Peter Uihlein: “Andrew Waterman Is A Deceased Poet, So I Thought His Excellency Mabye Teeing It Up”.

2 years ago by Comments Off on Peter Uihlein: “Andrew Waterman Is A Deceased Poet, So I Thought His Excellency Mabye Teeing It Up”.

American and LIV golfer Peter Uihlein shared the lead on day one of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and revealing how it came about the head of the Saudi-based PIF fund Yasir Al-Rumayyan and also head of LIV Golf  is his amateur partner for the week in Scotland.

Uihlein signed for a sizzling eight-under 64 in cold and sometimes rainy conditions on the famed Old Course at St. Andrews, and end the opening day sharing the lead with Swede Sebastian Soderberg, who was out earlier on the Old Course along with Spain’s Adri Arnaus, who signed for a 64 at Carnoustie.

However, there has been much written on Al-Rumayyan’s appearance in the event though appearing on the official entry list as Andrew Waterman, no doubt a move to help protect Al-Rumayyan from any undue negativity and in this his first time teeing-up in the $US5m event.

Waterman is a London-born poet who passed away last year, aged in his early ’80s.

Tournament officials then revealed that Waterman was, in fact, Al-Rumayyan and his name now appears on the opening three-round draw sheets.

“When I saw I partnering Andrew Waterman, well I knew him because I think he was a poet who passed away,” said Uihleim (laughing).

“So, I didn’t think he would be teeing-it up so I had an idea.  It was good playing with his excellency and we also had Martin Slumbers (CEO of the R & A), and with my dad saying to me to be on my best behaviour playing in the company of Martin (laughing)”.

Uihlein in among five LIV players teeing-up this week and each one being afforded an invitation, and initiated by tournament host Johann Rupert.

And he complemented Rupert on his earlier quotes this week with regards allowing LIV players to tee-up in this year’s events, as well as the arrangements he enacted for Al-Rumayyan to compete.

“I read what Mr Rupert and he nailed it with his quotes”, said Uihlein.  “Golf brings people together. Time well will everything. I’m not privy to what goes on behind closed doors. It’s nice that Johann extended an olive branch and they’re here”.

Uihlein’s 64 rekindled memories of his efforts at this event a decade ago when he came within some three inches away from shooting the first ever 59 on the European Tour however with his eagle putt on the last just wide of the cup. The American tapped in for birdie for a 12-under 60, equaling the course record at Kingsbarns Links but falling just short of a then Tour first.

He played the Dunhill event a year ago, and while he could be competing in this week’s Asian Tour event in Singapore, it was at Rupert’s urging Uihlein has returned to Scotland.

“I did play 12 months ago. Mr Rupert has always been awesome, I’ve stayed down at his house at Leopard Creek. He’s always been so nice”, said Uihlein.

“Anytime I can support him and his events, I’m more than happy. It’s a real treat coming here so I’m trying to make the most of a good opportunity.

 

 

 



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