Day Three at the British Open

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:35:11

TROON, Scotland ï¿½ There's no doubt about it; I saved my chance at winning the Open Championship on the last three holes today by making birdies at the 16th and 18th. It ended up a 71, level par, but it was just a struggle on the greens all day. I putted awful all day today and to birdie 16 and 18, at least now I have a chance. If I hadn't done that, six or seven back had no chance. Four or five back, well, you could make that up in nine holes if you get off to a hot start.

When I birdied the 16th, from about 12 feet, I thought if I could birdie to the house and I'd still be in it. I thought I made that birdie putt right in the middle on the 17th but it was at least great to finish with one on 18 from about 25 feet. I hit 16 greens today and I've been doing that all three days so far, hitting a lot of greens, but it's been frustrating. Those two putts that I made at the end today were pretty much the only putts I've made all week. If I could just get a good feeling on those greens. I'm just not comfortable but I'm still working hard at it.

It sure didn't start off well today, missing that little three-footer to three-putt the first hole. I felt good over that putt on the first. I don't know what happened. There are just a lot of little subtleties in the greens. You think they're breaking and they stop near the hole or they take an extra little break at the hole. That's golf. I didn't let it bother me. I know I've been hitting the ball very well and Brennan and I were talking coming up 18 that I haven't short-sided myself one time this week. I've hit it on the smart side of the hole every time and for some reason three days in a row I just haven't felt comfortable on the greens. I'll go to the putting green to see if I can work it out.

Today was also an interesting experience, playing with Colin Montgomerie. The people around here know him so well and they're really behind him. The fans here are obviously pulling for him but they're really respectful and there are a few Canadian fans out there, too. That was fun today. And I think Colin was enjoying it, having all that support. We're going to be playing together again on Sunday so I expect the fans here will be very excited again.

The weather today was a bit of an issue. The rain came down as we got to the fifth, and continued for a couple of holes, and it was blowing hard and raining again at eighteen but really, the conditions were similar to the first two days. The wind, too. It was maybe just a touch stronger, but not much. I'd rather it blows hard tomorrow and I need to post something, play one of my better rounds, that's the bottom line. I need to go out there and attack some pins. Hopefully if I do that, I can convert with the putter.

Thanks for all your support,
Mike