Former Coyote closing in on major tourney berth

As Charlie Townsend watches each major golf tournament on the PGA Tour, he tells himself he'll be out there playing one day.

And based on his latest performance in attempting to qualify for the British Open, he has reason to be optimistic.

Townsend, a former Weatherford College golfer, recently reached the final round of qualifying for the historic event, known in his home country of England as simply The Open. It's the closest he's gotten to earning a berth in one of the four majors.

"Getting to final qualifying was great and a little surreal," he said. "It's the furthest I've gotten in the game. Getting through regional qualifying, to get to final qualifying, was a great day."

At regional qualifying, Townsend, who is from Byfleet, England, finished in a six-way tie for one of two spots to advance and advanced to a sudden death playoff. He birdied the second playoff hole, making a long putt in front of the clubhouse with a couple hundred people watching.

Then, final qualifying had a star-studded field, with the likes of Ryder Cup legend Ian Poulter, PGA tour winners and European tour winners all battling it out for just five spots. Final qualifying was 36 holes in one day. 

"So I was 36 holes away from a major championship, The Open, golf's oldest and greatest tournament," he said. "The day is called 'golf's longest day' and I certainly felt that at the end. I didn't qualify - it was not expected, realistically - but I played well the majority of the day.

"There were over a thousand people watching there, so it was my first time playing in front of 'big' crowds and to my surprise I enjoyed it and thrived on it."

KEEP GOING

This was Townsend's third year trying to qualify and first time to make it through to the final. Generally, a golfer has to finish in the top five or 10 out of around 150 competitors.

He also attempted to qualify for the U.S. Open as a freshman at Weatherford College and as a junior at Newman University in Wichita, Kansas, where he is entering his senior season. He narrowly missed out both times, reaching the final round of qualifying.

His freshman season he shot 1-over-par 73 at Squaw Creek in Willow Park, missing by four shots. This past May he posted a 2-under-par 70 at Crestview Country Club in Wichita and missed by only two shots.

"So then making it through to final qualifying here this year in June was such a good feeling," he said.

Weatherford College golf coach Dave Rennhack said Townsend's performances are an indication of the talent the WC programs attracts.

"Many of our players, both present and past, continue to compete well after their college career. Our program continues to attract players like Charlie from around the globe that dream of competing at the highest level," Rennhack said. "We are excited for him and look forward to following his journey.  

"We have several world-ranked incoming players that competed in this year's Open Qualifier, along with other international events. We look forward to being a part of their continued development and welcoming them to Weatherford College this fall." 

While at WC, Townsend was an academic all-conference honoree and a National Junior College Athletic Association All-Academic member.

This past season at Newman, he was named to the All-Mid-American Athletics Association Team. He also posted his best finish in a college tournament, placing third.

LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCE

Townsend said the experience of trying to qualify for a major tournament will help him as he goes into his final season of college golf.

"I learned so much just on the one day of tournament golf and the two days of preparation," he said. "Being surrounded by and playing with lots of top elite professionals and amateurs, I learned in particular that when I'm feeling confident, I feel like I can compete with the best, and it's not as far away as it seems some days. 

"And I learned that mentally there's still much to improve upon, staying patient, even though it is golf's longest day, the trouble of focusing and switching off enough and at the right times. So that will help me when I'm in contention for tournaments."

The dream, Townsend said, is to turn pro and try to make it on one of the tours, whether that's in the states or abroad. 

Former WC coach Jesse Speirs said Townsend has the elements to find success as a pro.

"He's always improved every year and loves the game. I think he has the right tools, and if he does the work he has a chance on tour," Speirs said. "My advice to him would be have a plan and stick to it - not just for Charlie, but anyone. Give it a shot because you don't want to look back at 40 years old and wonder."

Of course, Townsend pointed out that playing professionally does involve more than just talent.

 "Professional golf is very expensive as you're essentially paying to go to work, and your income is based on your performance, making cuts and making money," he said. "If somehow I have enough money, or find sponsors, or people are generously kind in sponsoring me to travel and compete, then I definitely would."

Then he added with a smile, "So if anyone out there wants to sponsor a WC alum, you'd be more appreciated than you could ever even imagine!"