Jenny succumbs to putting woes, pressure

Swing coach Bong Lopez quickly blamed Jennifer Rosales’ putting stroke for his ward’s foldup in the US Women’s Open. So did Gerald Rosales.

"At her level and with that much pressure, dapat talaga gumana ang putter niya," said Lopez. "Kaya kailangan talaga, practice pa ng mabuti sa putting."

Gerald, on the other hand, said his sister has had so many birdie opportunities that just wouldn’t drop. "Ang daming namintis na puro short putts. Puro sayang talaga."

But the ace Filipina shotmaker, although stung and dejected by the debacle that enabled Meg Mallon to claim LPGA’s most prestigious crown and the biggest paycheck ($560,000) staked in women’s pro golf, said there was nobody to blame but herself.

In fact, she admitted she took the championship for granted.

"One thing I learned from this experience is that one can’t take anything for granted," said Rosales, who closed out with a 75, 10 shots more than what Mallon had dished out. "Always hope for the best, which I did. I thought I had it, and it was in the palm of my hand and just slipped away."

Just like her putts, including a birdie bid on No. 2 from just six feet that, observers noted, proved to be the beginning of the end for her.

But it was not until she flubbed her par-putt on No. 7 that everything went downhill for Rosales, who led by three after three rounds and even went four-up with a birdie on the first hole but couldn’t get any breaks, couldn’t make anything thereafter.

"I was just very disappointed with myself right now," she said.

And while Rosales was missing her putts, Mallon was making hers.

"You know, when the one you’re playing with just makes everything, you kind of lose your concentration. She makes a long one and you miss a short one, it’s frustrating. But I told myself that, "Jen, you had a good tournament and just take that experience." I still have many Opens to come," said the 25-year-old Rosales, who nevertheless won $145,547 (P8.2 million) for her fourth place finish.

From a chief contender to a virtual bystander, Rosales sure has lots of work to do in the next few tournaments to regain her confidence and redeem her pride.

"I’m happy that my family is here to support me," said Rosales. "Sure it’s going to be a tough day, but I’ll live."

Mallon believes so.

"She’s got a great future on the Tour, and she’s going to do a lot of good things," said Mallon. "I’m sure she’s disappointed right now."

"I’m still in shock," Rosales said, referring to her collapse, and perhaps, to Mallon’s flawless game.