RECEIVING A letter from ex-president George W Bush and driving to the middle of nowhere at 5am to contemplate life is not the normal reaction to losing a golf tournament.
But they are just two of the things that have happened to Kenny Perry since he lost the play-off for the Masters two weeks ago.
The 48-year-old American, who at two ahead with two to play had a golden opportunity to become the oldest major winner in history, is back in action at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans today.
“I received over 600 e-mails, hundreds of cards and letters,” said Perry. “I haven’t slept much. I told my manager that this morning the alarm went off and scared me – it’s the first time I’ve actually got into some deep sleep.
“I loved being in that situation. I actually felt this year I was ready to handle the situation. In the past I just felt like I wasn’t prepared.
“It’s been tough. It had a lot of smells of the 1996 PGA when I lost to Mark Brooks.” On that occasion Perry was two ahead on the final tee, took a bogey six, then watched Brooks birdie to tie.
There has been a big difference in the reaction this time, though.
“The outpouring of fan support was mind-boggling to me. It really was very up-lifting.
“I drove home (to Kentucky) from Augusta and got home about four Monday afternoon and I didn’t sleep at all Monday night. I got in my car about 5am and just drove for about three hours out to the countryside. You know, being thankful for everything . . .”
“It was all very positive. It all boils down to one little chip shot on the 71st hole. I’ve relived it over and over again and I wouldn’t have done it any different – I just need to get better at that shot.
“I thought about not coming this week, but that wouldn’t have been right for this tournament. I think if it had been a high-stressed atmosphere, more of a major world event, I would have seriously considered not coming.
“They’ve had a lot of pain and heartache here with (Hurricane) Katrina hitting and I just want to support this event.
“When I tee off it’s going to be one of the hardest things I’m ever going to do. But for me the sooner I get back into it and get over it the better it’s going to be for me.”
The field in Louisiana also includes Nick Watney, John Merrick, Lucas Glover (all US) and English quartet Justin Rose, Ian Poulter, Greg Owen and Brian Davis and Scot Martin Laird.
Zurich Classic of New Orleans
Course:TPC of Louisiana, Avondale
Length:7,341 yards. Par: 72.
Prizemoney:€4.8 million, €872,000 for the winner
Field:156.
Defending champion:Andres Romero (Argentina) made his US debut beating Peter Lonard by one shot.
Design:The Pete Dye design, opened in 2004, has below-average-sized Bermuda greens, more than 70 pot bunkers and 13 acres of fairway traps.
On TV:Setanta Golf, everyday, 8-11pm today.
Weather:Mainly sunny with temperatures in high 20s. Possible cloud on Saturday.
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