British Open
The German golf tiger: Christensen before major debut
Golfer Tiger Christensen from the Hamburger Golf Club. photo
© -/dpa
Golf superstar Tiger Woods is absent from the British Open. A tiger is still present at the last major tournament. The namesake from Germany still has big plans on the greens of this world.
After 28 years, another golfer named Tiger makes his debut at the British Open. In 1995, the young Tiger Woods caused a stir, now the surname Christensen will be on the leaderboard of the traditional major tournament.
The 19-year-old from Hamburg with the unusual first name surprisingly qualified for the Open at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club and is auditioning for the first time on the really big golf stage.
“I think every golfer has something in common with the Open. The history is like no other, and simply appearing there as an amateur is a dream that comes true,” said Tiger Christensen of the German Press Agency before the 16.5 Million dollar event in Hoylake.
As an amateur, Christensen is not yet allowed to collect any prize money. And he also regrets the absence of his namesake Woods, who has to pass due to the consequences of a foot operation. But the HGC Falkenstein player is more enthusiastic: “There are so many incredibly good golfers there, who I also see as idols, that it’s not the end of the world for me.”
son of known parents
The son of the well-known music producer (including “U 96”) and former pop star judge Alex Christensen and the former singer Nicci Christensen (then known as “Rollergirl”) is a business student at the University of Arizona and only signed up for the last one at short notice Qualified for Major Tournament of the Year. The amateur also left well-known names such as Ryder Cup star Sergio Garcia behind. From Thursday onwards, Christensen would also like to leave one or the other big player behind on the par 71 dune course on the British west coast.
“First of all, I want to gain as much experience as possible and learn a lot,” says Christensen. “Basically, it is also the goal to take the medal for the best amateur.” Matti Schmid was the last German to win the so-called “Silver Medal” two years ago. But today’s golf superstars Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods have also received the valuable award for best amateur.
Early entry into golf
Christensen’s parents may have guessed when they chose the name that their son could have a career in sports. Two successful athletes were also inspiration for the first name. “My parents just thought the name was really cool and unique in general. My dad was good friends with the boxer Dariusz ‘Tiger’ Michalczewski and was also a golf fan of Tiger Woods,” says Christensen, who started golf at a young age. “I could just walk when I was hitting balls around the house with plastic clubs. And then at the age of ten I started to take it seriously,” says the golf talent.
The early practice seems to have paid off. Shooting distance is one of Christensen’s greatest strengths. In addition, the self-confident North German adds “feeling, creativity, my ambition and my ability to deliver under pressure.”
Christensen’s coach Jason Floyd sees the teenager in front of a great future: “If he continues like this, it will be an extraordinary career – at the highest level of the game.” The swing coach recognizes many qualities in his protégé that can make the difference. “Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods: These golf greats were also very strong mentally. I think that’s the basis for a great player,” says Floyd.
Christensen only wants to make the final leap into the professional business after he graduates from university. On the credit side there is an international amateur championship, a win at the European Team Championship and two college titles. But the German tiger dreams big: “At the end of my career I want to have won as many majors as possible.” At the British Open, Christensen will provide the first clues as to whether the dream can come true.