Tom Watson feels 'serene .... it would be something

special if I do what I intend to do on Sunday'

FROM THE TELEGRAPH.CO.UK WEBSITE
By MARK REASON
For much of the third round at Turnberry today, Tom Watson showed the whippersnappers how to hit a golf ball off the pinched seaside turf. He shaped his shots with the precision of Rodin knocking a few chips out of a block of marble. Watson has been telling us all week that he can win this darned thing and we are finally starting to believe him.
We thought TW might win the Open this year, but we did not think TW would turn out to be Tom Watson. He said: “This old geezer might have a chance to win the tournament. It’s like Greg Norman last year. I know that my friend Jack [Nicklaus] is watching. It would be something special if I do what I intend to do.”
Watson revealed that as he walked up the 18th fairway he told his caddie: “Bruce is with us today.” Bruce is Watson’s former caddie Bruce Edwards, who died of Lou Gehrig’s disease a few years ago. It was a wonder that Watson could still two-putt through the tears.
Asked if he would be nervous going into the final round, Watson said: “I didn’t feel real nervous out there today. I guess serene is the right word for it. It ended on a real good note again. I feel like my nerves are too well fried to feel [any more]. Let’s just go with what I got.”
Watson will play with Australian Mathew Goggin in Sunday’s final round. He could scarcely wish for a better partner. Goggin, who played with Watson in the third round of the 2003 Open at St George’s, said: “That was probably the highlight of the Open for me. He’s such a great player and such a great champion, especially at the Open. It was shocking just how good he was. I’m thinking he’s getting on in years and not playing so much and he’s just smashing it around.”
Watson can triumph, but this is now the open Open. There are still more than 20 players who could win and the English must be in with their best chance of a major since Nick Faldo last shined his golf shoes as a realistic contender.
There are four Englishmen inside the top 20 and even the likes of Luke Donald, David Howell and Oliver Wilson are not entirely out of it at three over par.
Fisher and Lee Westwood have as good a shot as anyone on the leaderboard. From tee to green they were the best players on the course in the third round. Both men have contended at US Opens over the previous two years. They know what it feels like at the warm end of a major.
Westwood and Fisher hit so many good iron shots throughout the third round, but how often have we twisted our bodies in anguish as another putt slips by the edge of the hole. When the Brits are in contention at a major we need a chiropractor by the end of the week. Our necks and spines are like spaghetti junction.
It is agony. Why have there not been any great British putters down the years? Willie Park Jnr said the man who can putt is a match for anyone. The trouble is that he won the Open back in 1889. It feels that we have been waiting that long for another decent putter to come along.
Why are all the great putters in history from overseas? Is it something to do with orange juice and sunshine?
Lloyd Mangrum used to say of the South African Bobby Locke: “That son of a bitch was able to hole a putt over 60 feet of peanut brittle.” The Brits do not seem to be able to hole a putt down the spout of a funnel.
Fisher’s only bogey on the front nine came when he missed a tiddler on the fifth green. There was an inevitability about it. Fisher looked like a man who wanted to get it over with. The 28 year-old had a great chance to win the US Open but he putted like a man whose fingers were set in concrete.
Fisher, the bookies’ favourite, does not talk about winning a major, he talks about winning majors. That is good to hear, but he will have to hole the putts on Sunday. Fisher has the long game, but does he have the touch and the unblinking belief to hole the clutch putts?
The same is true of Westwood. Asked how he holed so many putts, the great American potter Billy Casper said: “How does a seagull fly, how does a centipede get all those legs working at once?”
Westwood would love to know the answer to those questions, but he also knows it is about hanging around and not making the big mistakes.
Fisher is just hoping that his wife, Jo, who was due on Tuesday, does not go into labour during today’s final round. Asked if he would walk off the course if the call came through, Fisher decided to duck the question.
It may well come down to a choice between paternity and eternity – Fisher will be a father for the rest of his life, but he may have only one chance to become a part of history.
SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE REPORTS FROM THE OPEN AND ALL THE SCORES

