What does it take to make it through 36-hole qualifiers for major championships? With tour caddy Chris Simmons
Over the last few years, Matty [Jordan] has become a bit of an expert at progressing through 36-hole qualifying events for the US Open and Open Championship. He’s made it through each of the last five qualifiers he’s played in, including both US Open Final Qualifying at Walton Heath and Open Final Qualifying at West Lancashire this summer.
There are a few things we’ve learned over the years which have made Matty a bit of a specialist in these one-day shootouts. Those small gains, combined with his brilliant mindset, give him a great chance of making it through every time he tees it up.
Preparation is key. Just like we would for a four-day tournament, we do the work on the gameplan for the golf course. With US Open qualifying always hosted by Walton Heath, there is a lot of history and good memories we can draw on there. Final Qualifying for The Open has also moved to more consistent venues, and Matt has come through twice at West Lancs in his most recent appearances. Again, experience helps here, and being so close to where Matt grew up is a huge bonus as well.
We’ll try to do a little bit less in the days before, but that can be tricky with tournaments either side of the Monday or Tuesday events. Our on-course preparation is also condensed, and it’s generally just a case of playing nine holes the day before to get a feel for the greens.
The other useful thing about qualifying being played at the same venues is that you have a really good idea of the score you need before you go out. Matt knows he needs to keep the pedal down and get a good few under par as anything less isn’t going to make it. It’s different to a tournament week and 72-hole events, and that clarity is helpful.
The most important thing is to prepare your body and mind for a long day. That’s the same if it’s qualifying for a major or your club championship.
Fuelling your body is essential, and that starts the day before. You’re going to burn a lot of calories walking 36 holes in a day so it’s also important to keep healthy bars and snacks in the bag. You don’t want anything too sugary, and it’s important to eat regularly even if you’re not hungry early on. It’s also really important to keep lunch light – no clubhouse burgers with a pint at halftime!
Hydration is also key. Very few people drink enough on the golf course, so plan ahead and bring what you’re going to need with you.
There are also small things you can all do to be ready. Make sure you’ve got your rain gear – 8-10 hours outside in the UK means there’s a decent chance it could rain at some point! Pop an extra pair of socks and shoes in the car as well, just in case.
Being mentally prepared is the most important thing, and I think that’s where Matt has come to separate himself in these events.
His mindset on the golf course every week is awesome, nothing fazes him and he has a great ability to move on from every shot, good or bad. That ability is twice as important when you have twice as many holes to play. If you can go out there knowing there will be bad shots, you can prepare for them and know what to do when they happen. Do it well and I’d say you’ve probably beaten half the field before you go out as they’re going to crumble the minute something goes wrong.
After all that, it’s just like any other day on the golf course. You’ve got to enjoy it, know good golf is the key to making it through, and that you’ll sleep well that night.
