Slocum waits, then gets his shot

The Denver Post and wire services Heath Slocum shot a solid 73 on Thursday. SOUTHPORT, England — Sitting in the players' dining area at 9:15 a.m. on Thursday, first alternate Heath Slocum figured he wouldn't make the British Open field, so it came as quite a rush when he wound up teeing off at 9:42, gracing the leaderboard briefly and shooting a commendable 3-over-par 73. The Louisiana-born, Florida- raised Slocum, 34, hoping against hope for his first chance at a British Open, had traveled over the Atlantic on a sponsor's charter Sunday. He'd progressed from fourth alternate to first after Kenny Perry's decision to play in Milwaukee plus withdrawals by Luke Donald and David Toms. By policy, the Royal & Ancient, which operates the Open, gives alternates a locker and practice rights. "It was awesome," he said. "They really... [read full story]