Barclays Scottish Open / European Tour / July 9-12, 2009

[Yoda]

Okay, guys, we're getting ready to go here. Unfortunately, for Team BG, not all is good news.

Brian arrived in Scotland early Monday but has played very little golf. His back seized up two days before leaving for Scotland, and the long plane ride over didn't help matters. He played twelve holes at Turnberry on Monday and walked the final six. Tuesday, he worked with PTs in the physio trailer Tuesday at Loch Lomond, then practiced and played nine holes. He was unable to swing properly with his back in its current condition.

Today, he spent more time in physio, and other than hitting a few pitches and putts in the short game area, didn't practice at all. He walked the nine holes he didn't play yesterday. After another visit to the guys in physio, he left the course after lunch.

He tees off #10 with the first group of the day at 7:30 a.m. Here's hoping his back lets go overnight.

[alex_chung]

It certainly didn't sound too good when I spoke to you earlier on tonight. Hopefully the Physio's have managed to work their magic on Brian's back and that he can go out and play some this week.
See you tomorrow!
Alex

[Yoda]

I have quite a number of photos taken Tuesday and Wednesday of tournament week. Here's a kickoff:

#1 Michael Walker, my friend and fellow instructor, with his student, European Tour player Mark Rowland. Mike is one of Europe's finest swing coaches, long a stalwart with Pete Cowan Golf in Manchester, England. Mike spent 2 1/2 days with me at Cuscowilla last October.

#2 Nick Faldo preparing to hit from the practice bunker. Nick is taking a break from his CBS broadcasting duties to compete here and prepare for The Open Championship at Turnberry next week.

#3 and #4 Brian Gay and Yoda at work.

#5 Graeme Storm, Pete Cowan, Lynn Blake and Michael Walker. Pete is Graeme's coach as well as about 25 percent of the last four European Walker Cup teams. He also teaches Henrik Stenson, winner of this year's The Player's Championship.

[O.B.Left]

Man I wish I was there to see that tournament. The next one would be good too.
Some day.

Best of luck.

Ob

[KevCarter]

What a terrible feeling it must be to work so hard to get over there, then get injured and perhaps not get to play in the Open.

I feel for you both, Lynn.

Good luck, cheers to a super quick recovery Brian!

Kevin

[alex_chung]

Brian is playing a solid round so far. Level par after 16.
Check out www.europeantour.com for latest updates.
Alex

[alex_chung]

Brian's finished for the day. Managed to birdie his last hole of the day (9th hole on the course) and has finished with a 1 under par 70.
Well done especially when you are carrying an injury
What I want to know though is how Yoda got on at the Carrick
Alex

[GPStyles]

beware the injured golfer!

[alex_chung]

beware the injured golfer!

Aye that was what I was thinking. I was a bit worried as the early starters had cooler conditions to contend with this morning but it was warmed up a bit since 6.30 this morning.
But hey its the first round a long way to go yet, Yoda did say that Loch Lomond is a course that suits Brian's game.
Brian is off at 12.30 (I think tomorrow) so plenty of time for some more physio and rest.
Alex

[Yoda]

#5 Graeme Storm, Pete Cowan, Lynn Blake and Michael Walker. Pete is Graeme's coach as well as about 25 percent of the last four European Walker Cup teams. He also teaches Henrik Stenson, winner of this year's The Player's Championship.

Take a look at the last photo in my Post #3 above, especially the fellow on the far left. That's Graeme Storm, who today shot 65 (-6) and is in a four-way tie for second place, one shot off the lead.