Round one of the ISPS HANDA Senior Open is in the books, and Andy Marshall opened his championship with a 1-over-par 71, leaving him joint 64th after the first day's play. Looking at the scorecard, it was a round that could easily have been a couple of shots better. Three bogeys interrupted his progress, but Andy showed real character by finishing with birdies on both the 17th and 18th holes. Walking off the course with back-to-back birdies is always a great way to end the day and gives plenty of confidence heading into the second round. This evening, I received a lovely update from Ella, Andy's Number One Caddie. She told me that Andy was pleased with the way he had played today. He had some really unlucky putts that just didn't drop. Andy felt he putted well, but the greens weren't at their best. Most importantly, he's in good spirits tonight and is looking to go nice and steady tomorrow. I replied to Ella: "Thanks for the update number one Caddie. Just remind him what Dr Bob Rotella says about putting, I quote 'The most important factor in putting well is the confidence that enables the player to see it and do it, simply and subconsciously.' Be confident and brave with your putting, you always did as a youngster.......play well tomorrow!" A score of one over par certainly hasn't put Andy out of the championship. The leaderboard is tightly packed after the opening round, and with three rounds still to play there's plenty of time to move through the field. If a few of those putts that just missed today begin to drop, there's every chance of climbing the leaderboard. Good luck tomorrow! Steve Beckham