In the press conferences leading up to the Open Championship, here are some general observations:
Sir Nick Faldo wasn’t asked a single question on Tiger Woods. Just goes on to show what the media thinks of the former world No1’s chances this week.
In his 25-minute long press conference, Tiger Woods answered four questions on Jordan Spieth, two on Rory McIlroy, and another on Louis Oosthuizen. A few years ago, nobody asked Woods about anybody else.
When Jordan Spieth visited the media centre on Wednesday, he did not have to answer any question on McIlroy. That was strange, because the predominantly British press loves to give a McIlroy angle to every story. But the line of questioning to Spieth was a tacit admission of the young American’s achievements and his newfound status in golf.
Just shows how times have changed.
Tiger answers media stories in best way possible
One of the most talked about things at this year’s Open so far, perhaps second only to Spieth’s calendar grand slam chances, is the fact that Tiger Woods played a few holes of practice with Jason Dufner.
That happened early Monday morning, away from the media glare, but the word spread quickly.
Obviously, the story becomes significant because Woods was recently linked to Amanda Boyd, the ex-wife of Dufner, with American tabloids suggesting that to be the reason behind Woods’ recent break-up with girlfriend Lindsey Vonn.
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One of the tabloids even quoted a close friend of Dufner saying “he was devastated on hearing about Woods and Amanda having an affair”.
Reportedly, the two players were seen joking and laughing. I guess this is perhaps the best way Woods could have denied the story about his new affair.
A withdrawal celebrated in Scotland
It’s never a happy news when a player has to withdraw from a major championship because of injury or other issues, but the whole of Scotland seem to be loving the fact that their very own Richie Ramsay has got into the field this week after South African Tim Clark had to pull out.
Ramsay was the first alternate after Sweden’s Alex Noren withdrew earlier in the week, and the Scotsman sneaked in on Wednesday when Clark could not get his visa on time.
I got 99 problems but playing in the @TheOpen ain’t one #bethebestyoucanbe
— Richie Ramsay (@RamsayGolf) July 12, 2015
With his inclusion, the number of Scots in the 156-man field is now six. The others being former champions Sandy Lyle and Paul Lawrie, Marc Warren, Stephen Gallacher and Russell Knox.
A disappointed Clark told The Golf Channel: “UK is the hardest place to go. Most places I need a visa, but they make it extremely difficult and I don’t know why.
“The disappointing thing for me is that I tried to start this process six weeks ago and (the R&A) wouldn’t send me a letter.”
