St. Andrews, Scotland – Michael Campbell isn’t a big fan of the Old Course’s closing hole.
The U.S. Open champion, contending again at the British Open after a 4-under-par 68 on Saturday, was asked if the short par 4 – a mere 357 yards – was a good way to finish a major.
Most players drive the green or come up just short, setting up the chance for a two-putt birdie. And the big hitters don’t even have to use their driver.
No. 18 ranked as the easiest hole Saturday, producing two eagles, 42 birdies and 32 pars. Only four players managed to bogey the hole.
“If they bring it back another 40 or 50 yards to the left-hand side, it would be a tough hole then,” Campbell said.
The New Zealander has birdied the hole all three days. He goes into the final round with a 7-under 209, five strokes behind leader Tiger Woods.
“It’s a very, very short hole for a finishing hole,” Campbell said. “You can’t really miss the fairway, because it’s so wide” with the adjacent first fairway.
“But move it back 40 yards, that brings it back into play.”
Faldo’s record
Nick Faldo announced proudly that he beat Jack Nicklaus’ record for sub-70 British Open rounds on the same day the Golden Bear made his St. Andrews farewell.
Only one problem: Faldo eclipsed the mark three years ago at Muirfield.
The Englishman took his record of below-70 rounds to 36 with a 69 on Friday. Nicklaus, who played his final major the same day, went into the 60s 33 times at the British.
Leading the way
Woods is right where he wants to be – out front.
In nine previous major wins, including this year’s Masters, Woods led or had a share of the lead after three rounds.
Overall, he’s 31-of-34 when out front after 54 holes.
Daly in the hunt
John Daly, got off to a wonderful start Saturday with three straight birdies and managed a 70-210 and a tie for ninth.
“I’m hoping I can still be in touch at the end; it depends on Tiger’s round, really,” he said. “If Tiger stays where he is and doesn’t go too low, maybe I’ve got a chance if the wind whips up.”
Daly caused a stir last week by not attending a Tuesday night dinner for past British Open champions in the Royal and Ancient clubhouse. He had a simple excuse.
“Well, it’s a tie and a jacket, and I don’t travel with one,” he said. “You’re not going to put a coat and tie on me for dinner, and I’m just being honest. The wives can’t go, and I’d rather see the wives being able to go instead of just all the guys. I was feeling pretty tired, too. If I’m going to hang myself, I’ll put a rope around my neck. I just don’t get into those (dinners). I think they’re really boring.”
