Defending Champion Álvaro Quirós declared himself pleased with his 2011 season , after winning at Dubai and making the cut at Augusta. The Open de España, will start tomorrow with the Wednesday pro-am. The tournament will start on thursday, under the main sponsorship of Reale Seguros.
28-year-old Quirós from Guadiaro, Cádiz, who has five European Tour titles to his name, met the press this afternoon at the tournament media centre. “My season has been good so far. I am happy that I made the cut at the Masters for the first time in three attempts and shot 65 the first day - ten strokes less than my best score until then. I left the tournament with a bittersweet feeling, because I didn’t play as well the other three days but after all, this year's goal was the cut. The main thing is that now I know that I can go low at Augusta".
The difference between the first day and the rest was around the greens. If you don’t get up-and-downs, you don’t score at Augusta. Actually, you need a 60 degree lob wedge, and I normally use my 58 degree. I guess I should train my lob wedge more, but I need it only a few times a year, for the Masters and the US and British Opens, not even for the PGA Championship.
My 65 at Augusta was like Guadiaro (his local football club) scoring a goal against Barcelona in the first 15 minutes only to lose 6-1. I need to work on my short game which is not up to standard for top-30 in the world ranking. You obviously have to play very well to win a major, but you also need some lucky kicks.
Two years ago I played a practice round with Chema, and he gave me some good tips, for example,you must always try to putt uphill. Last year I played both with Miguel Ángel and Chema, and I made the mistake of listening too much. The gave me so much advice that I didn’t know what to do before the shots. This year my caddie has been a great help. The secret is to forget about the ego and don’t get into trouble The player who makes the best out of his mistakes has more chances to win at Augusta.
The Masters has certainly left a bittersweet feeling, but I believe that the 65 and the cut have been better for my game than my win at Dubai. This week I shall defend my title. I like the course and It's in great condition. Birdies will not come easily, but pars are relatively easy. If you keep making pars you can't go wrong, and if the wind starts blowing the course will become vey challenging. I can reach the par fives, but they are not easy holes. On the other hand, the fairways narrow at 300 yards, which makes it difficult for long hitters like me, but that’s the usual thing on the European Tour.
I played a Challenge Tour event here, over a different first nine. The course was completely new. Now it has matured and the rough has grown thicker. I think this course can suit me because it’s long, and I expect the greens will get firmer every day. I didn’t strike the ball well today, but I never play my best on practice rounds. I usually score better over the weekend than the first two days. You can’t play so-so on this course, and I don’t feel comfortable with my driver, which is unusual. I might use my 3 or 5 wood. If I can keep hitting fairways I believe I have an option.
Favourites? Miguel Ángel Jiménez is always a favourite, and also Pablo Larrazábal who knows the course by heart, or Matteo Manassero. If they can keep it straight they will be up there. Miguel Ángel is unbelievable... he doesn't even realize hoy good he is. His performance is impressive for a 47-year-old. He knows his limitations and he never plays against himself.