5:08:03 > 5:08:10.
5:08:53 > 5:08:55CHEERING
5:08:55 > 5:08:56Well, well, well!
5:08:56 > 5:08:58Bunker shots, made to look easy.
5:09:02 > 5:09:05Gullane Bay, Scotland, lies on the Firth of Forth.
5:09:05 > 5:09:07Gently lapping waves deceive
5:09:07 > 5:09:10as to the underlying wildness of the climate.
5:09:11 > 5:09:13Close at hand is Muirfield golf course,
5:09:13 > 5:09:16home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers,
5:09:16 > 5:09:19one of the oldest and most venerated in the land.
5:09:19 > 5:09:23A renowned links course surrounded by quiet, unassuming countryside
5:09:23 > 5:09:27that exudes a tranquillity redolent of calmer, less frenetic days.
5:09:29 > 5:09:32But, today, Thursday 16 July,
5:09:32 > 5:09:36this procession of cars celebrates the present and not the past.
5:09:36 > 5:09:38The start of the 116th Open.
5:09:39 > 5:09:42Excitement and anticipation run deep,
5:09:42 > 5:09:46especially for the 153 golfers waiting, hoping, praying
5:09:46 > 5:09:51and dreaming that this year might, just might be their year.
5:09:52 > 5:09:54I had prepared myself well.
5:09:54 > 5:09:57'I'd been thinking about it for a couple of months prior.
5:09:57 > 5:10:00'But then you are a bit apprehensive because you really don't know
5:10:00 > 5:10:03'what's in store with golf. Sometimes you feel great and play lousy.'
5:10:03 > 5:10:05You are always a little apprehensive.
5:10:05 > 5:10:07You know, I had the strange feeling that maybe
5:10:07 > 5:10:09something was going to happen.
5:10:09 > 5:10:11But, for that something to happen,
5:10:11 > 5:10:14Nick Faldo has to make the leap from good to great
5:10:14 > 5:10:16because only the greatest win at Muirfield
5:10:16 > 5:10:19as the last four winners, all of whom are back this year, show.
5:10:19 > 5:10:22Gary Player in 1959. And now...
5:10:25 > 5:10:28..nearly 30 years later, showing the brilliant talent
5:10:28 > 5:10:32and competitiveness that stays for ever young.
5:10:32 > 5:10:33APPLAUSE AND WHISTLING
5:10:35 > 5:10:38From 1966, Jack Nicklaus, his first Open victory,
5:10:38 > 5:10:41an emotionally charged moment.
5:10:41 > 5:10:43Do you mind if I enjoy it for a minute, if I don't say anything?
5:10:43 > 5:10:44LAUGHTER
5:10:44 > 5:10:47The years pass but the man remains the same,
5:10:47 > 5:10:50with a burning determination to win that age can never diminish.
5:10:53 > 5:10:581972 belonged to Lee Trevino, the master magician
5:10:58 > 5:11:02exultantly conjuring shots from anywhere, and everywhere.
5:11:05 > 5:11:08Now, perhaps a touch less exuberant,
5:11:10 > 5:11:11but the magic still works.
5:11:13 > 5:11:16Undiluted by time or self-doubt.
5:11:18 > 5:11:21And, most recently in 1980, Tom Watson.
5:11:21 > 5:11:25Of the four, he has the best chance. Five times an Open champion,
5:11:25 > 5:11:28he desperately seeks a record-equalling sixth.
5:11:28 > 5:11:30In 1987, back to top form,
5:11:30 > 5:11:34and with something to prove to the doubters who have written him off.
5:11:34 > 5:11:37In 1980, Watson totalled 271,
5:11:37 > 5:11:40the second lowest Open-winning score ever.
5:11:40 > 5:11:43But, this year, that score will be tough to match,
5:11:43 > 5:11:45on a distinctive links course regarded by all
5:11:45 > 5:11:48as one of the toughest, yet fairest, courses in golf.
5:11:48 > 5:11:51It's a good, fair test. There's no tricks out there.
