Juvic vows quick Open comeback

MANILA, Philippines - Juvic Pagunsan bogeyed four of the last seven holes to finish with his worst round in four days – a 75 – wound up tied for 72nd with four others in the British Open Sunday but vowed to make a quick return to the world’s oldest championship. 

The reigning Asian Tour No. 1 made six bogeys in all against a lone birdie at Royal Lytham and St. Annes for a four-day total of 11-over-par 291 in his maiden Major appearance.

“I missed a couple of shots on the back nine. It’s not the way that I wanted to finish the week,” said Pagunsan. “But overall, it’s been really nice, a good experience to be here. It’s a wonderful experience. I’ll take away some good memories, one of the lucky ones who have played four rounds in this Major.”

Pagunsan, who has expressed his dislike for long-distance travel, said he would be the first to put his name for the International Final Qualifying in Asia next year.

“I’ll try again to come back here. If there is an opportunity, I’ll come. I wouldn’t mind the travel to come here,” said Pagunsan, who took home $17,339 (P700,000).

He realizes the need to sharpen his all-round game if he is to feature more prominently in the Majors.

“I need to focus more on my game if I am to be a part of them, the top players in the world. I need more practice, better focus and better course management.

“I played with Retief (Goosen) today and I saw so many shots from him. He also gave me some good advice,” he said.