The Rise of Richard Teder: A Golfing Prodigy from Estonia

Richard Teder's journey to The Open Championship is nothing short of remarkable. What began as a chance encounter with golf, thanks to his auntie winning vouchers in a tennis competition, has now led him to become the first Estonian to compete in golf's oldest major tournament.

A Serendipitous Start

At the age of six, Teder's auntie won 10 golf vouchers in a tennis tournament. This random event introduced him to a sport that would eventually become his passion. By the age of 14, Teder was playing off scratch, and a growth spurt at 17 helped him gain the distance needed to compete at higher levels.

Qualifying in Style

Teder's qualification for The Open Championship was as dramatic as it gets. At the final qualifying round at West Lancashire, he secured his spot with a stunning 70-yard chip-in to win a play-off. "I've never lost in a play-off so I knew I was pretty safe," Teder laughed after the match. This incredible shot quickly went viral on social media, and Teder himself admits to watching it repeatedly.

A Historic Moment

Teder's participation in The Open Championship is a historic moment for Estonia, a country with only seven golf courses and around 4,000 players. "Being here is unbelievable – it's my favourite major by far, it's just awesome. It's the biggest tournament on the planet," Teder said. He teed off on Thursday at 10:42 BST alongside American Ryggs Johnston and Germany's Matthias Schmid.

Preparing for the Challenge

Having grown up playing junior tournaments in Scotland and competing in three Amateur Championships at seaside tracks like Royal St George's in Kent, Ballyliffin in Ireland, and Hillside on the Southport coast, Teder is no stranger to the challenges of links golf. "I'm trying to prove to myself that I belong here, which I believe I do," he said.

Future Aspirations

Teder narrowly missed out on a spot via the new global pathway last year but is now chasing a place on the DP World Tour's underling, the HotelPlanner Tour. A strong performance at The Open Championship will undoubtedly bolster his ambitions.

A Unique Journey

Teder's journey is unique, not just for his sporting achievements but also for how he learned English. "I learned English by watching YouTube videos and stuff I picked up on social media," he shared. However, there's one thing he'll be avoiding this week: kebabs. After a less-than-satisfactory celebratory meal post-qualification, Teder has decided to steer clear of them during the tournament.

Conclusion

Richard Teder's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and seizing opportunities. As he competes in The Open Championship, he not only represents Estonia but also inspires aspiring golfers worldwide. Follow his journey and witness history in the making.