Golf: Loss still fits Perks' plan

GULLANE - New Zealander Craig Perks is determined to broaden his majors experience despite a disappointing final-day effort in his first British Open.

The Palmerston North golfer finished in a share of 50th after a final round of 75 at Muirfield to end a distant 10 strokes behind eventual champion Ernie Els.

Perks had missed the cut in the US Masters and US Open this year, but broke that mould when he posted an even-par 71 before hurricane-like conditions lashed the Scottish course on Sunday afternoon.

In ideal scoring conditions for yesterday's final round, Perks could manage just three birdies, and also recorded five bogeys and a hurtful double bogey at the par-four 10th.

"I would have liked to have played a bit better today, but overall it was a good experience," Perks said. "I still have a lot of work to do."

Perks was afforded a four-year exemption into the Open on the back on his brilliant Players Championship triumph this year and, despite his lowly Muirfield result, will play in next year's British Open at Royal St Georges.

"I'll take back some great memories from the tournament," he said, "but none better than playing with Nick Faldo on Sunday.

"He was my boyhood idol and I modelled a lot of my game and tendencies on how he went about things, so making the cut and playing with him was a great thrill.

"Then coming up the 18th on the last day with the nice ovation was great, even though I would have liked to have been three or four under rather than three or four over.

"I will continue to work hard. I have a plan, but it still needs some polishing up and when I get to know my tendencies a little bit more under pressure, in situations like these major championships, I will improve."

- NZPA