Spey Valley master class for Highland children

NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY ROB EYTON-JONES
Highland children taking part in clubgolf programmes have been given a unique opportunity to watch European Challenge Tour players and develop their own golf skills at Macdonald’s Spey Valley Golf Course during this month’s Scottish Hydro Challenge Tour Event.
On Thursday, July 30 some 60 juniors from 10 Highland golf clubs will take part in coaching clinics with resident PGA professional, Murray Urquhart and enjoy a putting lesson and competition with his assistant Joe Francis. For the rest of the day they will watch Tour Pros in action.
“We are delighted to be hosting this event, the aim of which is to keep the children enthused and involved in golf,” said Murray Urquhart.
“From a clubgolf point of view it’s great to get the kids along to experience a golf course during a big European Tour event.
“They will draw inspiration from watching some of the best young players in Europe. In the coaching clinic they will learn different skills and shots that they will develop as they get older, such as how to fade, draw, short game chip and run.”
clubgolf is a partnership between the Scottish Golf Union (SGU), the Scottish Ladies' Golfing Association (SLGA), the Professional Golfers' Association (PGA), the Golf Foundation and sportscotland.
This year 38,784 P5 pupils (2,335 of them in Highland) have been introduced to the game through clubgolf’s introductory game, firstclubgolf.
More than 250 clubs and facilities across the country are now delivering clubgolf programmes. Working within them to deliver coaching to around 10,000 children this summer are over 1,500 qualified volunteer coaches.
“This is exactly the type of opportunity that clubgolf is looking to develop,” said Willie MacKay, clubgolf’s Highland & Islands Regional Manager.
“In 2008, 1,513 juniors were involved in clubgolf coaching programmes at 45 golf clubs across Highland & Islands and it is these children from last year’s programmes that we have invited.
“For these up and coming young golfers to see how professional players tackle a championship course and deal with the elements, such as cross winds, and playing out of hazards is a valuable experience
“Some of the children we have invited will be playing the Spey Valley course in the Highland junior championships in October. So this is a great opportunity for them to see the course and how it’s being played.”
clubgolf’s invitation has been greeted with enormous enthusiasm across Highland.
Said Nairn Golf Club’s junior girls' convener Jenny Abbot:
“We have 90 juniors at Nairn and they’re so keen to go to this event at Spey Valley that we could have filled all places ourselves without any trouble.
“This will motivate them to see what they can achieve in later life. They can see that if they work at the game and put in the hours they too can achieve what the players on the tour can achieve. And they will be getting coaching as well which is a real bonus.
“We have been doing clubgolf at Nairn for six years. All kids we’re taking have come through our clubgolf programme and have handicaps; the girls between 25 and 19, boys between 16 and 14.”

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP

It's the Wonder of Watson - but

can Old Tom keep it going

another day?