5:11:51 > 5:11:54It's one of the great layouts, because it rolls along.
5:11:54 > 5:11:56They're all great holes out there, really,
5:11:56 > 5:11:58especially when the wind starts changing.
5:11:58 > 5:12:01Mark those words well for, by the end of the Championship,
5:12:01 > 5:12:03Muirfield will have revealed such conditions
5:12:03 > 5:12:06as to test every golfer to the full.
5:12:07 > 5:12:12But, as the Championship begins, the weather is set fair.
5:12:12 > 5:12:16The early starters take advantage of Muirfield's largesse,
5:12:16 > 5:12:17and plunder the course.
5:12:17 > 5:12:19Rodger Davis of Australia sets the pace.
5:12:19 > 5:12:23- COMMENTATOR:- And what a great round Rodger Davis is having today.
5:12:23 > 5:12:27He's had birdies on seven holes, he's just dropped one stroke
5:12:27 > 5:12:31and now this putt for yet another birdie.
5:12:31 > 5:12:33And he loves it!
5:12:33 > 5:12:36Beautiful putt, a new course record, a 64.
5:12:36 > 5:12:40And, I can tell you, that'll take some beating.
5:12:40 > 5:12:43That proves so as the weather deteriorates
5:12:43 > 5:12:45and Muirfield reveals its claws.
5:12:45 > 5:12:49The wind blows, the rain falls, and scores rise.
5:12:50 > 5:12:52Englishman Nick Faldo is one of those
5:12:52 > 5:12:56facing the worst of the weather, and taking the brunt of its anger.
5:12:57 > 5:13:01It was quite tough, and the wind got up.
5:13:01 > 5:13:04And it went very cold for a while.
5:13:08 > 5:13:10So, the end of the day, shooting three under,
5:13:10 > 5:13:13I was very pleased with that - it's a very good, solid start.
5:13:13 > 5:13:16And then, day two, in that rain and drizzle
5:13:16 > 5:13:19and what have you all day long. That's actually very tiring.
5:13:19 > 5:13:22So, I played very well. I was very pleased with that.
5:13:22 > 5:13:25I hit the ball very solid that day.
5:13:25 > 5:13:28- COMMENTATOR:- This second day really has been rather brutish.
5:13:28 > 5:13:32Here's Nick Faldo, playing his second shot to the 18th.
5:13:32 > 5:13:35Then there's a lovely iron shot, into the front half of the green
5:13:35 > 5:13:39and gives him an outside chance of a birdie three.
5:13:39 > 5:13:43The leaderboard tells us that Faldo is just two strokes behind and,
5:13:43 > 5:13:44with this birdie putt...
5:13:47 > 5:13:50..if he can get it, it will be his second 68.
5:13:50 > 5:13:52And...no, just dribbles away,
5:13:52 > 5:13:57and just that two-footer or so for a round of 69.
5:14:03 > 5:14:07That makes him five under for the Championship at the halfway stage.
5:14:07 > 5:14:12By the end of the day, three more will join Faldo on five under.
5:14:12 > 5:14:16Rodger Davis, overnight leader, falls back with a 73.
5:14:16 > 5:14:20While Gerard Taylor, his compatriot, a qualifier no less,
5:14:20 > 5:14:23joins him on that mark, as does Payne Stewart of America
5:14:23 > 5:14:26whose 66 equals the day's best round.
5:14:26 > 5:14:28But, ahead of them all is Paul Azinger,
5:14:28 > 5:14:30a new star on the US circuit,
5:14:30 > 5:14:34carding a second 68, to go six under.
5:14:34 > 5:14:36But, if he looks at the leaderboard,
5:14:36 > 5:14:40behind him lies a wealth of talent and experience.
5:14:41 > 5:14:45THUNDER AND LIGHTNING
5:14:46 > 5:14:50As day three breaks, a storm rages.
5:14:50 > 5:14:54Driving rain and a north-east gale lash Muirfield.
5:14:55 > 5:14:58The early starters are numbed.
5:14:58 > 5:15:00Even the greatest suffer.
