During a trip to Scotland in 2010, Cameron Young went through the Links of St Andrews. From the peak of 13 years and from the back shirts, the teenager scored a resounding 68. Twelve years later, he sat on top of the British Open at the end of the first round firing 64 (-8).
A stroke of luck or an obsession?
“I never thought I would find myself here one day. At the time, I didn’t yet understand that I could play golf in college and in the pros. I was just trying to get the best result,” the 25-year-old New Yorker said.
“I knew I was better than many golfers, but I had no idea what serious options might be available to me later.”
Without hurrying, his father David was then a professional head of a club in upstate New York. Son played golf, baseball, and hockey like many teenagers in the northeastern United States.
When Cameron realized he could go further, he set to work to push his limits on the track. He has featured in the major US Junior Championships, even making his place in the Junior Ryder Cup roster.
In 2015, he joined Deamon Deacons at Wake Forest University where he has also done sparks. And so he paved his way for his first major tournament appearance at the US Open in Pebble Beach in 2019.
The right choice
In a little hands-on chat with Canadian Corey Conners earlier this week, his mum Barbara showed us all her pride in seeing him again on Scottish Links. A place where you cherish the memories of the past.
In a humorous tone, she scans the horizon near the 15th hole. “I’m glad he chose golf because I didn’t want to sit in freezing yards all day. He made the right choice. Golfs are so much better.”
Mrs. Young is quick to recount her son’s prowess on that memorable journey in 2010. The family played both old and new courses as well as the legendary Scottish courses at Carnoustie, Kingsbarn, Golan and Creel. And not always in the easiest of circumstances.
permission
Cameron climbed the first hill of the old stadium, rushing past members of the R&A who were chatting in the front yard of the gorgeous pavilion. His father David asked to be able to set off there.
Innocence helped him. “Fortunately, I do not yet know the meaning of this organization. Otherwise, nervousness would certainly have bothered me. I insist that performing on this hill is my great memory of this place.
Humbly, at a press conference, after his dazzling initial card, Young didn’t reveal his 2010 score. But his mom did four days ago!
permanent learning
While this experience was unique to him and even if the old track hadn’t changed much for a decade, the playing conditions weren’t the same during the Open. surely.
The player who played his first full season on the PGA Tour carefully studied the course during four days of training this week. “When I visited the site in 2010, I didn’t really understand all the possibilities of the gameplay. I hadn’t spent time studying the course. You can play it every day for a whole year without even scratching the surface of the knowledge you can find there. There are so many small details that must be known and the nuances that must be discovered.”
“You have to know how to accept your willingness which cannot exceed 5% of everything you need to know here. It is impossible to know everything because the flow of information is enormous.
One thing is for sure though, and he loves going down the old track because he can’t find this unique experience in the States.
He will always remember his first hometown golf assignment in 2010. He will always remember the amazing first round of The Open in 2022.
Maple in the spotlight
Many Canadians crossed the Atlantic to attend the World Open. While waiting at the Montreal airport, I met two Montreal residents, members of the Whitlock Golf Club. I even saw a CH hat on the street. But on Thursday, Malcolm stood out wearing the maple leaf with pride. Gathered near the Road Hole wall, 17th, this Halifax resident won a ticket to the Open Sweepstakes for Monday’s practice round. But luck smiled at him when he was able to purchase the Links bundle that gives him access to the event every day. At a cost of $700, that allows him to sit in the stands and even includes food. By drawing attention, he lives an unforgettable week in St Andrews.
Ian Poulter booed
Whatever he says in his confused and contradictory remarks, Ian Poulter was booed when he appeared on the first starting point of the old course this morning. The terrible English kid, a member of the LIV Golf series, was cooked up by the British press about it. Despite reality and recordings, he denied everything. On his first shot, he hit a big left hook. The ball crossed the eighteenth lane and ended its course five yards from out-of-bounds stakes.
upscale hotel
Unsurprisingly, the hotel on the Old Course was fully booked years ago. Golfers like Tiger Woods and Henrik Stenson reside there. Close to hole 17, the five-star establishment makes your mouth water. It wants to be the old station in St Andrews. The American company Kohler, very active in the world of golf, laid its paw on one of the most beautiful pools in Europe in 2004. Next Monday, rooms will be available for $800. This week, it is better not to think about the tariff.
“Evil thinker. Music scholar. Hipster-friendly communicator. Bacon geek. Amateur internet enthusiast. Introvert.”