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The Open Championship’s most unlikely contestant

Published

12 years ago

on

John Singleton had some jitters on the first tee like a lot of Open Championship contestants. The difference? Singleton doesn’t play golf for a living; he works at a resin factory in nearby Birkenhead.

To qualify for the event, Singleton shot 72-66 with clubs borrowed from a friend (his friend had newer wedges). Sounds like a corny pitch line for a movie doesn’t it? Well, it’s real life this week.

Singleton, 30, took the labor job at Advanced Electrical Varnishes to pay the bills, and according to reports, his girlfriend Lucy urged him to take a day off work to try and qualify for the Open. When he did, Singleton’s boss gave him two weeks off to prepare and gave his employees a holiday today to go out to the grounds and support him.

His hands were shaking visibly on the tee at No. 1 and backed off the tee shot. It was a nervous moment for all onlookers, that is until he striped one down the middle.

Forgive the pun, but after a “working man’s par” at the first, he made the turn at 1-over and then birdied No. 10. The wheels came off on the back nine, however, and Singleton finished with a 6-over 78.

He may not be satisfied with his round, but hey, I’m sure he enjoyed the day off work.

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He played on the Hawaii Pacific University Men's Golf team and earned a Masters degree in Communications. He also played college golf at Rutgers University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

7 Comments

7 Comments

    • Rich

      Jul 18, 2014 at 10:33 am

      Awesome. Thanks heaps

      Reply Report comment

      • Forsbrand

        Jul 18, 2014 at 3:41 pm

        No probs Rich. I’m at the open tomorrow, but an interview with John singleton asked him if he was looking forward to going back to work Monday….No was the answer. A very likeable chap indeed, someone like chubby chandler could sign him provide a bit of extra coaching and he could well be a future tour player 🙂

        Reply Report comment

        • Rich

          Jul 18, 2014 at 9:55 pm

          Yeah, I bet he’s not. Neither would I. Great story. Shame to see he missed the cut but a good 70 in his second round none the less. Hopefully he can use this as a spring board to something more for his playing career and he won’t have to make resin for too much longer. Good luck to him. Thanks again Forsbrand.

          Reply Report comment

  2. Rich

    Jul 17, 2014 at 8:14 pm

    I would have liked a bit more detail in the story as well. Would like to know more about this guys story.

    Reply Report comment

  3. Pingback: The Open Championship’s most unlikely contestant | Spacetimeandi.com

  4. Double Mocha Man

    Jul 17, 2014 at 11:44 am

    What’s the rest of the story? Why did he have to borrow clubs to qualify? Sounds like he’s an accomplished golfer… must own his own clubs. This kind of story is what will make the average Joe, who’s never hit a golf ball in his life, think he can qualify for a major golf tournament.

    I played toss yesterday with my son using a Nerf football. Excuse me while I go play Quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.

    Reply Report comment

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