Lewis shocks Open field with fairy-tale start Golf Tips

Lewis shocks Open field with fairy-tale start

July 12, 2011, 6:03 am

SANDWICH, ENGLAND – You couldnt sell this story in Hollywood.

A child is born in England in 1991 and his golf-crazed daddy names him Tom, after five-time Open Champion Tom Watson.

Later on he has another son named Jack and you can guess who hes named after but thats a story for down the road.

So, 20 years go by and young Tom Lewis is as crazy for golf as his dad, Brian, who spent some time on the European Tour.

Tom has some serious talent. He qualifies for the Open Championship last week by shooting rounds of 63 and 62 at nearby Rye, one of the qualifying courses. When the pairing sheets come out for the Open Championship, guess who hes playing with?

Yes, Tom Watson. But thats only the start of this fairy tale. Thursday in the first round, the kid shoots 65 to share the first-round lead with grizzled veteran Thomas Bjorn.

Lewis is the first amateur to share the lead at the Open Championship after a round since Sir Michael Bonallack did it in 1968 at Carnoustie, shooting a 70. Bonallack never won the Open he finished that tournament tied for 21st but he went on to be CEO of the Royal & Ancient.

Playing with his namesake, Lewis took full advantage of calm conditions in the early evening as the 25-mph wind that had bedevilled golfers most of the day softened to an imperceptible breeze. Lewis birdied four of the last five holes.

I was just thrilled to be here, and honoured to be in the same pairing with Mr. Watson. But to shoot 65 was something I wouldnt have thought possible, said Lewis. I was just happy to get my drive off the first tee and not mess it up.

Obviously Im not going to shoot four 65s. I dont think thats going to be happening. Im going to have tough moments. As long as I limit my mistakes, Ill be more than happy.

Through the round, he never once mentioned to Watson that hed been named after him, but Watson himself had been tipped off.

Thats a good story, said Watson.

Hes quite a refined player at age 20. I just had to smile inside to watch him play. I didnt play particularly well myself but I certainly was impressed by the way he played.

Tom Lewis quit school when he was 16 to concentrate on golf. His immediate family and friends have invested in his future to try to make his dreams happen. If he was a pro this week and made the cut, he could share some of the $7.3 million purse. As an amateur, even if he wins, he gets zip. Hes planning to turn pro in September.

My parents have sacrificed a lot and Ive had great support from my brothers and sisters, he said. Hopefully their sacrifices will pay off long term. Ive got a long way to go in my career. Hopefully I can produce good golf. If not, then theyre all still poor.

Thats the part of this script that probably needs some work.

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