on tour
Senden has
a major
on his
mind
David Newbery
[email protected]
J
OHN Senden, one of the best
less-heralded golfers in the
world, believes he has what it
takes to win a major championship
despite being on the wrong side of 40.
Many commentators and
aficionados opine that professional
golf is a younger person’s game.
Still, Senden, who is 43, says age is
just a number.
Perhaps the tall, polite and affable
Queenslander draws inspiration
from players like Ernie Els and the
late Payne Stewart, who won an
Open Championship and US Open
respectively aged 42 and Hale Irwin,
who was 45 when he won a US Open.
Following his Valspar Championship victory in March, John Senden will be looking
to add a major trophy to his cabinet. (Photo: Sam Greenwood)
“I think the US PGA Championship
suits his game. He went close in 2007
when he finished fourth behind Tiger
Woods.”
Like all modern-day players, Senden
has the backing of his family and a
strong team.
There’s coach Triggs, sports
physiotherapist Michael Dalgleish
as well as a massage therapist and a
fitness trainer he works with in the US.
All believe he’s a major winner in
waiting.
Still, Senden knows that if he is
going to fulfil his dream he is going
to have to maintain his fitness.
“I still have plenty of fuel in the
tank to win golf tournaments and my
goals are still set quite high,” Senden
said matter-of-factly.
“The whole team keeps me fit and
motivated,” Senden said. “That’s been
really helpful and I have learnt a lot
about fitness over the last 10 years.
“I feel I have a good chance to win a
major championship and also win in
Australia later this year.
“It’s been a big change and has made
a big difference in healing my body.
“More and more I have the belief
that I have a major in me.
“But I have to keep the discipline,
the workload, stay healthy and I’m a
cha