| The definitive Links magazine | 30 Oct 1999 |
| MAIN PAGE | WORLD
LINKS CHAMPIONSHIP: ROUND 1
Whilst the standard tournament format of 4 rounds strokeplay is always entertaining, having a healthy sprinkling of alternative competitions is very welcome. The Links World Championships currently running at LS Tour is a format that seems to have caught the imagination. After the qualifying tournament, the 64 qualifiers have now been whittled down to 32. All of the big names are still alive and kicking, although the first round proper did throw up a few minor surprises. Scott Swadner(18) was dumped out of the competition by Mike Burns(47). A birdie, eagle finish wasn't enough for Swadner as he lost -5 to -7. Barry Spain(46) edged out Golfcom US Ryder Cup team member Chris Hinnen(19), -8 to -7. A 3,4,6 finish cost Hinnen the match, and the 28 putts he took is just a couple too many at this level. The one tied score in the round was between Steve Lawrence(16) and David Hume(49). Steve's two eagles won him the tie-breaker. Other highlights included a spectacular performance by the new World Number 1, Anders Bernsveden(1). An awesome score of 53 (-19) saw off the challenge of Paul Lau(64), who hit a creditable -8 himself. In-from Lloyd Scheidt(6) played some fine golf to beat a fine -10 from Sabin Tremblay(59). Highlights of this encounter were two eagles from Lloyd, and remarkably three chip-ins from Tremblay. It's even more remarkable that he made it to -10 after hitting only 42.85% of fairways! In contrast, Don Saunders(9) was a model of consistency, hitting 100% of fairways and greens in his match with Damien Daniels(56). They had a real close battle until the final hole, where Saunders went from one behind to one ahead thanks to a six from Daniels. The second round has thrown up a couple of encounters of note. In fact the one that really stands out is the Schuetz(12) and Timmerman(21) match. Both players are seeded below their level, Schuetz with a world ranking of 5 and Timmerman at 11. Perhaps Schuetz must be regarded as the slight favourite. He his one of the most consistent players around, and although Timmerman is an experienced player, he is relatively new to the offline tournaments. Whatever the outcome, expect some low scoring! The other match of note brings two Golfcom Ryder Cup 'World' players together: Simon Courcha(4) and Grant Castillou(29). Both are experienced campaigners, and having contrasting strengths: Courcha relying on his putting and Castillou hitting a high percentage of fairways and greens. The match should be close, but on current form Courcha may have the edge. Note: Figures in brackets represent the player's seeding. Round 1 scores: Bernsveden 53 -19
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