Fresh off his impressive top 20 finish in the British Open Championship, junior Tom Sherreard is still enjoying what just happened and preparing for more summer golf competition.
“Tell all the folks in Atlanta I appreciate their support and good wishes and I look forward to being back on campus soon,” Tom replied via e-mail.
Next on his calendar is a date in the English Amateur from July 28 through August 2 in rural Lincolnshire at the Woodhall Spa at the National Golf Centre.
He was selected for the English team in the Home International on August 5-7 at Royal County Down in Newcastle, about 30 miles south of Belfast.
“Yes, I am playing in the big English Amateur and was delighted to be chosen for the Home Internationals because that was my main aim over this summer,” Tom said. “If I were to get picked for the World Amateur team later, that would just be a major bonus on top of being picked for the Home Internationals.”
The English Amateur will consist of 288 golfers, including Chris Wood and Sherreard, who both finished in the top 20 at the recent British Open. The golfers start with two rounds of stroke play and then the final 64 move on to match play over the six-day event.
The Home Internationals is a major local event that pits golfers from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales in round-robin competition for the trophy and bragging rights. This event began in 1923 and has been contested ever since.
Since we wouldn't let him not talk about last week's Open experience, Tom offered up these memory makers.
“The whole week was an amazing, unforgettable experience,” he started. But, one moment that will stick out was on one hole of my practice round. I was playing with Justin Rose (No. 12 in world rankings). We were waiting in the fairway for a green ahead of us to clear and just chatting. Up ahead on that green was Ernie Els (No. 5 in the world rankings) and Lee Westwood (No. 18 in world rankings). Right behind us on the tee was Tom Watson (eight-time Majors winner) and Rich Beem. I guess right then and there is where it sunk in to me where I was and what I was about to do.”
We asked about his big finish that included a rare eagle on the 17th hole followed by a birdie finish on the 18th hole.
“Obviously, that was special,” he said. “Walking up those fairways in front of the huge galleries is enough just in itself. On the 17th hole on Sunday, my caddy and I were discussing how to play the shot. He walked back and said to me: ?we have had no luck all week Tom, but I really fancy you to hole this shot.' I then went ahead and holed the shot for the eagle and he hasn't shut up about calling the shot since.”
“It was absolutely great walking up the last fairway. I guess word had spread about the 17th eagle and this made the crowd more excited than usual. That walk up the fairway was immense and something I certainly won't be forgetting soon. And, then to follow that ovation up with a birdie on the last green was amazing. “
We asked who that caddy was.
“My caddy is John Baker, a old school mate of mine. He has been caddying for me when I've been playing back here for the past two or three years. I owe a lot to him. He knows what to do when I am annoyed and he knows how to get me going again. I really couldn't have played this well without him.”
When reminded it is 90 degrees in Atlanta and not the wind and cold of England, he chirped back: “Hey, keep Atlanta hot until I return soon. I like hot weather, too. I can't wait to get back to Georgia State. Thanks for everyone caring about me.”