5:15:00 > 5:15:03Spain's Seve Ballesteros inveighs his way to a 77,
5:15:03 > 5:15:05his Championship over.
5:15:05 > 5:15:09Defending champion Greg Norman despairs with a 74,
5:15:09 > 5:15:12and sees the game's oldest trophy slip from his grasp.
5:15:12 > 5:15:16While Jack Nicklaus stumbles, beaten to an 81.
5:15:16 > 5:15:19But, in front of him, one man is playing
5:15:19 > 5:15:21one of the greatest foul weather runs
5:15:21 > 5:15:24in the history of the Championship, Sandy Lyle.
5:15:28 > 5:15:30- COMMENTATOR:- Sandy Lyle at the 18th,
5:15:30 > 5:15:34needs this short putt for a birdie three, and a level par round of 71.
5:15:36 > 5:15:39CHEERING
5:15:39 > 5:15:41Well, that's a great round of golf.
5:15:46 > 5:15:49And, as he finishes his round, the leaders go out.
5:15:50 > 5:15:52Here's Bernhard Langer, one of the favourites.
5:15:52 > 5:15:56Started the day at four under, dropped a stroke at the first.
5:15:56 > 5:15:59Here's his second to the second, a little pitch in.
5:16:03 > 5:16:05CHEERING
5:16:06 > 5:16:10But that's a certain birdie, and will put him back to four under par.
5:16:10 > 5:16:13He is playing today with the South African David Frost,
5:16:13 > 5:16:14who's also three under.
5:16:17 > 5:16:19He too dropped a stroke at the first hole.
5:16:23 > 5:16:25Can he match Langer's? He certainly can.
5:16:28 > 5:16:31And that should take him back to four under.
5:16:35 > 5:16:39Meanwhile, the crowd gather at the first to see the final pair.
5:16:39 > 5:16:45Paul Azinger, the overnight leader, has found the bunker. Awkward shot.
5:16:45 > 5:16:47Look how far he's laying the blade of this bunker club open.
5:16:47 > 5:16:49He's trying to chop it out.
5:16:52 > 5:16:54Good shot, but it doesn't grab.
5:16:54 > 5:16:57You can see it runs, oh, ten feet past.
5:16:59 > 5:17:02Playing in the final pairing with Nick Faldo.
5:17:03 > 5:17:06He's on in two, but quite a long way from the hole.
5:17:13 > 5:17:14And nicely judged.
5:17:20 > 5:17:21Now, Azinger.
5:17:24 > 5:17:26And, no, a stroke dropped.
5:17:30 > 5:17:33So, back into the pack at five under.
5:17:35 > 5:17:39Faldo tapped his little putt in for his opening par four.
5:17:40 > 5:17:45On to the third hole. Here's David Frost, his second shot. Four iron.
5:17:46 > 5:17:49Punches it in low, into the wind and the scuddy rain.
5:17:51 > 5:17:55Oh, and he's played a superb shot, no more than five feet away.
5:17:56 > 5:17:59And Frost sinks that putt to go five under,
5:17:59 > 5:18:02and then a monster 30-footer at the next makes him six under,
5:18:02 > 5:18:04and outright leader.
5:18:04 > 5:18:06But others struggle.
5:18:06 > 5:18:08A double bogey knocks Watson back.
5:18:08 > 5:18:12Stewart falters and slips one shot to four under,
5:18:12 > 5:18:15as does Australian Rodger Davis.
5:18:15 > 5:18:17But his playing partner Gerard Taylor
5:18:17 > 5:18:19grasps his chance for fame.
5:18:21 > 5:18:24- COMMENTATOR:- Taylor, at the fourth, this for a birdie two.
5:18:27 > 5:18:28CHEERING
5:18:28 > 5:18:34And that takes Gerard Taylor jointly into the lead at six under par.
5:18:34 > 5:18:37Behind him, we find Nick Faldo on the third.
5:18:37 > 5:18:38It is his birthday today
5:18:38 > 5:18:41and what a day to be out in this sort of weather.
5:18:41 > 5:18:44This hole, 379 yards, a par four.
