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Last Update: 2 June, 2008 9:38 AM

04 June 2009
WALES OPEN GOLF - US CAPTAIN PAVIN THINKS COURSE IS 'PRETTY GOOD'

Wales Sport
Author: Gary Baker

USA Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin (pictured) described the Celtic Manor's Twenty Ten course as 'pretty good' after examining it for the first time during his opening round of the Wales Open on Thursday.

Pavin shot a one over par round of 72 during a roller-coaster round which saw him drop four shots - including a double bogey six at the 15th - but pick up three others.

The 49-year-old Texan said of the course: "You know what, you have to drive theball well here. If you miss the fairways, you are in big trouble and you have to hit some pretty good iron shots.

"There are some tucked pins out there and if you miss the greens, you have some not necessarily tough up-and-downs."

Pavin said he 'probably got what I deserved' during his round and admitted: "I didn't play very sharp today. I didn't hit the ball well and I didn't make any putts.

"I need to play better than I did today. It was just that everything was a little bit off. I hit a lot of good putts that didn't go in and I suspect the greens will be a little better tomorrow."

European captain Colin Montgomerie, who finished his own round at the Celtic Manor at two under, will have the advantage of more knowledge of the course before next year's Ryder Cup.

Pavin admits the odds will be against him because Monty will get the course set to favour his team.

"He'll do whatever he thinks is best for the European Team," added the American. "I know he is going to shave some areas around the greens. I think the Europeans are probably more proficient at bumping and running it up the hills off fairway-type grass but, maybe I'll have my guys practice that a little bit."

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