Golden Goydos in good company
by JP Lonergan, 10 May 2008
Paul Goydos admitted to feeling a little out of place when he looked at the names surrounding him towards the top of the leaderboard at The Players’ Championship.
The 43-year-old is tied for second place at Sawgrass, alongside fellow senior figure Bernard Langer and one place behind the leader – another golden oldie, Kenny Perry.
And while Goydos admits it is nice to see so many long-time pros battling it out near the top – Fred Couples and Stephen Ames are not far away from the lead either – he does feel that he does not quite belong in the same category as the likes of Perry and Langer.
"I can't speak for Kenny and Bernhard, but I think that has more value to a guy who has done it a lot," Goydos told The PGA Tour’s official website.
"Comparing their records and mine, I'm more journeyman than veteran. I'm kind of a grinder. I don't know how much value that has.
"Basically right now we're still just pace cars. We're going to wait and see what happens on the weekend when the racing starts. But it's a good place to start the weekend off. If nothing else, you get to sleep in."
Goydos’ first-round four-under 68 was a career-best for the player at The TPC and he followed it up with a 71 on Friday to move alongside Langer and first-round leader Sergio Garcia.
He feels his new hot putter, which helped him round off a beautiful eagle at the par-5 second hole, has played a role in his good weekend form and added: “I'm happy shooting one-under. The golf course was very difficult.
"I'm very pleased with that round of golf. It's pretty tough conditions. This is what they were expecting and I think you saw even par now might be in the top 20. It will be interesting to see how even par finishes out the week.
"I think the wind and heat is supposed to stay up. I don't think it's supposed to be like docile tomorrow. It should be a pretty good challenge all weekend."
