Aiken aiming for special wedding gift
EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 05, Thomas Aiken during day 1 of the Africa Open at East London Golf Club on January 05, 2012 on East London, South Africa Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images / Sunshine Tour EAST LONDON, SOUTH AFRICA - JANUARY 05, Thomas Aiken during day 1 of the Africa Open at East London Golf Club on January 05, 2012 on East London, South Africa Photo by Luke Walker / Gallo Images / Sunshine Tour
Seville, Spain – South African Thomas Aiken begins his title defence in the 100th Spanish Open on Thursday in a much lighter mood than last year.
The 2011 Spanish Open became Aiken's first European Tour success, but in a week when the golf world was mourning the death of Seve Ballesteros.
This time, the Johannesburg golfer is looking forward to his pending marriage this month to fiancee Kate Midgley.
Ideally, Aiken would love to duplicate American Jason Dufner, who last week won the U.S. PGA Tour event in New Orleans six days before his marriage.
“It would be fabulous if I could manage what Jason did last week in the States as that would be a great wedding gift,” Aiken said. “We're getting married later this month in the Bahamas so it's coming up very quickly.”
Aiken had been no stranger to success before winning in Spain, having captured eight other victories, including seven in South Africa, since turning professional in 2002.
However, the Spanish crowd was anticipating an emotional victory from Barcelona-born Pablo Larrazabal, who led after the second and third rounds. But Aiken won by two strokes and Larrazabal tied for third.
“I went into last year's event with really no expectations and it turned into a very interesting week with the passing of Seve,” Aiken said.
“It was a very emotional week, especially for the Spanish nation, also for the people walking the golf course last year in Barcelona and pretty much for anyone around the world who loves golf.
“It took people like Seve to make it the wonderful game that it is today. So we all owe Seve a great deal. I look at the trophy and will be forever pleased that my name is there with Seve's, who won this tournament so many times.”
While Ballesteros will be remembered this week, tournament organisers are not planning any special tribute to the five-time major champion.
This week also marks the 40th anniversary of the European Tour and the third occasion the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla course has hosted the Spanish Open.
Larrazabal is also back, as are compatriots Alvaro Quiros, Miguel Angel Jimenez and Jose Maria Olazabal.
Ryder Cup-winning brothers Edoardo and Francesco Molinari are in the field, along with Colin Montgomerie and major winners Michael Campbell, Rich Beem and Shaun Micheel. – Sapa-AP