ASKS COLIN FARQUHARSON
Can the Wonder of Watson last just one more day - the final day of the 2009 Open championship at his beloved Turnberry where he scored arguably the most memorable - until now - of his five wins in 1977.
Tom Watson, now 59 but apart from the odd wrinkle, much the same man with much the same cheery smile and much the same crisp swing and gait, will start Sunday with a one-shot lead to protect or increase over the last 18 holes as he chases a would-you-believe-it? sixth Open victory.
Four of the five previous Open wins have been on Scottish links - Carnoustie (1975), Turnberry (1977), Royal Troon (1980) and Muirfield (1982).
Just when you think "Old Tom" has shot his bolt and he will now start to subside down the field, up he comes with birdies at two of the final three holes today for a third-round 71 and a 54-hole tally of four-under-par 206.
Forget about the one-time Kid from Kansas - there are those of us who can remember when Tom first came to the fore in the early 1970s, he was labelled as "choker" because he had a history of losing tournaments he should have won, which seems such nonsense with the benefit of hindsight.
But, as I say, if you stand back from the "Wow" factor of Watson this week, you have potentially one of the most "anyone-can-win" last days in the recent Open championship history. If this is what happens when Tiger Woods does not survive the halfway cut, it may be a disaster for him but it sure makes life very interesting for the rest of us.
For Aberdonians, it brings back memories of 1999 at Carnoustie when Paul Lawrie started the final day well off the pace after rounds of 73, 74 and 76 but shot a brilliant last round of 67 (seven better than Tiger Woods' last round) to force himself into a play-off with Justin Leonard and Jean Van de Velde before eventually winning it.
Lawrie, after a disappointing third-round 76, starts the final day at Turnberry on 220, some 14 shots behind Watson.
With Padraig Harrington 13 shots off the pace after a 76 for 219 and his dream of a hat-trick of Open titles now gone, the leading player from this side of the Atlantic is Englishman Ross Fisher whose pregnant wife might go into labour at any minute with all the excitement her husband is causing.
Fisher put together a fine par-matching 70 in conditions that were not so easy as Thursday but not so difficult as Friday, a cross wind testing the judgement of all the players.
Fisher and one of the lesser-known Australians, Mathew Goggin who had a 67 for 27, share second place, one shot behind Watson.
England's Lee Westwood and South African Retief Goosen are sitting two strokes off the lead.
American duo Jim Furyk and Stewart Cink are just behind on one under and are the only other players under par after another blustery day made low scoring difficult.
Only five players managed to card an under-par round and with the wind set to increase on Sunday, another unpredictable day is in prospect.
But Watson, who collected the last of his eight majors at the Open in 1984, has displayed a mastery of the conditions all week and on Sunday will draw on a wealth of links experience in his quest for a remarkable win.
Tom Watson's playing partner and compatriot Steve Marino salvaged a 76 when he looked at one stage as if he were heading for an 86.
The 29-year-old lesser light from the US PGA Tour dropped five strokes to par over his first five holes. His ball plugged in the side of a hill and the hole, a short one, cost him a triple bogey 6.
He missed a whole series of putts from within the 10ft mark that he had knocked in nonchalantly over the first two days in a 67-68 start.
But don't get the idea that Marino is there under false pretences. They guy can play. He had an eagle, nearly made another and closed with a birdie-birdie finish that kept him on the fringe of contention.
"Right now, I'm a little bit bummed out because I really hung in there in the middle of the round," said Marino whose six-over 76 included only seven pars. "It's amazing how fast you can let a pretty good round get away from you."
Padraig Harrington's chances of winning a third consecutive Open Championship were blown firmly off course in the third round.
Harrington, seeking to emulate Peter Thomson's Open hat-trick of 1954-56, made the cut by a single shot, the Irishman lying eight strokes off the pace on three over par following rounds of 69 and 74.
The 37-year-old got off to the perfect start in his third round with a birdie on the first from 10ft, but he then missed from similar range on the second, three-putted the third for bogey and dropped another stroke at the par-5 seventh.
A double bogey on the eighth took Harrington out in 38, and further bogeys on the 12th and 14th meant the three-time major winner was eight over par and 13 shots off the lead.
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The Open Championship's official website
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Harrington, of course, came from six shots back going into the final round of his first Open triumph at Carnoustie in 2007.
There are only seven players under the 54-hole par of 210 - and any one of them can win it: Watson, Goggin, Fisher, Westwood, Goosen, Furyk or Goosen.
And the incentive for the next 20 players on 211 and 212 is that they too have the chance to do a Paul Lawrie or even a Johnny Miller, who shot a very low score on the last day to come out of the pack and win the 1973 Open at Oakmont.
One thing is certain before a ball is struck in the fourth round, 16-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero, who became the youngest ever winner of the British amateur title last month at Formby, will win the silver medal as the leading amateur in the Open.
TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - Sixteen-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero will finish school before turning professional despite winning the silver medal as leading amateur at the British Open.
He is the only amateur still standing and with a three-round total of 213, he has done a lot better than quite a few professionals in the Turnberry field.
The best news is that he is going to complete his education, maybe even at a US college where he would have the pick of the best if he wants to.
"No, I do not want to turn professional (now), in three years when I finish school," Manassero said today after carding a two-over 72 in the third round.
Other winners of the silver medal, like world number 22 Rory McIlroy two years ago, and Scotland's Lloyd Saltman before that have turned professional after achieving success as amateurs at the Open.
"I must finish school, it is important to me," said Manassero.

