Doug Ford takes his driver from caddie Chris Holroyd at the 14th tee Thursday. Holroyd, a former Augusta State University player, is trying to make enough money at the National to resume his pro golf career. (
Vintage Ford keeps rolling
Web posted 04/11/97
Doug Ford didn't think that much about his record-breaking performance in the 61st Masters.
Ford made his 45th career start in the Masters, breaking the record he shared with Sam Snead at 44. The 74-year-old Ford said he was just enjoying the day as he did when he was growing up in West Haven, Conn., even though he shot a 13-over-par 85 Thursday.
``I don't feel any different,'' Ford said of breaking the Masters record for career starts. ``I was just enjoying the day. I was raised in the country and I played like a country boy. I didn't think anything about it. I was just trying to make a score. That's all. I don't even know what year it is so .°.°.''
Ford didn't have any birdies, but he did have eight pars.
Ford said he plans to play in today's second round. In 1994 and 1995, Ford withdrew after shooting opening-round scores of 85 and 88, respectively. Last year, he played in the second round but missed the cut after shooting 81 and 88.
``You break your neck to get in, so once you get in, why wouldn't you stay?,'' Ford said.
Considering Thursday's cold, windy conditions, Ford thought he played a good round. This is the 40th anniversary of his victory in the 1957 Masters.
``In 60 years of playing golf, I have never seen greens like this,'' Ford said.
He had a double bogey on the second hole when his 9-iron third shot to the green found the front bunker. He blasted out and three-putted.
``I thought it was a 9-iron (on the third shot),'' said his caddie, Augustan Chris Holroyd. ``I probably mis-clubbed him. He probably should have hit 8-iron.''
Holroyd, 25, is the only regular Augusta National caddie working this week. The former Westside High and Augusta State University golfer will be on Ford's bag again today.
He is attempting to make enough money looping at the National this year to return to professional play this summer.
Holroyd points toward possibly entering Monday qualifying for the Greater Greensboro Chrysler Classic on April 24-27 at Greensboro, N.C., and hopes to try the U.S. Open qualifier this summer. He said he will play fulltime when the Augusta National closes for the summer in late May.
