Graham DeLaet of Weyburn, Sask., didn’t finish the way he wanted to at today’s Travelers Championship, but the Canadian still managed to qualify for the British Open.
DeLaet entered the final round of the Connecticut tournament in second place, but a 1-under par round could not keep pace with Bubba Watson, who bettered Paul Casey in a playoff to win the tournament. DeLaet finished 4th, two shots behind Casey and Watson, after making an untimely bogey on the final hole.
DeLaet, who has struggled with nagging injuries, has seen his world ranking slip. He entered the tournament ranked No. 92, which meant he needed a strong finish to qualify for the British Open. The British Open takes the Top 50 golfers in the world as of the middle of May.
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The four highest finishes by golfers not otherwise qualified at the Travelers received exemptions into the British Open. DeLaet was the highest finisher without a spot at the British Open.
DeLaet admitted qualifying for the year’s third major, which is being held at the Old Course in St. Andrews, Scotland, was something he hoped to accomplish this week.
“It’s definitely a goal,” he told reporters. “It’s disappointing that I’ve kind of fallen down the world rankings. So it’s important for me especially at St. Andrews with the history there, obviously.”
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DeLaet’s 4th-place at the Travelers was only his third Top 10 finish of the year, and the highest finish of the season.
DeLaet admitted he’s been hurt much of the season, and his back, which he had surgery on causing him to miss the 2011 year, is still a lingering issue.
“I think about it every single day. It still is a lingering problem that I’m always working on,” he said. “I haven’t been super healthy this year. But the last couple months I’ve been moving really well and feeling a lot better.”
And his game is rounding into shape heading into his first major of the year, which kicks off July 16.
“My golf game’s starting to come around too, which is nice,” DeLaet said.
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