HOW THEY STAND AFTER THREE ROUNDS
Par 210 (3x70)
206 Tom Watson (United States) 65 70 71.
207 Mathew Goggin (Australia) 66 72 69, Ross Fisher (England) 69 68 70.
208 Lee Westwood (England) 68 70 70, Retief Goosen (South Africa) 67 70 71.
209 Jim Furyk (United States) 67 72 70, Stewart Cink (United States) 66 72 71.
211 Bryce Molder (United States) 70 73 67, Richard S Johnson (Sweden) 70 72 69, Thongchai Jaidee (Thailand) 69 72 69, Boo Weekley (United States) 67 72 72, Angel Cabrera (Argentina) 69 70 72, Steve Marino (United States) 67 68 76.
212 Thomas Aiken (South Africa) 71 72 69, Paul McGinley (Ireland) 71 71 70, GraemeMcDowell (Northern Ireland) 68 73 71, Henrik Stenson (Sweden) 71 70 71, Francesco Molinari (Italy) 71 70 71, Justin Rose (England) 69 72 71, Chris Wood (England) 70 70 72, John Daly (United States) 68 72 72, Branden Grace (South Africa) 67 72 73, Camilo Villegas (Colombia) 66 73 73, James Kingston (South Africa) 67 71 74, Vijay Singh (Fiji) 67 70 73, Kenichi Kuboya (Japan) 65 72 75.
213 Justin Leonard (United States) 70 70 73, Nick Dougherty (England) 70 7 73, Martin Kaymer (Germany) 69 70 74, J B Holmes (United States) 68 70 75, Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain) 64 73 76, Mark Calcavecchia (United States) 67 69 77, Luke Donald (England) 71 70 70, Steve Stricker (United States) 66 77 70, Oliver Wilson (England) 72 70 71, David Howell (England) 68 73 72, Peter Hanson (Sweden) 70 71 72, Matteo Manassero (Italy) (amateur) 71 70 72, Ernie Els (South Africa) 69 72 72. .
214 Nick Watney (United States) 71 72 71, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (Spain) 69 72 73, Soren Hansen (Denmark).
215 Thomas Levet (France) 71 73 71, Soren Kjeldsen (Denmark) 68 76 71, Billy Mayfair (United States) 69 73 73, Kevin Sutherland (United States) 69 73 73, Davis Love (United States) 69 73 73, Andres Romero (Argentina) 68 74 73, Anthony Wall (England) 68 72 75, Richard Sterne (South Africa) 67 73 75, Sergio Garcia (Spain) 70 69 76, Jeff Overton (United States) 70 69 76.
216 Johann Edfors (Sweden) 71 73 72, Paul Broadhurst (England) 70 72 74, Tom Lehman (United States) 68 74 74.
217 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) 69 74 74, David Drysdale (Scotland), 69 73 75, Robert Allenby (Australia) 69 74 74.
218 Graeme Storm (England) 72 72 784, Paul Casey (England) 68 76 74, Sean O'Hair (United States) 68 75 75, Kenny Perry (United States) 71 72 75, Zach Johnson (United States) 70 71 77.
219 Stuart Appleby 71 72 76, Padraig Harrington (Ireland) 69 74 76, Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) 70 72 77, Fredrik Andersson Hed (Sweden) 71 70 78.
220 Paul Lawrie (Scotland) 71 73 76, Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland) 71 71 78.
221 Mark O'Meara (United States) 67 77 77 , Paul Goydos (United States) 73 72 77.
222 Ryuji Imada (Japan) 74 69 79, Daniel Gaunt (Australia) 76 67 69.

Late eagle helps Gunn win

$1,630 for jt 10th in Arizona

Jimmy Gunn from Dornoch boosted his year's earnings on the Gateway Tour to $27,277 in 21 events (missed cut nine times) by winning $1,630 for a joint 10th place finish in the latest event, the Desert Summer Series No 6 at Raven Golf Club, Verrado in Arizona.
Gunn's rounds were 72, 65 and 69 for a 1o-over-par troal of 206.
In his final round the northern Scot had a double bogey 6 at the eighth but later cancelled that out with an eagle 3 at the 588yd 16th hole.
Over the three rounds, Gunn had one eagle, 16 birdies, 2 double bogeys and 4 bogeys.
Winner of the $9,000 first prize at Raven Golf Club was American Ray Beaufils with scores of 69, 66 and 66 for a 15-under-par total of 201. He finished two shots ahead of five players.

If Monty was upset by Lyle,

how's he going to cope

with pressure of Ryder

Cup week captaincy?

