The Open 2019 leader JB Holmes still has piece of his skull at home as reminder of brain op which puts golf in perspective
JB HOLMES keeps a piece of his skull at home as a reminder of the brain operation which puts golf into perspective.
Even so, it is a tribute to the American’s quiet determination how he has fought back in life — and today he leads The Open.
Holmes underwent surgery in 2011 on a structural defect in his head after suffering splitting headaches and dizziness.
He was rushed back into hospital because of an allergy to the glue holding the metal plate to his skull.
However, determined Holmes resumed his chase for the Claret Jug in 2014. He finished third at Troon three years ago but is now ready to go a step further after shooting his lowest ever round at The Open with a five-under-par 66.
When asked about his personal torment, he said: “I still have the piece of skull in my closet at home at Orlando.
“I had a plan — have the operation, rehab and get back playing. I never had any doom and gloom from the doctors.
“God gives you trials and tests and you just have to learn from the experiences.
“I feel it made me into a better person, so I got something from it.
“I don’t feel like I have done anything special. I just did the best I could. That’s all I could do.”
'IT WAS FUN'
Holmes has inside knowledge of Royal Portrush having played here with a visiting American college team almost 15 years go.
He said: “The score wasn’t all that great. It was fun to have a team come over here and play. Today I hit it great, I didn’t miss too many shots.
“When I did, I missed them in the right spot. I putted well and stuck to our game plan.”
Events like Holmes has emerged from make facing the wind and rain on a links course seem trivial.
He proceeded with typical understatement but had the final word with a birdie three on the last hole to head home as the man to catch.
His closest pursuer is Irishman Shane Lowry, who offered hope for the home crowds, compared to the wilting performances from Northern Irishmen Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke.
Lowry’s 67 is his best ever opening day at a Major — even beating his first-round score at the 2016 US Open when he finished runner-up.
Lowry said: “I feel like, for me, I can come here a little more under the radar than the other guys — but obviously not now!
“It was nice to shoot a good score and hopefully I can go out and keep at it the next few days.”
Snapping at Lowry’s heels are three Englishmen in Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Westwood — among a hefty pack of 13 players in joint third at three under.
Southport’s Fleetwood admitted: “It wasn’t an easy day. I know some people are struggling but it was tough today.
“Anytime you’re going to go bogey-free, especially at a Major, take it and run.”
Westwood’s late burst included a classy 20ft birdie putt on the last that propelled him up the board and is sure to get the crowds excited on day two.
The Open’s peloton includes golfer of the moment Brooks Koepka, Major winners Sergio Garcia and Webb Simpson, plus Scottish rookie Robert MacIntyre.
Latest Open news
Former US Masters champ Garcia’s splendid start to the back nine included two successive birdies to catapult him up the leaderboard.
Had it not been for a mini-collapse on the final two holes, 2012 US Open winner Simpson would be neck and neck with Holmes but he had to settle for three under.
Last man into Portrush, Dylan Frittelli, maintained his momentum with his own 68. The US-based South African only clinched his place by winning the John Deere Classic last Sunday.