Richardson still relishing the game

09/05/2016

0905Steverichardson

Former Ryder Cup player Steve Richardson is full of boyish enthusiasm as he prepares to enter the senior ranks when he turns 50 in July.

However he is not turning his back on local tournaments and intends to play in at least 65 per cent of The PGA in Hampshire pro-ams.

Richardson has already shown his support at Hockley by finishing joint top in the recent Alliance-Hole Trophy.

He says: “I enjoy competing. I have had my ups and downs but even if I do badly, I usually get back up the next day. I love golf and golf people as the game has been a huge part of my life.”

And he will be enjoying some home comforts on May 13 when Hayling, where he is based, hosts a PGA South pro-am.

Richardson is determined to make an impact this year in what is an exciting era for the game in general.

Sheffield’s Danny Willett started the ball rolling by playing the round of his life to record a sensational victory in the US Masters.

And golf returns to the Olympic Games in August with Brazil the hosts while the following month Europe and America lock horns in the Ryder Cup.

Richardson says: “Hopefully Danny’s victory will inspire youngsters to take up the game. That might also happen when they see it on TV at the Olympics.

“However we seem to be losing a few people in their 20s when they get married, raise a family and money is tight. I am not sure how we can address it.”

Richardson won two and lost two matches when he made his only Ryder Cup appearance in 1991 at Kiawah Island.

Such was the tension between the teams and the patriotic fervour displayed by the crowds it became known as the War on the Shore.

Richardson - paired with Mark James - defeated the animated Corey Pavin and Mark Calcavecchia 5&4 in the foursomes only to lose 2&1 to Pavin in the singles.

“They are the biggest emotions you get in golf, playing in the Ryder Cup,” he admits.  “Mind you I have always loved match play from my time as an amateur.”

Richardson turned professional in 1989 after winning the English Amateur Championship and won three European Tour events, which has gained him an exemption to the European Senior Tour.

He intends to make the most of the opportunity and is practising two-three hours a day, five days a week.

“I am much more dedicated in that sense, “he says. “Having the exemption is a massive bonus as there are limited places available at qualifying school.”

He plans to make his bow in Scotland on August 19 when the Prostrate Cancer UK Scottish Senior Open Championship is being staged at the Archerfield Links, North Berwick.

“I am looking forward to meeting some old friends, “he says. “There will be a bit of a buzz when I make my debut, I am sure of that.”

Richardson adds: “If I finish in the top tier, I may try to get on the US Tour School but that is a lot further down the line.”

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