Andy Sullivan shot an opening 67 to grab a share of the Day 1 lead at the Dubai Desert Classic. Not too shabby, but we're actually way more impressed by a 78 he shot last year. Huh?
You heard us. Because this was no ordinary 78. The 36-year-old English pro and former Ryder Cupper managed to break 80 using only one club. And he did it in spectacular fashion by managing two late sand saves—with a 5-iron.
Check out the entire fun video shared by the DP World Tour in November of Sullivan taking on The Belfry without his golf bag:
Amazing stuff, Andy. And the four-time DP World Tour winner was asked about that after his opening round that has him tied with Cameron Young, Rasmus Hojgaard and Haotong Li in Dubai.
Q. Just finally, prior to Christmas we witnessed some history of your ability to break 80 with just one club. Is golf just easier now?
ANDY SULLIVAN: I wouldn't say it's easier. I mean, literally, that day was just a complete blur. I don't know how it actually happened. Then when I wanted to hit 7-iron, the guy is like, you're going to need 5-iron, you ain't reaching. I'm like, oh, my God. It is an amazing thing, and to break 80 is class to be fair. So just buzzing.
Indeed it is, Andy. Most golfers would be buzzing to break 80 under any circumstances! Like our Sam Weinman, who has discussed that pursuit at length. Sam might not to watch that video of Sullivan.
But Sam also tried playing a round with fewer clubs last year and learned it can have benefits for your golf game. Again, it just hasn't helped him to break 80 yet. So maybe give it a try sometime. It clearly hasn't slowed down Sullivan.
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