St Andrews brings best out of Bob Cameron: leader

in Cleveland/Srixon Scottish Senior Open

By STEVE TODD, European Seniors Tour Press Officer
Bob Cameron is targeting more success in the Home of Golf when he takes a one-stroke lead into the final round of the Cleveland Golf/Srixon Scottish Senior Open after a flawless 68 over the Torrance course at Fairmont St Andrews.
The Englishman won the PGA Club Professionals Championship over The Duke’s Course at St Andrews in 2000 and he is praying the golfing gods are on his side again as he attempts to win a third European Senior Tour title – his first since his two victories in France and Italy in 2004.
Cameron posted four birdies and no bogeys to finish on seven under par 137, one shot clear of fellow overnight leader Luis Carbonetti of Argentina and Englishman Glenn Ralph, who signed for the low round of the day 67.
“I’ve always wanted to win in the UK and this would be an appropriate one to win as I won the Club Pros Championship over the Duke’s Course at St Andrews,” said the 56 year old Cameron . “Maybe there’s an omen there.
“I feel proud to be leading a tournament like this. It has been a while since I won and you get to the stage where you do wonder whether you can compete anymore but you look at Tom Watson in The Open approaching 60 and think if he can do it the rest of us can.
“It was a shaky finish – I had a couple of up and downs on the last couple of holes – but I’m in a position of confidence for tomorrow. I’m not doing anything spectacular but just keeping the ball in play. There are plenty of guys breathing down my neck though.
“I’ve been getting in contention a lot since my wins but it is the classic thing of getting the job done. It’s easier said than done though.
“Tomorrow is another chance though. Anytime you are out in the last group you’ve got a chance. Something else in the 60s might be good enough, especially with how the weather is looking.”
While Cameron’s groundwork came in the first ten holes of his round, compatriot Ralph came to life on the back nine to play himself into contention for his maiden Senior Tour title, with his best finish coming in the 2007 Scandinavian Senior Open just before a broken ankle ruled him out of action for 14 months.
“It all clicked into place after I made the turn,” he said. “I played well before that but didn’t get rewarded – I was just plodding along with pars then birdied ten, 11 and 12 and holed a lot of putts on the way back.
“I’m hitting the ball well but it depends on the weather. On a day like today again you’d need a 68 or 69 and I feel capable of that. I’m feeling confident and want that win. I’ve played well this year – I’ve come back stronger after the injury.”
Carl Mason , the all time leading Senior Tour money winner, is two strokes off the pace following a 68 which included five birdies on the front nine. He is tied in fourth place with Scotland’s Ross Drummond, the 2007 runner up, who signed for a steady round of 70.
Former Ryder Cup Ian Woosnam is six shots off the pace – the same margin he overturned in the final round of the Irish Seniors Open in association with Fáilte Ireland and AIB Bank in June – following a level par 72.
Sam Torrance, who designed the Fairmont St Andrews course which re-opened recently after being revamped, recovered from a back injury which caused him agony during the first round but was disappointed with his six over par 78 which leaves him well off the pace on nine over par.
“I saw a physio yesterday and it was extraordinary – within 10 minutes I could touch my toes. It was like I never had a problem,” said the 2002 Ryder Cup Captain. “So there’s no excuses for today! I didn’t play well and putted terribly. I had four three putts on the front nine.
“I birdied the first and thought ‘oh we’re off’ then three putted the second and progressively got worse. I was disappointed –I didn’t play well enough.”
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