JEDDAH PREVIEW: IRON HEADS GC'S VINCENT BRINGS POSITIVE VIBES
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia – Scott Vincent returns to Royal Greens – the scene of his unforgettable heroics last year when LIV Golf Jeddah was the final event of the regular season – and admitted he still gets goosebumps recalling how things panned out for him that week.
The 31-year-old member of Iron Heads Golf Club, who recently became a father for the second time, came to the tournament in October last year ranked 31st in the Individual Standings, needing nothing less than a top-four finish against a stacked field to move inside the Lock Zone of top-24 and secure his playing privilege for the 2024 season.
The Colorado-based Zimbabwean started with an even-par opening round, which made his position even more tenuous. However, Vincent came out all guns blazing on Saturday, shooting 8-under par and matching the day’s best score, to move into a tie for 4th place.
On Sunday, he was waging a battle not just against the field, but also against himself.
“The mindset with which I approached that Sunday, is what I need to do every week. I was completely focused on my routines. I managed to stay in the moment even when things were getting very exciting towards the end. I somehow managed to blank out everything,” said Vincent, who added a 4-under par 68 that included a crucial birdie on the 18th hole that pushed him ahead of Sergio Garcia in solo 4th place at 12-under par.
“It was incredible. Just a special moment that I’m going to cherish for a very long time and something that I would always go back to, just to realize that all I need to do was get out of my own way and just let it happen.”
Vincent said it was always a pleasure to come back to a venue where one has done well in the past.
“I’m looking forward to the week,” said the man who won the 2022 International Series Order of Merit on the Asian Tour to secure his card on LIV Golf last year.
“Obviously, it’s a completely different time of year. And it’s a new season, new possibilities, new opportunities. So, it's just going to be a case of being patient with it and seeing what the week brings.
“What’s helpful about going to a place where you’ve played well is that you’ve got good memories. You can stand up on a tee shot and recall some of the shots that you’ve had in the past. That’s a huge bonus. The biggest plus in playing such courses is that you feel a little more comfortable.
“However, what is more important is that every new tournament is an opportunity for me to learn something new and get a little bit better.”
Vincent’s preparation was disrupted with his son Judah being born the week of Mayakoba, the opening event on LIV Golf schedule this year. It prompted a quick dash to Colorado and back at the start of the week. He finished tied 38th there and was tied 45th in Las Vegas.
Kevin Na-led Iron Heads were 13th in Mayakoba and improved to 11th in Las Vegas, and Vincent is positive they will put on a much better performance this week at Royal Greens in King Abdullah Economic City, approximately 100kms from Jeddah.
“As a team, we want to do well. And the best way to do that is to really focus on yourself and try and do the best you can,” said Vincent.
“We have a slightly different team with Jinichiro (Kozuma) this year. You try to make Jini feel comfortable and relaxed. When it’s your first year out there, you’re trying very hard to do well for the team. And at times, that hurts you. You just need him to play his game, because he’s very good.
“And then, Danny and Kevin are fantastic players, with lots of experience, so they’ll be fine. We just need to do what we do and not make it as complicated as sometimes we make it. It all comes back to just trying to keep it simple. It’s early in the season. We've got a lot of building to do, but I do not doubt that we will soon give the other teams a hard time.”