Rafferty ‘relishing’ World Par-3 test

Ronan Rafferty hopes to bring a couple more ‘past Ryder Cup players’ with him to compete in the Grey Goose World Par-3 Championship in Bermuda.

The Northern Irishman was part of the victorious European team at the Belfry in 1989.

And the 49-year-old can’t wait to use the event at Turtle Hill Golf Club, Fairmont Southampton as a springboard for his Seniors career.

The former European Tour Order of Merit winner is eager to return to a busy schedule of tournament golf ahead of competing on the European Seniors Tour and in his maiden Seniors Major at the US PGA in 2014.

An email from fellow ex-European Tour pro Kim Swan, and a meeting with Turtle Hill director of golf Anthony Mocklow saw Rafferty, who retired 10 years ago, booked in for his first visit to the island.

It’s a trip that will also see him play in the Bermuda Open at Port Royal.

“I’m relishing the chance to come out to Bermuda,” Rafferty told the Bermuda Sun. 

“I’ve been to many, many places as you would imagine but Bermuda was not one of them. 

“But what with the Grand Slam of Golf being on the TV and at that time of year, it’s nice to think I’ll be out in the sunshine in March. Kim used to represent Port Royal when he was on Tour so I feel as if I know it well.”

Last year’s World Par-3 special guest was Tony Jacklin, who was Rafferty’s Ryder Cup captain during the win at the Belfry and who is now a spokesman for the British Par 3 Championship. It’s an event run by the UK’s TP Tour, of which Rafferty is chief ambassador.

“On Tour all the par threes become the most important out there and the most famous par threes are the shortest ones,” said Rafferty. 

“As players you are always emphasizing the importance of the short game and on improving from 100 yards out.

“I used to do a lot of work on TV and was always critical of players who made mistakes with their short game – so over the two days I’ll be hitting the ball into small greens and putting myself in that position!”

Rafferty is treating the Seniors seriously and views it as a genuine chance for a ‘second career’.

“That’s what I’m looking to do,” he said: “I know I’ve got about a seven to nine-year window, so I am looking to play as much as possible. I really enjoy playing a lot of golf and I have no problem travelling. I’ll jump on a plane as easily as some people jump on the bus!”

The former commentator will also be the subject of a Q&A dinner at the Southampton Fairmont with
Golf Channel’s Charlie Rymer, who is also slated to play.

The Bacardi National Par-3 Tournament on January 18-19 is the local qualifying event and is open for entries, with the GREY GOOSE World Par 3 Championship taking place on March 28-30. 

The Bermuda Open will be held on March 24-27.

For information email Anthony Mocklow at [email protected] or call (441) 239-6952.