This Monday, the oldest Rozner followed the first nine training holes of his brother Antoine at Kiawah Island (South Carolina) before the USPGA. Impressions.
The Whatsapp connection is well worth the 5 stars, yet there is a huge breath on the line. “Is that the wind we hear?” », We ask. “Yes, it’s blowing hard here, I confirm! », Replies Olivier Rozner. Present this week at Kiawah Island to attend Antoine’s first participation in the USPGA (May 20-23), his first major tournament, the elder Rozner followed his brother’s nine training holes on Ocean Course , this Monday. Impressed by the course, Olivier shares his first observations.
LE FIGARO. – Ocean Course, at Kiawah Island, is the longest course (7202 meters, according to the official PGA Of America guide), does it show?
Olivier ROZNER. – We did 9 first holes today, and we had the wind in the right direction. So we couldn’t really feel the length of the holes, with this favorable wind. On the other hand, we were able to realize that the course was very hard! It is very difficult because the greens are very firm. Even when you touch them, the ball rolls 7 meters before stopping …
There are still six holes (par 4) over 450 m … How did you feel?
In terms of sensations, it has nothing to do with the other courses. Ocean Course is a Major course. There is no doubt about it. The rough is huge, the greens are firm and fast, it’s windy… Well, even if it’s very difficult, the course is straightforward. Clearly, you have to be very, very complete to play it. Game strategy is essential.
As its name suggests, the Ocean Course is a seaside course, with a lot of wind?
Wind is forecast for the whole week. Today he was favorable on all nine holes Antoine played, but even like that it was very difficult. It will be complicated in this wind, that’s for sure. It is true that Antoine’s rather heavy strike is an asset when the wind is blowing. But still. I already experienced this type of wind conditions once at the British Open with Alex (Lévy), a few years ago …
What inspired you with Antoine’s putting today?
The greens are already fast, so with the wind drying them… Last week at Byron Nelson, Antoine was disappointed with his putting. This does not happen often with him. There is nothing to panic about. He has to keep doing his job and it will go very well. Today (Monday), after his nine holes, he did a big putting session for almost an hour …
What do you think will be the key factors this week?
On the Ocean Course, it will be essential to hit the ball far. But not only. On this course, it will also be necessary to be smart, to sharpen the chipping… I repeat, it is a course of Major. It is only on the Albatross, at the Golf National, that you can feel that a little. To win, you’ll have to do everything right. No error will be allowed. The course is long, it will be windy, the greens will be firm and fast… Many are high, and there are long ones, short ones… I think the long game will be very important. And that you have to really hit the ball well.
– .
