Nick Watney’s memorable week began at a local club with a little lesson that bred big results.
In the moments following his victory at The Barclays Championship, Watney went out of his way to thank Darrell Kestner, the director of golf at Deepdale Golf Club in Manhasset for the past 23 years.
Watney, who was struggling with his putting, was hooked up with Kestner through a mutual friend. He worked with Kestner for two hours Monday at Deepdale and he went back Saturday morning for a refresher before his third round.
“He’s an amazing club pro,’’ Watney said. “He gave me some putting tips this week and it’s the best I’ve putted all year by far, so I definitely need to give him a big thank you. His methods are so simple and they make sense. I’ll definitely keep in touch with Darrell.’’
Kestner, 58, who has played in 18 major championships and holds the unique distinction of having played in one in each of the past five decades, was humbled by his work with Watney this week and the results that ensued.
“For me, qualifying for the PGA this year, which made me qualify for majors in five decades was thrilling as a club pro, it’s the thrill of your career,’’ Kestner told The Post last night. “But for me, as a club pro and instructor, to help someone like this to win on this grand a scale, it’s even more exciting than me playing in a major.
“It validates what you’re trying to do, whether you’re helping the member, a local amateur or the touring pro. It’s very, very sweet. And for him to acknowledge me was beyond description. The coincidence of our mutual friend [Sam Reeves] putting us together when he happened to be in town, everything kind of fell into place. It was the perfect storm.
“He is such a nice guy. I know they say ‘nice guys finish last,’ but that was not true this week.’’