5:18:52 > 5:18:53Swinging well.
5:18:56 > 5:18:58It looks a nice shot.
5:18:58 > 5:19:02Safely on, just spun away, you can see, from the hole.
5:19:02 > 5:19:06Faldo playing with Paul Azinger, his first Open Championship.
5:19:12 > 5:19:15Now Faldo. This to go six under par.
5:19:19 > 5:19:22CHEERING
5:19:22 > 5:19:24Beautifully holed.
5:19:24 > 5:19:26A share of the lead but I wonder for how long.
5:19:26 > 5:19:28We go forward to the 7th.
5:19:28 > 5:19:31David Frost having a great round so far.
5:19:34 > 5:19:35It's a five iron shot.
5:19:40 > 5:19:42And another lovely iron shot,
5:19:42 > 5:19:44struck into the heart of the green.
5:19:48 > 5:19:52Bernhard Langer, playing with David Frost, bogied the 4th
5:19:52 > 5:19:54to go back to three under.
5:19:56 > 5:19:59He is on the green here at the short 7th.
5:19:59 > 5:20:01The very back of the green.
5:20:08 > 5:20:12And that looks pretty good but it's not going to quite make it.
5:20:12 > 5:20:13APPLAUSE
5:20:17 > 5:20:20Langer will just tap that one in...
5:20:21 > 5:20:25..and leave the stage clear for David Frost.
5:20:26 > 5:20:28This to go seven under.
5:20:32 > 5:20:36And, yes, just topples in.
5:20:36 > 5:20:37What a run he's having.
5:20:37 > 5:20:41Seven under par now and leading the championship all by himself.
5:20:43 > 5:20:44Off he goes to the 8th
5:20:44 > 5:20:48and we will drop back to the 5th, where we find Paul Azinger.
5:20:48 > 5:20:53Now, this hole, 559 yards, has been shortened today to 506 yards
5:20:53 > 5:20:56because of the strength and severity of the wind.
5:20:56 > 5:20:57He hit a reasonable drive.
5:20:57 > 5:21:01He carved away a one iron but he has been lucky to find
5:21:01 > 5:21:02a reasonable lie.
5:21:10 > 5:21:13And he has played a good one.
5:21:13 > 5:21:16Well, he might still get a birdie four.
5:21:17 > 5:21:20It's that sort of day - coats on, coats off.
5:21:21 > 5:21:24But it does seem to be improving a little bit.
5:21:28 > 5:21:30Now Azinger. This for a birdie four.
5:21:35 > 5:21:38Oh, what a good putt. Six under now.
5:21:38 > 5:21:40Just one behind the leader David Frost.
5:21:42 > 5:21:44But one name has dropped right off the leaderboard -
5:21:44 > 5:21:46West German Bernhard Langer.
5:21:46 > 5:21:49After a disastrous triple bogey at the 8th,
5:21:49 > 5:21:51taking three shots to emerge from a bunker,
5:21:51 > 5:21:55he is now level par and effectively out of the tournament.
5:21:57 > 5:22:00The 7th hole, though, 185 yards, par three.
5:22:00 > 5:22:04And it's Faldo who is one behind the leader at six under par.
5:22:13 > 5:22:18And a bit fiery. Well, stops reasonably well.
5:22:18 > 5:22:20A long putt down the green.
5:22:30 > 5:22:34Now Paul Azinger. Five under now. Dropped a stroke at the last hole.
5:22:37 > 5:22:38- WOMAN:- Happy birthday.
5:22:43 > 5:22:45Nice shot from Azinger.
5:22:55 > 5:22:57Just one stroke in it.
5:22:57 > 5:22:59Faldo lines up this long putt.
5:23:06 > 5:23:08Will it start to turn?
5:23:08 > 5:23:09Will it have enough legs?
5:23:15 > 5:23:17Now, Azinger.
5:23:20 > 5:23:22Hands spread down the grip.
5:23:22 > 5:23:24Short backswing.
5:23:28 > 5:23:29Six under.
