US Open champion Gary Woodland feels it is time to move on as he prepares to tee it up at the inaugural Rocket Mortgage Classic on Thursday.
The 35-year-old put on a superb display to hold off the attentions of Brooks Koepka and win his first major at Pebble Beach earlier this month. It has elevated the Florida resident to superstardom in the sport and he has been the centre of attention at Detroit Golf Club in the build up to this week’s event.
All eyes will be on the world number 12 and he cannot wait to get back doing what he does best. “It’s nice to get back out here this week, get back to the grind, get back to the routine,” he said.
“It’s a little more difficult. A lot more people around.”
A decent field has assembled for the latest PGA Tour event, with world number two Dustin Johnson (6.50) joined by the likes of Rickie Fowler (12.00), Patrick Reed (41.00), Bubba Watson (41.00) and Hideki Matsuyama (12.00).
Woodland, 15.00 to win, admits that he is looking forward to being introduced as the US Open champion on the first tee but, that aside, it will be business as usual against some tough opponents. “That doesn’t get old,” he added.
“I love hearing it. But it’s one of those deals that playing this week, the guys don’t care. They want to play this week. You’re out here to win. It’s time to move on.”
The tournament is part of the Open Qualifying Series, with two spots at Royal Portush available for non-exempt players finishing in the top-10.