Golfer Jhonattan Vegas suffered visa issues but managed to just arrive in the nick time before his tee started on Thursday at the British Open.
The 33-year-old Vegas was supposed to get to Scotland a week ago but he absorbed a major setback after the Venezuelan native found out that his passport had expired. His agent managed to arrange a helicopter ride from to Glasgow to Carnoustie to assure that Vegas would make it into his 10:31 a.m. tee time.
In addition, Vegas' clubs were left in Toronto hence resulting for his caddie Ruben Yorio to put a new bag. Yorio managed to put up a mismatched set of irons, wedges, putter, and woods.
"Everything seems to be against me to get my visa and make (The British Open). First, UPS mechanical problem and passport is running late and second, weather thru NYC and flight is (delayed). Probably need to find another flight," Vegas wrote on Twitter
Long Wait For Vegas
The New York consulate didn't immediately respond to Vegas' visa application, which kept him through the weekend. Vegas was then told on Monday that he applied for a wrong visa. He waited for seven hours in the consulate of Houston after finding out that his visa never left New York due to a UPS shutdown.
Upon getting his visa on Wednesday morning, Vegas traveled from Houston to Glasgow, Scotland which included a stop in Toronto, Canada. Vegas landed in Glasgow at 8:45 a.m. before flying to the Carnoustie via helicopter.
"Luckily the (equipment) vans are still here. Otherwise, I probably would have played with members' clubs today," Vegas said.
Nonetheless, Vegas said that it was fun but cited that the journey was frustrating. Vegas was competing in the tournament after just two hours of sleep and without his custom-made clubs.
Slow Start For Vegas
The 2017 RBC Canadian Open winner was off to a slow start as he made just a single birdie against three bogeys and went out in 2-over 38. Mizuno was able to cobble together some irons for him while TaylorMade handed him his preferred metal woods.
Vegas converted the clubs for the initial time on the range. He managed to hit at least 20 balls on the range but he was only able to shot 76.
Vegas is competing in his second Open tournament. The Venezuelan native hopes to bounce back after missing the cut in last year's British Open. He finished tied in the 41st place in last month's U.S. Open.
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