‘You see some beautiful trees, rolling hills, really nice golf holes and magnificent buildings. It’s different from a lot of facilities.’
By: Justin Feil
Jay Sigel admits to having a hard time in tournaments that he doesn’t like. Despite battling back from recent shoulder surgeries, he’s finished under par in the last two Instinet Classics held at The Tournament Players Club at Jasna Polana and is looking forward to a return to the third Instinet. Draw your own conclusions.
"I think I can do better," said Sigel, who is committed to play in this year’s Instinet Classic that will be held May 13-19 in Princeton. "But the important thing is I enjoy the golf course. I’m looking forward to this. If you don’t like the facility, and there aren’t many that I don’t like, it’s tough to fool yourself.
"It’s a little different. I think it has a terrific feeling. The natural beauty is different. It’s not a development. You see some beautiful trees, rolling hills, really nice golf holes and magnificent buildings. It’s different from a lot of facilities."
Sigel anticipates a larger crowd than last year, when rainy conditions and the fact that the Instinet was played opposite of the PGA’s U.S. Open hurt attendance. Sigel, a Philadelphia-area resident, is a local favorite at the tournament.
"Last year, it was opposite a major and a lot of people were busy," he said. "Philadelphia has typically supported the Senior Tour very well. I expect a good crowd."
Four years ago, Sigel thrilled the local fans when won the Instinet Classic’s predecessor, the Bell Atlantic Classic held at the Chester Valley Golf Club in Malvern, Pa., just minutes from his home. He won once more in October of 1998, but hasn’t won on the Senior PGA Tour since then as shoulder injuries that eventually led to a pair of operations affected his play.
"It’s been a big factor," said the 58-year-old, who made last year’s Instinet just the third event he played after returning from January 2001 surgery to repair his right shoulder’s rotator cuff. He had the left shoulder operated on in 2000. "There was a lot of weakness and pain. I had to rehab back from that. I’m close to where I was before the injury. The surgeries went well. I had a wonderful doctor. I can’t sit around though. I have to continue to work hard."
Sigel and the rest of the Instinet field will be looking to dethrone another good doctor, licensed doctor of optometry Gil Morgan, who has won the only two Instinet titles. Morgan has taken advantage of his distance off the tee to shorten the course.
"It’s a long course," Sigel said. "You have to roll the putts, too, though. Hitting it a long way is just one aspect."
Sigel was ranked 15th on the PGA Senior Tour in driving distance, just a couple yards per drive farther than he has been in the past two years, but sits 66th in putting.
"I’ve been hitting the ball OK," he said. "Really, my putting has deserted me recently. I’m working on it. It’s a long season and it will come around."
Sigel’s best finish in 2002 is 17th at the Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf in early April. He also led the Siebel Classic in Silicon Valley in March through two rounds before difficult weather conditions frustrated him in the final round as he finished 18th. He’s hoping a return to the familiar and enjoyable setting near his family and friends will help him break the Top 10 for the first time this year.
"I may commute this year," said Sigel, who is married with three daughters. "I’m not sure yet, but it would be something a little different. Anything that close to home is a real positive. I’d get to see my family a little more than usual."
An appreciative crowd, a healthier body and a chance to spend time with his family could help make the Instinet Classic one of Jay Sigel’s favorites. Earning his first win of the year wouldn’t hurt either.