If you could shake Glenn Ralph, he’d probably rattle due to the amount of pills he”s taking, but despite the ailments the defending champion once again excelled on the Torrance Course at the Fairmont St Andrews to share the lead in the Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open.
At 6ft 3in and 17-and-a-half stone, it might be a push to shake the 54-year-old Englishman anyway, but he is a walking advertisement for the marvels of modern medication as he put together an outstanding four-under 68 to share the lead with South African Chris Williams after a blustery day on the Kingask clifftop.
Ralph has had a tough time since his victory 12 months ago his first pro win of any kind in a 35-year career and was diagnosed with type two diabetes earlier this summer, while struggling with arthritis in his ankle as a result of a break two years ago, hence the need for medication.
“That was a great way to start the defence of the title, in fact it probably couldn’t have gone much better,” he said after firing five birdies.
“I played a beautiful golf course today alongside two of the nicest guys in Sam Torrance and Barry Lane, played nicely all day, nothing spectacular on the card but nothing disastrous either, I was very steady and that is what you are looking for.”
Despite his various ailments, there was no sign of any difficulty on course.
“I was diagnosed with diabetes just eight weeks ago so I am starting to get used to that and to manage it with medication it has taken a while to come to terms with it,” he admitted.
“I broke my ankle a couple of years ago and basically have to have the ankle cracked every day before I go and play.
“It’s no problem, it just needs to be manipulated a bit before I go out but after that it is all fine.”
A less painful solution to the problem came with a diagnosis from Bernhard Langer’s personal physician when Glenn played with him in a pro-am in South Africa earlier this year.
“After about nine holes the doctor turns to me and says ‘When did you break your ankle?’ I couldn’t believe he knew just by looking at me.
“He explained how everyone who breaks a bone will inevitably develop arthritis but that these new tablets are designed to create a layer of cushion between the joints and can help stave it off, so I have been taking the pills since then and the ankle feels fine.”
Williams, fifth in the Order of Merit in his debut season on the seniors, continued his consistent form with a matching 68 while Lane was tucked in behind on three-under, tied with last year’s runner-up, Luis Carbonetti.EncouragementFor the eponymous “host,” a one-under 71 did offer some encouragement and the former Ryder Cup captain seems to be getting on top of the long game problems that have plagued him this year.
“I hit the ball really solid but 35 putts was the problem,” said Sam. “It was a tough test in today’s wind, but very playable; I would commend the designer!”
“My problem all year has been the first round so it’s good to get a decent score going, and the game’s certainly on the mend.”
Torrance has got a surprise invitation into the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles next week but doesn’t hanker for the excitement of a Ryder Cup points finish as player or captain.
“Hopefully I can show the younger guys a thing or two, and then have a word with Monty from the winners podium maybe,” he joked.
“He’s got a tough job, his position with Padraig Harrington is like (Corey) Pavin’s with Tiger, one of our finest players needing a pick.
“It would be a shock if Padraig didn’t get in. But it happens, I had to use a pick of Sergio Garcia when I was captain and he was a top player in the world rankings at the time.
Top Scot was Andrew Oldcorn, who couldn’t hide his disappointment at his performance at the Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie last month but despite not feeling at all comfortable scrapped his way to a two-under 70.
“I’d geared my entire season to playing well at Carnoustie and in fact it was the worst I played all year,” said the Edinburgh player, also in his first year in the senior ranks.
“I worked really hard over the last few weeks and although I had been good in practice and on the range but I just didn’t feel right over the ball.
“I’m maybe being hypercritical because I didn’t hit it into the rough at all today but I didn’t feel as good as I expected and still got a good score because I got a couple of bonuses, including holing from 30 feet off the green at the 14th.”
Terry Burgoyne, a Swedish-based Scot in his debut season, also put together a two-under 70 from the first group out on the course while Ross Drummond is well placed after a one-under 71, the same score as former Masters champion Ian Woosnam.