From double-bogey 6 to eagle 2: It's all in a day's work for Ian Redford

Golf Correspondent

Friday 10 February 2012

It may have been far removed from the roaring and bawling of a jam-packed Ibrox but, for Ian Redford, stepping on to the first tee in the tranquil surroundings of the Hacienda del Alamo Golf Club proved to be just as exhilarating.

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The former Rangers midfielder made his debut as a professional golfer this week on the Hi-5 mini-circuit in Spain and the 51-year-old enjoyed every minute of it as he survived the cut in the three-round contest.

Competing in a field made up of seasoned, yet far younger, pros, Redford, who joined the paid ranks earlier this year with the goal of qualifying for the European Senior Tour, reeled off rounds of 76, 75 and 78 for a 13-over 229. He was never going to challenge for the main honours – the Englishman James Ruth won with an eight-under tally – but the Perthshire veteran's new career is officially up and running."It wasn't quite Ibrox," admitted Redford, as he recalled the moment he was ushered on to the first tee. "There were a few folk watching but it's all relative so it was probably just as daunting and the nerves were certainly there. There is an added tension when you start off as you're putting your game on the line against a host of top class golfers. You don't want to make a fool of yourself."A double-bogey 6 on his very first hole was hardly the ideal start but the golfing gods showed some leniency to the new-comer when his approach with a rescue club from 175 yards at the sixth finished up in the hole and Redford had the pleasure of etching an eagle 2 on to his maiden scorecard."On the first I was on the edge of the green in two and played a little St Andrews pitch-and-run," reflected Redford, who admitted he was giving away some 30 yards in length to his youthful, big-hitting playing partners."It rolled up to the pin, changed its mind and ended up off the back. I three-putted from there and I thought 'welcome to professional golf'. But the eagle a few holes later was a bit special. I thought I was in the bunker but one of the lads said 'I think it's in the hole'. I walked over and there it was. I don't think I'll get too many of those."And his first pay cheque? The princely sum of €58.Redford will stay in Spain for two more Hi-5 events before returning to compete in "as much as I can" on the UK scene in an effort to sharpen his competitive edge and build up as much experience of the pro game as possible. He appreciates the ultimate aim of the European over-50s circuit is a lofty target but the St Andrews New member is simply enjoying his new lease of sporting life."It's not about the destination, it's the journey at the moment," he said. "This has given me a new challenge and it's something I want to do." On that note, Redford was off to "work on my putting and get that sharpened up". He sounds like a true pro already.

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From double-bogey 6 to eagle 2: It's all in a day's work for Ian Redford

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