Practice makes perfect: Gavin Green hitting a shot from the bunker during a practice round at the Albatros. — AP
THE main course at the Le Golf National course, the venue for the Paris Olympics, is called the Albatros. And Malaysian golfer Gavin Green thinks it’s a beast.
He will need every ounce of experience he has gained while playing here at the 2022 Open de France to aim for a creditable finish when the competition begins tomorrow.
The 31-year-old Malaysian was tied for 50th in the French tournament, part of the World Tour, with a score of 285 two years ago.
The Albatros, with water hazards in 10 of the holes, is one of the most challenging on the World Tour and designed for a fearsome finish.
Water hazards are in play on three of the four final holes and a single slip could be disastrous for the best of players.
“Le Golf National is a beast. It’s a ball-striker’s course. You have to hit fairways, you have to hit greens and you have to putt well. The whole game has to be pretty solid to win on that course,” said Gavin, who is in his third consecutive Olympics.
“There are not many places on that course where you can miss, especially down the stretch. The closing holes are so, so demanding.
“It will be nice to go back to a golf course where we have played World Tour events. You know what to expect in a sense. While the experience certainly helps, there will always be nerves on the first tee.”
Defending champion Xander Schauffele of the United States has also acknowledged the challenging nature of the course and expects a tough weekend ahead.
“The course is really difficult and there will be a lot of shots over water,” said Schauffele.
“I am happy that the rough isn’t as high as the (2018) Ryder Cup or it would be impossible. But I’m looking forward to it.”
Schauffele will be in a battle to defend his gold against compatriot and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler but Gavin will be on a mission of his own. Gavin will be hopeful that he can have a better finish than his 47th position in 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 57th in the last edition in Tokyo in 2021. A top 20 spot would be nice in his third Olympics.