FROM THE SPORT.SCOTSMAN.COM WEBSITE
By Alan Pattullo
While he has hammed up the wounded animal act, Colin Montgomerie perhaps has cause to thank Sandy Lyle if they ever do manage to have that pint together.
The Jakarta-gate row with Lyle has overshadowed not only Montgomerie's poor play, but also the rather brutal possibility that this might be his last Open. Indeed, his Open career could already be over after a four-over-par 74 meant he missed the cut for the third time in his last four appearances in the tournament.
Living up to the 'drama queen' reputation resurrected by Lyle earlier this week, Montgomerie kept everyone hanging on. The projected cut hovered around four-over-par for much of the day; he finished on five.
His performance here continued his recent trend of (comparative) mediocrity on the golf course. He deserves some sympathy for having been catapulted into the media spotlight this week due to loose words elsewhere.
But if Monty's Turnberry performance was affected by Lyle's taunts, then what will happen when pitched into the real pressure-cooker environment that is the Ryder Cup?
Asked directly whether the brouhaha had impacted on his two rounds at Turnberry, Montgomerie seized on the opportunity to lay the blame somewhere other than on his own doorstep:
"Very much so, yes," he said.
Few will be fooled by this. Neither will they be surprised by Montgomerie's eagerness to deflect from his shortcomings. As he waited to tee off at the 17th during yesterday's round, he noted to his caddie that the wind had now died down.
What he was implying seemed obvious to those present: 'Jeez, that's just typical, the guys behind me are going to have it easy compared to put-upon me.'
Monty's greatest gripe this week has been with Lyle. But he was not standing over his shoulder and whispering 'cheat' into his ear when he failed to distinguish himself at Loch Lomond last week. Nor was his nemesis to blame at the European Open, when he finished tied for 55th, or at the BMW international Open, when he limped in at 66th on the leaderboard.
Montgomerie's 13th finish at the French Open is his best result of the year. With or without Lyle, Colin's talent is on the wane, regrettably, as he grows older.
In Japanese custom it is normal for those reaching the end of their days to return to their place of birth to die. His native Ayrshire could be a fitting location for his Open career to be given the last rites.
The clapping which was heard as he trudged up fairways resembled that which salutes a funeral cortege as it passes. It was slow, respectful and shot through with sadness. The Scottish golf galleries have long been recognised as knowledgeable. They were aware of the significance of the moment.
Even the wind in the wires above seemed to moan out a lament for Montgomerie, who had chosen a dark blue jersey for what could prove his farewell to the competition. It is hard to credit. The Scot finished runner-up to Tiger Woods at St Andrews just four years ago but could now reap the bleak harvest of having failed to clinch an Open title in 20 attempts.
While Paul Lawrie can look forward to competing in every Open until he is 60, thanks to his victory at Carnoustie 10 years ago, Monty is staring down the barrel of it all being over, aged just 46.
The Scot was actually lucky to qualify for this year's Open. Only a helpful change in the rules saw him join the other 155 competitors on Thursday morning. Instead of the top 20 on last season's European money list being rewarded with places it became the top 30. Montgomerie finished 27th.
Judging by his current form, he could struggle to feature in the top 30 next year. While he has been given an exemption at next month's US PGA championship due to his Ryder Cup captaincy, the Royal and Ancient club do not tend to issue invitations for this reason.
As for the Masters, Montgomerie did not qualify this year, and could struggle to do so again. The US Open, which always seemed his most likely route to major success and where he finished second on three occasions, will also require the Scot to play himself into the tournament.
Where now for Monty? He returned to his home in Perthshire last night with much thinking to do, although one thing is now firm in his mind: fellow-Perthshire resident Lyle will not be joining him on his Ryder Cup team next year.
This contest with the United States only runs for three days, but will occupy much of his time in the weeks and months ahead. While it won't necessarily affect his game, his commitments ahead of the Celtic Manor event are hardly going to help it.
Indeed, yesterday seemed to accurately represent where Montgomerie is now. He just cannot seem to take any strides forward. His last six birdies were all followed immediately by bogeys. "You can't do that and unfortunately I am going to miss out here," he said.
If it's frustrating for the fans, then what must the torment be like in Monty's mind? A rapturously received birdie at the 13th hole, where he had to recover after hitting his second into a bunker, was followed by a messy bogey at the next.
Bunker and hay were visited on his way to a 5 and his mood darkened again. His slouched demeanour was permitted in the circumstances. He still commands support. It has been more notable this week due to him having also attracted the sympathy vote.
Many here felt Lyle's comments were below the belt, and uncalled for. These are Monty's ain (Ayrshire) folk, after all.
One shout of "Well played Monty!" seemed intended to gee him up but having just pocketed a double bogey, the Scot understandably interpreted it as sarcasm. He stopped in his tracks. "Well played? I have just shot a double bogey!"
He felt the warmth of the crowd when a marshall shouted, "Will you stand still!" to spectators just as he was addressing the ball at the 17th. Monty glared at the gentleman in question, and just shook his head.
"C'mon Monty, you can still do it!" came another shout.The Scot would swap all this empathy for a place among the contenders again. It was all rather mundane as he came down the last fairway at just after 1pm. It felt as though the flags on the stands should all have been at half-mast. Applause rippled in the galleries but was drowned out by the reception for Tom Watson at the first tee nearby.
Montgomerie really needed at least a par to leave him with a chance of weekend involvement. He shot a bogey, having found another bunker with his tee shot. This wasn't the way anyone wanted him to go – not even Sandy Lyle.

