Walton: Qualifying stress worse than Ryder Cup
Philip Walton and Dean Robertson today began the task of trying to recharge their batteries after one of the most gruelling – yet ultimately successful - weeks of their golfing careers.
Former Ryder Cup hero Walton and World Cup player Robertson both reignited their European Tour careers by coming through the qualifying school in Spain, but the six-round examination left them physically and mentally drained.
Walton, Europe’s match-winner in America in 1995 and now 42, survived at the sixth attempt after losing his card in 1999 and said: “The stress is unreal - worse than the Ryder Cup.
“That was team stress. But this is a marathon, and I am a sprinter. It is unbelievable out there.
“This was going to be my last time trying to get my card back – if I had not done it I would have given up golf. But I have a lot of people back at home to thank for having faith in me.
“I reached the point when I thought I would not get back. My confidence is still not 100%, but it is coming back.”
After a moment of panic when he double-bogeyed the 12th hole of his final round, Walton made it through with three strokes to spare and joint 15th of the 39 players who won cards for next season.
Robertson’s worst moment came on the last of the 108 holes. Needing a bogey to be safe, he snap-hooked his drive – and it was heading for a lake until it struck a tree and came down on an island.
Having battled with clinical depression for two years, the former Italian Open champion – at the school for the first time in a decade – knew he had got away with murder when he parred the hole to survive by one.
“For one moment I thought my worst nightmare was happening. Things have not been too good for me in recent times, so it is nice to have a bit of luck. I am grateful and I will put it to good use in the new year,” he said.
Asked about his immediate plans, he replied: “To lie down. I am absolutely drained. It’s nerve-wracking.
“It is a long time since I felt tension like that, and I am glad because it stands you in good stead for the coming year. I am excited and looking forward to it.”
Even though he is a lot younger and breezed through in second place, England’s Simon Wakefield was also shattered by the end.
In fact, he hopes he does not earn a place in next week’s Volvo China Open - the opening event of the next European Tour season – and can rest instead.
“I have played 35 tournaments already this year and I have possibly got four more,” he said.
Winner of the school was Swede Peter Gustafson, who just missed out on graduating from the ‘second division’ Challenge Tour by one place.
