The third round of the 145th Open Championship is in the books, with Henrik Stenson (-12) pulling ahead of Phil Mickelson (-11) by a single stroke. Sunday’s final round is shaping up to be
a “de facto match-play round” between the Swede Stenson and the 5-time major winner Mickelson.
And while Henrik and Phil are the story of the day, and will be tomorrow, here’s a round-up of quotes from some of the other top golfers in the world, following Saturday’s round at Royal Troon.
Jordan Spieth
“I’m just really struggling on the greens this week. I’ve left everything short. I’m hitting the ball great but finding the putting very challenging.”
Spieth (+5, T50) commenting on his recent struggles.
Graeme McDowell
“It is probably the most unexpected cut I have made in my life. I was having a nap when my caddie phoned to say we were in. I was going to go out for a bit of dinner and a few pints with the boys before getting the flight to Orlando at half nine this morning.”
McDowell (+5, T50) on his change of plans for the weekend.
Lee Westwood
“I love playing at The Open, it’s great. I love playing links golf and it’s great to play in front of a home crowd. The reason I’m four over par is I’m not hitting the ball very well this week. The conditions are tough and poor ball-striking gets exposed when it’s as windy as this.”
Westwood (+4, T43) on his poor ball striking this week.
Jason Day
“I played great. I could easily have been six or seven under par on the front side but I haven’t had a birdie on the back side all week and that’s why I’m not in the tournament right now.”
Day (+1, T25) commenting on his back nine struggles at Troon this week.
Patrick Reed
“They say this is summer but I’m not so sure.”
Reed (-2, T9) on the Scotland weather.
Sergio Garcia
“Obviously, he’s a good player, but he’s also a character and we need characters in the game.”
Sergio (-2, T9) commenting on his playing partner, Andrew “Beef” Johnston.
CREDIT: THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP, GETTY IMAGES