5:23:35 > 5:23:39So the final pair are level as they go to the eighth tee.
5:23:44 > 5:23:48At 8, Azinger's hot putting streak continues
5:23:48 > 5:23:49as he downs an 18-footer.
5:23:49 > 5:23:52Another birdie at 9 and the lead is his.
5:23:52 > 5:23:58But then comes hole 10, a savage intractable 430-yard par four,
5:23:58 > 5:24:00the rock upon which many a hope is dashed.
5:24:00 > 5:24:03First, Stewart comes to grief, now three under.
5:24:05 > 5:24:06Another shot gone.
5:24:09 > 5:24:13Rodger Davis tries, but can find no answer.
5:24:15 > 5:24:17Only a bunker.
5:24:17 > 5:24:20And falls back to minus three.
5:24:25 > 5:24:30His partner, Taylor, stumbles too, slipping back one to four under.
5:24:32 > 5:24:35And Faldo has this just to bogey.
5:24:36 > 5:24:38Five under.
5:24:39 > 5:24:41Even Azinger's hot streak cools.
5:24:44 > 5:24:47Now seven under and equal with Frost,
5:24:47 > 5:24:51who ironically, having escaped hole 10's pitfalls,
5:24:51 > 5:24:53faces deep problems at 13.
5:24:53 > 5:24:56Frost in perhaps the most difficult bunker,
5:24:56 > 5:24:58almost a vertical bank in front of him.
5:25:00 > 5:25:02Can he get...yes, gets it out.
5:25:02 > 5:25:05But you can see that's the best he could do
5:25:05 > 5:25:07from such a difficult position.
5:25:09 > 5:25:12Now he's got to hole this long putt for his par
5:25:12 > 5:25:14to keep a share of the lead.
5:25:19 > 5:25:21Just ran out of steam.
5:25:21 > 5:25:23So, a shot gone.
5:25:24 > 5:25:29And when Frost drops another at the next, he falls back to 5 under.
5:25:29 > 5:25:31But Azinger's two-shot lead soon evaporates
5:25:31 > 5:25:34when Faldo birdies 11 and Azinger bogeys 12.
5:25:34 > 5:25:38And they stand on the 13th all square at six under
5:25:38 > 5:25:40and leading the tournament.
5:25:40 > 5:25:42Faldo's tee shot.
5:25:44 > 5:25:48And he's a bit twitchy. Has he pulled it left?
5:25:49 > 5:25:53And he has, but, oh, has it stayed up? Has it fallen in?
5:25:54 > 5:25:56It stays up.
5:25:57 > 5:25:59Now, Azinger.
5:26:00 > 5:26:02See that strong left-hand grip.
5:26:12 > 5:26:13And a lovely stroke.
5:26:13 > 5:26:16He's hanging on very well indeed.
5:26:16 > 5:26:20Remember, this is his first championship in Britain.
5:26:20 > 5:26:23And what trying conditions he's facing.
5:26:23 > 5:26:27Trying conditions here too for Master Faldo.
5:26:27 > 5:26:29Awkward little stance.
5:26:31 > 5:26:32Just bumps it up.
5:26:32 > 5:26:35Eases it down the hill.
5:26:37 > 5:26:41That was a sweet little chip shot and a good three.
5:26:41 > 5:26:43Now, Azinger.
5:26:43 > 5:26:44For a birdie.
5:26:48 > 5:26:49Keep up, keep up!
5:26:49 > 5:26:50No.
5:26:52 > 5:26:57So, two par threes for Faldo and Azinger.
5:26:57 > 5:27:00The struggle between the leaders appears an intense,
5:27:00 > 5:27:02almost private battle.
5:27:02 > 5:27:05But in front, others make significant moves.
5:27:05 > 5:27:09Craig Stadler birdies two of the last three holes for a fine 71
5:27:09 > 5:27:13and finishes on 209, four under for the championship.
5:27:13 > 5:27:16But Gerard Taylor's dream turns to a nightmare.
5:27:16 > 5:27:19His game disintegrates and he slumps to one under
5:27:19 > 5:27:21and disappears from the race.
