Gilder ready to defend his Allianz Championship

Oregon native Bob Gilder returned to the Glen Oaks Country Club today (Tuesday) in West Des Moines to preview his upcoming attempt to defend his 2002 Allianz Championship. He says it’s and honor to be back and an honor to be the Allianz champion. Gilder says the Allianz is a tournament you want to win and one of the best run on the tour. The Allianz is part of what used to be know as the Seniors Tour, but is now called the “Champions Tour.” Gilder says returning to the scene of a win can be good or bad, depending on how you’re playing at the time.He says sometimes it can be very difficult and other times it can be easy. Gilder says it’s hard to defend because of the expectations, and says he’s jealous of those guys who can go out and defend as he says it’s not as easy as you think it is. Gilder says the event at the gated West Des Moines community is a favorite because of the interest it draws from the fans. He says as athletes and performers, golfers love to perform in front of people. He says the Allianz has one of the largest crowds on the tour and the golfers love it. He made a joking reference to our recent weather, saying that if we could “just turn the tornadoes off”, it would be better. Gilder was asked if this course favors his game more than others. He says he tries not to think about it that way, because he says a fade is a fade, and draw is a draw, and if you can’t hit those shots, you can’t play anywhere. He says if you can’t hit the shots, you can’t hit anywhere, so he says they step up to the hole and try to do what it takes. Gilder recalled his victory in 2002, which came down to a four-foot putt.He says he had a lot of confidence, and said, “there’s no way I’m gonna miss this”. He says sometimes you can get over those putts and feel like you’re going to throw up. Gilder says the Allianz was one of the keys to his successful season last year.The Allianz Championship is August 18 through the 24th at the Glen Oaks Country Club.