IT'S 7-1 THE FIELD NOW THAT TIGER'S GONE
The shock and totally unexpected departure of Tiger Woods at the halfway stage of the Open has left punters racking their brains to find the next winner of the Claret Jug, with some generous prices reflecting the nature of a closely-packed field.
LATEST ODDS
L Westwood 7-1
R Goosen 7-1
R Fisher 10-1
S Garcia 10-1
S Marino 14-1
V Singh 14-1
J Furyk 16-1
C Villegas 20-1
M Kaymer 20-1
M A Jiménez 20-1
A Cabrera 25-1
S Cink 25-1
J B Holmes 33-1
M Calcavecchia 33-1
T Watson 33-1
Others 50-1 and upwards
•Source: Ladrokes.com

US PGA Tour Scoreboard
SECOND-ROUND TOTALS
Par 140 (2x70)
131 Greg Chalmers (Aus) 64 67
133 Jeff Klauk 64 69, Kris Blanks 70 63, Chris Riley 67 66
134 Kevin Na 69 65, Steve Flesch 69 65, Marc Turnesa 69 65
135 Michael Letzig 68 67, Jeff Maggert 68 67, Jeff Quinney 67 68, Jeff Sluman 69 66, Bo Van Pelt 67 68, Tommy Gainey 67 68
136 Brendon De Jonge 70 66, Omar Uresti 69 67, Tag Ridings 66 70, Harrison Frazar 70 66, Stephen Leaney (Aus) 67 69, John Mallinger 70 66, Skip Kendall 66 70, Jason Gore 66 70, Frank Lickliter II 66 70
137 Jerry Kelly 69 68, Joe Durant 67 70, Jonathan Kaye 70 67, Kirk Triplett 67 70, Kyle Stanley 71 66, Scott Hoch 70 67, Johnson Wagner 68 69, Bob Tway 73 64
138 Chris Stroud 71 67, Joe Ogilvie 67 71, Steve Lowery 70 68, Lee Janzen 70 68, Parker McLachlin 70 68, Tom Pernice Jnr. 70 68, Mark Wilson 68 70, Steve Elkington (Aus) 69 69, Kevin Streelman 71 67, Kevin Stadler 69 69, Loren Roberts 69 69, Tim Petrovic 68 70, Glen Day 71 67, Troy Matteson 68 70
139 Spencer Levin 71 68, Tim Herron 70 69, Colt Knost 68 71, Mark Hensby (Aus) 67 72, Matthew Jones (Aus) 71 68, John Rollins 71 68, George McNeill 69 70, Guy Boros 70 69, Leif Olson 69 70, Jay Williamson 68 71
140 Aron Price (Aus) 70 70, Casey Wittenberg 71 69, Mathias Gronberg (Swe) 72 68, Nick O'Hern (Aus) 69 71, Brad Faxon 70 70, Brett Quigley 68 72, David Peoples 70 70, Scott Sterling 69 71, Corey Pavin 73 67, Carlos Franco (Par) 69 71
141 Brian Davis (Eng) 73 68, Mark Brooks 71 70, Garrett Willis 72 69, Ryan Helminen 73 68, Cliff Kresge 68 73, Ronnie Black 71 70, Heath Slocum 71 70, Peter Lonard (Aus) 72 69, Aaron Watkins 71 70, Bill Haas 73 68, Cameron Beckman 72 69, Shaun Micheel 70 71, Dicky Pride 72 69, Troy Kelly 69 72, Jesper Parnevik (Swe) 73 68, Nicholas Thompson 70 71
MISSED THE CUT
142 Peter Tomasulo 76 66, Kent Jones 72 70, David Gossett 76 66, Bill Lunde 75 67, Jason Dufner 71 71, Darron Stiles 70 72, Scott Piercy 75 67, Fred Funk 71 71, Brian Vranesh 70 72, Nathan Green (Aus) 68 74, Scott Gutschewski 72 70, Steve Allan (Aus) 73 69, Matt Weibring 71 71, James Oh 71 71, Tyler Aldridge 70 72
143 Charles Warren 75 68, Marco Dawson 71 72, J.T Kohut 72 71, Mike Van sickle 72 71, Matt Bettencourt 69 74, Matthew Borchert 67 76, Billy Andrade 72 71, Marc Leishman (Aus) 71 72, Jimmy Walker 73 70, David Mathis 73 70, Rocco Mediate 74 69
144 Patrick Sheehan 73 71, Eric Axley 76 68, J.P. Hayes 71 73
145 Arjun Atwal (Ind) 75 70, Robert Damron 75 70, Chris DiMarco 73 72, Gary Woodland 78 67, David Berganio Jnr. 73 72, Rick Price 72 73, Bob Heintz 75 70, Deane Pappas (Rsa) 68 77
146 Michael Bradley 74 72, Robert Gamez 74 72, Brian Brodell 74 72, Brendon Todd 75 71
147 Dean Wilson 73 74
148 Jay Delsing 75 73, Paul Stankowski 74 74, Robin Freeman 73 75, Rich Beem 74 74
149 Wil Collins 75 74
151 Tim Cantwell Jr 75 76
153 Brad Peck 75 78
WD: Neal Lancaster 74, Derek Fathauer 80

