I have got my game plan,’ said Keenan, whose home course is a similar Open venue, Royal Liverpool at Hoylake.
Keenan knows that there is a big gap between him and the rest of the players but so far others have been extremely friendly with him. Tiger Woods’ old coach, Butch Harmon, also praised his efforts while he was playing with Kuchar.
"The Open has always been special to me," he told BBC North West Tonight."I have tried eight or nine times (to qualify). I have been close before and missed by one or two shots. This time it worked out and I am glad it did".
Keenan has gone through pretty tough times but his family has always supported him and he has been grateful for that.
While giving an interview to the BBC, Keenan said,
"It is obviously tough on families because you are away so much and the rewards are not there until you get to the bigger leagues. It has been tough and it has taken its toll on me and my family, so I am so grateful for everyone's support".
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