Honda Classic Round One: Age before beauty as Wi and Langer beat the wind

Lets hear it for the old gits (again). Older and wiser heads prevailed at the Honda Classic Thursday as the wind doubled the challenge of an unforgiving course. Mind you, the level of difficulty depended on the level of success: Charlie Wi, our rather improbable 400-1 leader, thought it was easier to play than in practise rounds when the wind was in a different direction.

Just 20 people under par and an overall average score of two over par (no difference between the morning and afternoon sessions) suggests it was a gruelling trial for most.

It’s no coincidence to find so many years of experience at the top, not least Bernhard Langer in second place, just a few months short of his 50th birthday. Might be worth having some of the profit on him now he’s into 30s from 290. Those of a certain age understand the patience game, as one player put it: “Just make lot of pars, take the birdies when they come and see where it leaves you.” Unfortunately Fred Funk was unable to join in the fun. His back trouble finally caught up with him and he had to pull out.

Accuracy off the tee was the skill that propelled Wi and Langer: they came in joint first in that department. Solid iron work and putting sealed the deal. The picture is clouded a bit though by Marco Dawson in third, who was 82nd for accuracy. And although Robert Allenby was a respectable 32nd for accuracy, he ascribed most of his good fortune to long shots. What sizzling form he is in, courtesy we learn of some serious physio sessions to curb persistent inflammation. The question remains: without a more precise game can he can keep it up over the weekend?

The wind is not going to go away - up to 20mph again Friday while Sunday is set to be even worse. So there’s plenty of angst on its way.

Already we have some awful casualties who need more than your everyday miracle to survive the cut. Heath Slocum hit seven bogeys, two double bogeys and not a single birdie - his putting was uncharacteristically hideous. Joe Durant posted four double bogeys in his nine under - his iron play let him down big time.

But what excuses does Luke Donald have for yet another miserable performance on a course that should have suited his game to a ‘T’? Defending champion? More like surrendering champion - 108th for accuracy, 129th for greens in regulation. Like I say, you can only shake your head and move on.