DAD-TO-BE ROSS WAITS FOR WIFE-IN-LABOUR CALL

Fisher has every chance of bringing

this baby home

FROM THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER GOLF SERVICE
By Andy Farrell at Turnberry
When it comes to holding aloft precious cargo this weekend Ross Fisher could have his hands full, with or without the Claret Jug. There is no guarantee that Fisher, despite being handily placed on the leaderboard, will even complete the 138th Open.
As soon as news arrives that his pregnant wife Jo is going into labour, the 28-year-old Wentworth professional will be on a private plane from Prestwick to Farnborough.
The due date was on Tuesday but after Fisher completed 36 holes in scores of 69 and 68 to be three under par, the fairytale finish would see him holding both the new born and the Open trophy by Monday morning.
Out in the worst of yesterday morning's conditions, Fisher produced a rare sub-par round and after signing his card, rose further up the leaderboard while others still struggled out on the links.
Back home in Cheam, Jo had to leave the television for a doctor's appointment.
Fisher's situation mirrors that of Phil Mickelson at the 1999 US Open when he carried a pager and also vowed to leave the course the moment he was required elsewhere. He contended until the very last hole before losing to Payne Stewart's birdie.
Had he forced a play-off the next day, he could not have stayed for it.
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More Open championship stories. Click on line to read:
Watson of old fills void left by wounded Tiger
A day when Tiger looked mortal and bewildered
Monty overdoes the death stare as his game deserts him
Gary Player: 'In 1955 I slept in the dunes. I wanted to win so badly'
2009 Open diary: Rose gets one over 16th
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"I'd love to be here for all four days but obviously my wife comes first," Fisher said. "If she were to go into labour later this evening or tomorrow I've got no choice. I want to be there. It's going to be a great experience and one that I don't want to miss."
But if the baby were to hang on a couple more days, or to arrive outside of Fisher's weekend tee-times, then an even greater story remains a hope. "Maybe this is an inspiration, perhaps it is driving me on to hopefully win a major championship and then see Jo give birth to our first child. It would be a fairytale but obviously it is out of my hands. Hopefully it will hold off for another couple of days and I can play two more good rounds."
Thoughts of Fisher winning a maiden major are far from fanciful. He may have won only twice on the European Tour but he looked comfortable in his debut at the Masters in April and highly impressive when almost winning the US Open last month.
A fifth-place finish at Bethpage, one ahead of Tiger Woods and three behind the winner Lucas Glover, showed Fisher that his "game is ready to win the biggest and best tournaments". His long game was superb but he did not get rewarded on the greens. Here he has taken command on the closing stretch, birdieing the last three holes on Thursday and the 15th, 16th and 17th holes yesterday.
Two other strongly-fancied English players have not lived up to expectations. Ian Poulter, who at Royal Birkdale last year saw only one person ahead of him on the leaderboard, finished with hardly anybody behind him at 14 over par. "I didn't hit any decent shots," he said. "If you are going to play that badly it doesn't matter where you play. I would have missed the cut on the easiest municipal playing like that. I could have had a set of spades in my bag this week and I still wouldn't have found the middle of the greens."
Meanwhile, Paul Casey, the world No 3, missed an 18-inch tap-in on the fifth and snapped his driver in frustration on the eighth before finishing the day at four over par and just making the cut. "It had lasted four years so it has had a good innings," he said.

