Brisbane’s Michael Wright is preparing for a challenging Senior PGA Championship at the Congressional Country Club. Wright, one of 11 Australians and two Kiwis in the field, is optimistic after finishing eighth at the Regions Tradition with an 11-under score across the weekend.
The course’s 7,152-yard length and absence of a first cut of rough are expected to make any score under par competitive. In his second year on the PGA TOUR Champions, Wright sees his driving distance as an advantage. “Someone told me it was playing 7,200 yards which is very strong when you’ve got the wind as well,” said Wright, who will have his son Noah as his caddie.
He acknowledged the difficulty of some holes, noting that “the second hole is brutal. It’s an uphill par 3, really hard to stop it on the green.” However, he feels confident due to his relative youth and driving ability: “I feel young on this tour and I can hit it pretty long.”
Wright expressed awe at Congressional’s grandeur upon arrival. The club has hosted several US Opens and is ranked among America’s top golf courses. “Walking in for the first time early this week, I’ve never seen anything like it,” he remarked.
Wright draws parallels between Congressional and other challenging courses like Carnoustie during last year’s Senior Open. He anticipates a mentally demanding week where strategic thinking will be crucial.
Meanwhile, Australian golfers are participating globally in various tournaments this week. Eight Australians are competing in the MEXICO Riviera Maya Open on the LPGA Tour; seven Aussies are playing in Korea’s Kolon Korea Open; and five Australasians are present on both the DP World Tour and Ladies European Tour.
