Van de Velde looks back and forward

By Paul Trow - Golf Today News Editor

Twelve months after going into the golf history books by staging the worst final hole collapse in Open history, Frenchman Jean Van de Velde continues to find himself having to relive the moment.

But the wise-cracking Van de Velde refuses to get depressed over the Carnoustie disaster when he slumped to a triple-bogey on the 72nd hole to lose a three-shot lead and fall back into a play-off in which he was overtaken by Scotland's Paul Lawrie.

"I said last year that I suspect I am going to have to talk about it for ten years. It is probably another nine years to come for me to talk about. People ask me if I dream about it, but I say I have better things to dream about," smiled Van de Velde as he prepared for Thursday's opening round.

After two practice rounds over the Old Course, 34-year-old Van de Velde is hoping that the strongest part of his game - his putting - holds up to the test.

"I think you're going to have to putt well from a very long distance. If it gets windy it is going to be very hard to hit any shot pretty close so you're going to have to putt well. Hopefully we're going to find a few snakes in the bag, make some long putts.

"It is a good feeling when you start making a 60-footer when you're really in three-putt territory," he explained. "I did a few like that last year. I made a lot of up and downs from around the green, especially from the bunkers and from 60 yards and in." Van de Velde admits his form has slipped in the past few weeks on the US Tour but a short break at home in Switzerland has recharged him.

"I ran out of gas. I was a bit tired going back and forth. I probably did not pace myself well enough but I had a couple of days at home and I feel very refreshed," he said. Van de Velde insists he does not think a lot about Carnoustie but it is never far away when he talks golf. Asked if he was relieved to get to another Open championship so that his year as runner-up was finally over, Van de Velde could not help thinking back to 12 months ago.

"As long as I don't come three shots ahead and hit the ball straight in the hotel on 18 yes - it is a relief," he joked.

*Van de Velde has teamed up with Jameson Irish Whiskey to give three golfers the chance of beating the Frenchman down the 18th at Carnoustie on September 25. Details of the competition can be found on Van de Velde's website - www.allezjean.com.

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