David Duval (67): (2001 Open Champion) “I’ve played really well in some events in the past, had some chances that did not work out. Today, I almost did not even make a bogey. I played really well and I made my putts. I did everything I needed to do and I feel really good about that. Some people have written I have had an arm in the green jacket (US Masters) in the past and it hasn’t worked out. They did not write it in a mean way, I was just so close. So to win here is just fantastic. I think I played the par 5s probably more under par than I finished the golf tournament. I am not sure, but awful close. I took advantage of thyem each day. I think I made at least two birdies on them every day. I think that was very beneficial in me being here right now.”
Ian Woosnam (67): (Two shot penalty for having two drivers in his bag) “As you probably know, I played a great six iron at the first hole to about six inches, teed a ball up on the second and my caddy said to me: “You’re going to go ballistic, we’ve got two drivers in the bag.” At that moment I felt like I had been kicked in the teeth and was very disappointed. It took me a few holes to recover. I suppose I should have checked the clubs, but that is what you pay a caddy for. It’s the biggest mistake he will make in his life, but he won’t do it again. He’s a good caddy and he will have a severe bollocking when I get in, but I am not going to sack him. He’s a good lad, he’s just got to watch what he’s doing.”
Niclas Fasth (67): “I had a great time out there today. I played very well and gave it all I had. I did not get too nervous. A couple of times I was affected, but nothing bad. I kept it under control. I really do like these situations, I guess that helps you a lot. I have been playing well for a long time. I have been up there most weeks, had good tournaments.”
Mikko Ilonen (66): “For the most of the year I’ve been doing my military service and only in recent weeks have I had the time off to play golf. I was happy to play the four rounds. I couldn’t expect this kind of finish. I’m just happy about it, especially as golf is not really big in Finland. I hope my performance this week could make it get bigger.”
Ernie Els (69): “It was disappointing. I don’t know how many chances I had for birdies. I have to work on that. I hit it as good as when I’ve won, you know. I was just getting in my own way a little bit. I probably lead the greens in regulation for the week. But I just couldn’t get the ball in the hole.”
Vijay Singh (69): “I am a little disappointed. I left all the good putting for today. I missed a little one on 18 but I gave it a run. I just didn’t do enough on the first two days. I think Lytham is a great set up, it favours nobody. It is the guys who play the best, as you can see on the leaderboard it’s anyone’s right now. David Dixon is a good player, he hits a long ball and he’s level headed, he’s going to be a good player in the future.”
Darren Clarke (70): “I hit the ball really nicely all week and today was no exception. I got myself into contention for the tournament on the back nine and I hardly missed a shot to the green coming home. But the putter didn’t quite work as I would have liked, but even on the 17th where I took a double I didn’t really hit a bad shot. I think our Ryder Cup team is shaping up great and we’re going to have another good tournament come September. I gave myself opportunities this week, unfortunately things just didn’t go my way.”
Sergio Garcia (70): “In the majors you have to be lucky to win and I wasn’t. You know when the ball finishes on the upslope in the bunker it is not easy to make the three and you have to fight for a four. Playing on a links course like Lytham, it makes it challenging for sure and I think it’s a great tournament and I’m looking forward to going to Muirfield next year and giving it another try.”
Tiger Woods (71): “I was pleased I was able to come back today. I got off to a terrible start bogeying one then made three birdies a row at 4,5 and 6 and lost it there for a little while bit and got it back at 16 and 17. I’m not thrilled that I wasn’t able to contend down the stretch but I had my chances out there today. This week I have grinded it the best way I could.I got a lot out of my scores this weekend and thank goodness I was chipping and putting very good. If I could have driven it the way I did today the first three days, I think I would have been closer to the lead.”
Bernhard Langer (71): “I was very happy to be even playing in the Championship after last week and then to be in contention playing in the last group with David Duval I am very pleased. I hope this sends Sam Torrance (European Ryder Cup captain) another message after my performance in Memphis. I was the best European in the Masters, I was tied third in this major and I was best European in the fifth major which is the TPC. So I have been at the top of European golf in three of the biggest events we have played this year. I’ve had other good performances so hopefully he will consider me if I don’t make my way straight in. I understand that other guys are playing very well but with my current form I believe I should be there but it’s adifficult situation, and I have not many tournaments left to go.”
Jesper Parnevik (71): “Of course I’m very disappointed. I actually played very well this week. My putter was just not there which is tough to take. I hope that one day I am going to win an Open. I have been close so many times, I’ve got to do something special next time. Lytham is a great golf course and they set it up very nicely.”
Colin Montgomerie (72): “I missed too many putts early on yesterday and missed too many putts early today and that was the killer. When I three putted the third the writing was on the wall really and it was very disappointing. It’s been superb and long may that continue for the next year as well when I go to Muirfield. I was just not good enough on the greens and when I missed that short putt for birdie on Friday evening I did not feel comfortable from thereon in.”
David Dixon (74): “Everything’s been fantastic. Just to be part of the Open has been great and making the cut as well, and winning the silver medal. It’s been just awesome, just fantastic. We (Dixon and 26 stone caddy Shaun) had a really funny moment on 15. He was backing off to read the putt and he nearly fell in the bunker. It was so funny. I had tears in my eyes.”
