Before the first round there were fears that the legendary Old Course would be dismantled by a combination of modern technology and big beaters, which we might even see the top 59 in a major. Well, so far the 59 didn’t seem likely, but Cameron Smith’s 64 on Friday illustrated that it will be a low score that wins this week, possibly up to 20 or 21 less.
The Australian shot the spotless round with all the joy, carefreeness and calm we expect from Players and Smith champion, who has a two-shot lead over Cameron Young with 13 under, is determined to take this relaxed approach . this has served him well in the first two rounds of the weekend.
“I feel like I’ve been a lot in this place for the last two years, and things haven’t gone my way yet,” said Smith, who has yet to win a major but has had four top-10s. finishes in the last five masters.
“I have to have a lot of patience over the weekend. The golf course will be a lot harder and a lot faster. So be patient and make good putts.”
There are a lot of big names lurking behind him. Rory McIlroy is three times behind, Dustin Johnson is one shot further and Scottie Scheffler, number 1 in the world, one behind him. It promises to be an exciting second half of a tournament that will be remembered, in part, by the emotional scenes of yesterday 18th. Tiger Woods wiped away tears amid emotional scenes as he was applauded throughout the length of the 18-hole Friday for what he says “feels like my last time” playing at the Old Course in an open championship.
“As I walked further down the street, I saw Rory [McIlroy] right there, ”Woods said of the world number 2 who was playing the first hole.“ He gave me the tip of the cap. JT [Justin Thomas] he did the same. It was really cool. The nods I got from the guys as they were leaving and I was coming in, it was pretty clean.
“Then I got closer to the green and the ovation got louder and you could feel the warmth. I felt like the whole tournament was right there. Everyone appreciated what I’ve done here over the years I’ve played. it only got to a point right there as I was walking towards my golf ball.
“I had a few tears,” he added. “I’m not one of those people who cries very often for nothing, but when it comes to the game and the transition … I was lucky to see in 1995 Arnold hit his first starting shot in the second round. [of his final Open]. And I could hear Jack playing his last; He was probably about four holes behind him [10 years later] and he could hear the cheers getting louder and louder.
“I felt it when I came in. People knew I wasn’t going to make the cut. I put my heart and soul into this event over the years. It’s very emotional for me. The ovation I received at 18 is something I will always remember.
“I have been selling here since 1995 and I think the next one [St Andrews Open] it comes in 2030 and I don’t know if I will be able to play physically by then. Not in jubilation. I will be able to play future Opens. But in eight years’ time … I doubt if I will be competitive at this level. “
If you have a lump in your throat, you’re not the only one. Stay here to enjoy all the action of what promises to be an exciting day at home golf.