Shot of the day
Tom Watson's birdie putt on the 18th. Not quite as long as his 75ft putt on the 16th but far more dramatic. He and his 17-year-old playing partner Matteo Manassero were just off the green almost equidistant from the hole and they jokingly disputed who was furthest away. The young Italian went first but it was Watson's brilliant putt that brought the grandstand to its feet.

Sky presenter Kay Burley accuses TV channel's

sports report of being 'staggeringly sexist'

FROM THE TELEGRAPH.CO.UK WEBSITE
By Matthew Moore
Sky News presenter Kay Burley, 39, criticised sports reporter Nick Powell for suggesting that Jo Fisher should not contact her husband Ross if she went into labour during the championship.
After the first two rounds at the 138th Open at Turnberry, Ross Fisher is two shots off the lead in joint fourth place, with a serious chance of contesting the title.
Reporting on play in a live exchange on Friday, Powell said that the golfer should not be made travel back for the birth if he was in a winning position.
"She [Jo] knows where the bread and butter comes from and an Open title is not to be sniffed at," he said.
"It's not sexist, I only mean that he is the main bread winner I happen to know."
Burley, who anchors the afternoon programme on the rolling news channel, immediately challenged her colleague.
"Staggeringly sexist comments coming from my left here," she said. "She probably brings some money to the table too."
Burley then asked women to call in with their opinions on Powell's statements.
Speaking before the tournament, Ross Fisher, 28, said he would abandon the tournament to attend the birth, which was due on Tuesday.
"I'd love to play for all four days, but my wife comes first. If she were to go into labour later on this evening or tomorrow, I've got no choice," he said.
"I want to be there. It's going to be a great experience and one that I don't want to miss."

Duff of the day
As if Paul Casey did not have enough problems as he fell from two-under to four-over, he really did not need to miss a "tap-in" from 18 inches on the fifth. Casey did not mark it and could not take a proper stance, but he claimed the error did not arise out of frustration. However, the broken driver on the eighth tee most definitely did.

Nightmare of the day
Last year's runner-up Ian Poulter came into the Open as Britain's most fancied contender but in the event crashed out at 14-over. Yesterday's 79 was his worst ever round in the Open. "Horrible, horrible," he said. "The week's finished and thank God. I didn't hit a golf shot for two days. Were the pin positions to blame? Er, no. For me it was the green positions."

World No 1 explains first-time failure to make Open cut

'I just made too many mistakes' - Tiger Woods

FROM THE AOL GOLF NEWS SERVICE
Tiger Woods rued the errors which saw him miss the cut at the Open for the first time at Turnberry.
The world number one crashed to a second-round 74 for a five-over-par total of 145, missing the cut by one despite birdies at the 16th and 17th.
Not since 2004 has Woods has gone through a season without a major, but he knows he will have to play better than he did in Scotland as he said: "I just made too many mistakes. Obviously you can't make mistakes and expect to not only make the cut, but also try and win a championship. You have to play clean rounds of golf and I didn't."
Asked if it was the worst he could remember playing, Woods quickly retorted: "It was pretty bad at Winged Foot."
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More News (click on the Open story you want to read)
Watson enjoying fairytale Open
Cut claims big names
McIlroy draws on experience
Poulter: It was a lost cause
Related Links
The Open Championship's official website
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That was his one previous major missed cut and in that he had two rounds of 76 for a 12-over-par total that was three strokes too many to survive.
This time he shot 71-74 to miss out by one on five over.
The stretch that cost him came around the turn - tough holes at any time, but in wind and rain all the more demanding. Woods, one under for the day after a superb pitch set up a birdie on the long seventh, bogeyed the next two and then lost his ball off a wild drive down the 456-yard 10th.
That led to a double-bogey 6. He dropped another shot two holes later and then had another double on the 13th.
"I was probably going to have to birdie the last four - that's what I thought," he added, although in that he was wrong. Three would have done it.
"The wind was blowing pretty good and you just had to hit good shots. But I was struggling there for a little bit - I hit two bad three woods in a row."