5:27:21 > 5:27:24Rodger Davis fares little better -
5:27:24 > 5:27:27minus two for the championship, a pale reminder of day one's heroics.
5:27:27 > 5:27:30But David Frost's challenge lives on
5:27:30 > 5:27:32as he reaches the 18th at five under par.
5:27:32 > 5:27:36And David Frost has this putt at the 18th, a long putt.
5:27:36 > 5:27:39My word, how he's stuck to his guns today.
5:27:39 > 5:27:41And that's a lovely touch.
5:27:45 > 5:27:47Has this little putt, 14 or 15 inches.
5:27:48 > 5:27:52For a round of 70, that equals the best score of the day
5:27:52 > 5:27:55and puts him the leader in the clubhouse
5:27:55 > 5:27:57at five under par, a total of 208.
5:27:57 > 5:28:02Back down the fairway, playing his second, Payne Stewart.
5:28:08 > 5:28:11And a majestic stroke.
5:28:11 > 5:28:14He is one over par so that putt for a 71.
5:28:16 > 5:28:21Now, Tom Watson. He's had a quiet, almost anonymous round today.
5:28:23 > 5:28:27He is now three under, a five iron to the last hole.
5:28:31 > 5:28:32And a super shot.
5:28:34 > 5:28:37Nice to see Tom back smiling and striking the ball so well
5:28:37 > 5:28:39and holding a few putts.
5:28:40 > 5:28:42And what a great scene.
5:28:45 > 5:28:46Back at the 16th.
5:28:46 > 5:28:49The last of the short holes, the final pair,
5:28:49 > 5:28:52and they've dropped a long, long way behind the pair in front.
5:28:59 > 5:29:05188 yards. The longest of the par threes here at Muirfield.
5:29:06 > 5:29:10Could have done with one extra bounce, but nicely on the green.
5:29:13 > 5:29:14Azinger, a two iron.
5:29:30 > 5:29:33And that's a beauty. Oh, superb shot!
5:29:36 > 5:29:39Now back to the 18th. Payne Stewart.
5:29:42 > 5:29:45This for a three and a round of 71.
5:29:45 > 5:29:48And...again just short of pace.
5:29:50 > 5:29:52But a good score today, 72.
5:29:54 > 5:29:55And very much in the hunt.
5:30:02 > 5:30:04Now, Tom Watson.
5:30:04 > 5:30:08One of the most popular figures in golf ever to visit our shores.
5:30:10 > 5:30:11This for a three.
5:30:15 > 5:30:16Great stuff indeed!
5:30:16 > 5:30:21Home in 33 and a total of 209, that's four under par,
5:30:21 > 5:30:23and looking very good for tomorrow.
5:30:23 > 5:30:25They loved it and so did Tom.
5:30:28 > 5:30:30Now back to the 16th.
5:30:30 > 5:30:32Faldo for a two.
5:30:32 > 5:30:34This to take the lead.
5:30:37 > 5:30:38Oh, no.
5:30:51 > 5:30:54And that's another safe par for Faldo.
5:30:57 > 5:30:59Now, Azinger for a two.
5:31:09 > 5:31:11A beauty. He's putted like a dream today.
5:31:11 > 5:31:14Seven under and takes the lead.
5:31:14 > 5:31:17So, as a cold, raw, hostile Saturday draws to a close
5:31:17 > 5:31:20amid gathering gloom, Paul Azinger,
5:31:20 > 5:31:24Open novice, once more takes the lead and the score remains thus
5:31:24 > 5:31:26as the last pair come to the 18th.
5:31:33 > 5:31:35Faldo's second with a two iron.
5:31:35 > 5:31:37Strong wind, left to right.
5:31:39 > 5:31:43It's gone. Drifting on the wind, away to the right.
5:31:46 > 5:31:49Oh, no. Well, there...
5:31:49 > 5:31:51it landed on that little island.
5:31:55 > 5:31:58Back down the fairway, Azinger has found
5:31:58 > 5:32:01one of the big, cavernous bunkers.
