Wednesday, July 23, 2008

WOOD NOT CONSIDERING PRO ROUTE

WOOD NOT CONSIDERING PRO ROUTE

There were echoes of 1998 as Bristol amateur Chris Wood shot to fame by finishing fifth in The Open to win the silver medal - but he is not yet ready to follow in the footsteps of Justin Rose.

A decade ago Rose, then 17, pitched in for a three at the last to earn a share of fourth place and then immediately turned professional.

Wood, who chipped in for birdie at the 17th on Sunday, carded a final-round 72 to close 10 over par and alongside 2003 US Open winner and Ryder Cup star Jim Furyk.

His score was four strokes better than Kent's Tom Sherreard, the only other amateur to make the cut, and secured the silver medal.

But Wood is still considering his options and is intent on playing the English Amateur at Woodhall Spa later this month.

"I haven't had any time to think about anything so far," said 2007 Russian Amateur champion, who when he birdied the ninth was in third place.

Wood's round fell apart with successive bogeys from 11 to 13 which dropped him out of contention for what could have been an amazing victory and he dropped another shot at the last.

"I was unfortunate I had three bogeys on the back nine and that is not what I needed in a tournament like this.

"But it's been the best week of my life. I didn't feel any pressure at all really, apart from the first tee.

"I tried to play one shot at a time, which is obviously a lot harder to do.

"I was just looking at leaderboards because I was just enjoying it."


CIGANDA IN LEAD AT HALFWAY
Gunners losing Flamini battle