After finding his feet on the European Senior Tour in 2016, South Africa’s James Kingston believes he’ll be even better prepared for next season after an encouraging debut year on the over-50s circuit.
The two-time European Tour winner turned 50 at the end of 2015, and played his first Senior Tour event at the SSE Enterprise Wales Senior Open in June.
He finished tied 11th in that first event at Celtic Manor Resort. After three finishes outside the top 20, he regained his footing and hasn’t finished outside the top 14 since August.
The Rustenburg man’s best finish of the season came at the Willow Senior Golf Classic in a share of third place, and he also found himself in the running at the inaugural Paris Legends Championship.
James Kingston with Bernhard Langer after his Mercedes Benz Championship victory in 2009
After wading into unfamiliar territory throughout the season, Kingston has a positive outlook on his future on the Senior Tour.
“I wasn’t sure what to expect this season,” he said. “But the more I played, the more comfortable I got with my game again. Hopefully next year I’ll feel a little more prepared.
“Once you start playing again, it’s a bit like riding a bicycle. I got to know my game again.
“Most of the courses on the Senior Tour I’d never played before and didn’t know about. So hopefully I’ll have a better idea and be a little more comfortable next year.”
Kingston played in 16 events on the European Tour in 2014, but made just two appearances the following year.
Having taken time away from regular competitive golf for nearly two years, the 50 year old admitted he was caught out by the competitiveness of his rivals on the Senior Tour.
“You expect the guys to be competitive, but it definitely caught me by surprise,” he said. “Some people out there might think that these are just old guys walking around on crutches but, believe me, that's not the case. These guys can play.
“They have always been competitive, and they are probably just as competitive as they have always been. It’s great being here and competing again with some of these guys.”
James Kingston with his son Chris on the bag at the Travis Perkins Masters
With just one event of the season remaining, the MCB Tour Championship in Mauritius, Kingston reflected on the tournaments he has participated in throughout 2016.
“Not having played for such a long time, I’m pretty pleased,” said Kingston. “I can’t be displeased. I’ve played pretty consistent golf at most of the events this year.
“A disappointing second round in Italy last month took me out of it; it could have been different for me that week, and I feel that’s the same story for one or two other events as well.
“I got myself into positions at times, but didn’t make the most of it.
“That being said, I’m looking forward to next year and what’s to come.”
