Lytham St Annes, England: Asian Tour number one Juvic Pagunsan overcame his Major nerves to shoot a commendable one-over-par 71 at The Open Championship on Thursday.

The sweet-swinging Filipino, who earned his place in the year’s third Major after winning the Order of Merit last season, sank two birdies against three bogeys, including one on the 18th hole, at Royal Lytham and St Annes to give himself every chance of making the halfway cut on Friday.

“I would have taken this at the start of the round. I was a bit nervous on the first tee when they called my name …  being my first Major and with the crowds there,” said Pagunsan.

“However, it was very exciting to come out for the first day. I focused on my swing and how I wanted to put my ball on the fairway. If you miss it, it’s tough. I missed my drive on the left on 18 and I was actually lucky to make bogey there.”

Pagunsan’s putter let him down as he missed several opportunities to end the day in red numbers.

“I hit it really good but missed a lot of putts and a lot of opportunities. The touch wasn’t good enough. Hopefully tomorrow. I’m going to hit some putts now,” said the 34-year-old.

He was disappointed to bogey two of the par three holes on his outward nine. “Missed my tee shots on five and ninth. Nine is not really good as I only had a short iron on the tee. It was really bad,” he said.

“Towards the end of my round, it was a bit freezing on my hands when the winds started to blow a bit. It wasn’t good enough but I’ll take this score.”

Pagunsan currently lies in the middle of the field and is eyeing the weekend rounds.
“My wife said to try to make the cut first and then think about the last two days later. I’ve been talking to her every night on skype. She’s been telling me to relax and enjoy the occasion. I’m trying,” he said.