12th June 2014 | Alps Tour Golf
Salto in his garden
Alvaro Salto (c) Agathe Séron
Alvaro Salto took full advantage of his days off from coaching the Ladies Team of RFEG. He scored 65 this morning and 67 during second round in Open Peugeot 2014 to lead by two shots over a British duo, England’s Tom Shadbolt and Ireland’s Brendan Mc Carroll.
The 40 year old player from Madrid did not compete any more but he could not help being part of the field this week as the Open Peugeot took place in his home club. Salto has won the title twice, in 2003 and in 2010, and obviously his knowledge of every single blade of grass is a valuable asset. He could not finish his first round yesterday when the play was suspended due to violent thunderstorms. He completed his round this morning with great score and managed to keep this moment for the following 18 holes.
“We had 6 holes to play this morning, the course was in great shape, much better than yesterday when we had to stop playing. There was no wind at all this morning and I managed to take my chances and make 4 birdies on those 6 holes.”
“Then during second round, although you play the first round in a aggressive way, I was then aware of the result and this is complicated to play the same way. All the aspects of my game were correct.
I am comfortable with my putting. I came here with no competition practice, but very excited to go out and play well”.
Brendan McCarroll is one of the only player who have been graduated at least two time to play Challenge Tour. Multiple winner on Alps Tour, he was unlucky to be the first player not to earn the precious category. He was on the 12th green when he had to stop the game yesterday with a one meter putt for birdie. Unfortunately he missed it this morning at 7h30 when the game resumed. But his bogey free card is the witness of a new approach of the game.
“I did not drop any shot which is kind of miracle for me. As I am struggling with my long game, I played safe. That is quite unusual for me but it seemed to be efficient.”
On Salto’s toes, Tom Shadbolt from England will do his best to disturb Spanish plan. The 26 year man is playing for the second season on Alps Tour and already had two top 10.
“I play really different from last year. Last year my putter saved me but in 2014, I am really strong from tee to green but not that good with my putter. For example, last week when I finished 10th tie, I have done the best golf ever in the past two year but I had 30 putts.
I know I have to stay patient and hopefully my time will come this year. Tomorrow will be very hot on course as well but I handled it quite well today playing 27 holes in the heat, it can not be worse.”
Overnight leader France’s Rapahël Marguery shot level par to holf 5th position by his own and fellow Romain Schneider is 4th alone after brilliant 65, best score tie of the day with compatriot Thomas Elissalde.
The cut felt at +1 after a very long and hot day in Madrid oven.
From Madrid
Agathe Séron