5:32:01 > 5:32:05And he's got to play out sideways. He daren't risk going forwards.
5:32:08 > 5:32:10Just whacks it out into the middle of the fairway.
5:32:10 > 5:32:13He is there for two and still, well,
5:32:13 > 5:32:16a three or a four iron from the green.
5:32:25 > 5:32:29Oh, no - hit the ground behind the ball, carves it away to the right.
5:32:44 > 5:32:48Faldo then in the little island of grass in the middle of the bunker.
5:32:48 > 5:32:53Paul Azinger playing his fourth shot for this final hole.
5:32:57 > 5:32:59Nips it up.
5:33:00 > 5:33:04And it checks a little bit too quickly for him.
5:33:06 > 5:33:08So what a battle to only drop one stroke.
5:33:10 > 5:33:12Now Faldo. Looks to be sitting nicely
5:33:12 > 5:33:15and looks a comparatively simple shot.
5:33:24 > 5:33:27Oh, has he driven it? He appeared...
5:33:27 > 5:33:30to catch it a little bit too sharply.
5:33:32 > 5:33:38And both of them...facing the prospect of dropping shots here.
5:33:38 > 5:33:40Maybe two in Azinger's case.
5:33:47 > 5:33:49Oh, he has done it again.
5:33:49 > 5:33:53Well, the magic wand has worked for young Paul Azinger today.
5:33:53 > 5:33:58It's kept him right at the top of the leaderboard. What a five!
5:33:59 > 5:34:04Now Faldo with this putt to go into the clubhouse as joint leader
5:34:04 > 5:34:05at six under par.
5:34:14 > 5:34:18No, no. That was a tentative one. A disappointing final hole.
5:34:18 > 5:34:24But an excellent round. Both men score level par 71s.
5:34:24 > 5:34:27And so, round three ends as it began
5:34:27 > 5:34:30with Paul Azinger a one-shot leader.
5:34:30 > 5:34:33But the pack gathers, snapping at his heels.
5:34:33 > 5:34:36For tomorrow, only one can win.
5:34:40 > 5:34:43Sunday, July 19, the final day.
5:34:43 > 5:34:46The leading players gather on the practice putting green,
5:34:46 > 5:34:48superficially calm.
5:34:48 > 5:34:52Underneath, the build-up of pressure and tension stretches raw emotions
5:34:52 > 5:34:56tighter and tighter, and sometimes those nerves show.
5:34:56 > 5:34:57We're not on, are we?
5:35:00 > 5:35:02What time are you?
5:35:02 > 5:35:06The clock relentlessly moves forward and each player must dig
5:35:06 > 5:35:10deep into their private resources to find their own motivation.
5:35:10 > 5:35:13- FALDO:- 'I was giving myself a pep talk, saying to myself,
5:35:13 > 5:35:16'"You've got a great chance, let's take it.
5:35:17 > 5:35:19'"There's absolutely no reason why you can't
5:35:19 > 5:35:22'"and you're just really boosting your confidence."
5:35:22 > 5:35:26'But you get responses back from your inside and it seemed good.
5:35:26 > 5:35:29'I think that's why you felt this is a great chance to take.'
5:35:31 > 5:35:33Moments later, on the tee,
5:35:33 > 5:35:37theoretical flights of fancy are banished, as cold reality,
5:35:37 > 5:35:41hole one, day four of the Open, reasserts itself.
5:35:41 > 5:35:45Drifting a little bit to the right.
5:35:45 > 5:35:50Just goes off the fairway and that could be OK.
5:35:50 > 5:35:52Off they go into the mist.
5:35:52 > 5:35:55Better conditions than yesterday.
5:35:55 > 5:35:59There's Faldo's companion for the afternoon, the mighty Craig Stadler.
5:35:59 > 5:36:01Faldo's second shot.
5:36:01 > 5:36:05He's been in the wilderness for the last two, maybe three years,
5:36:05 > 5:36:06working on his new swing.
5:36:12 > 5:36:14That looked a nice rhythm.
5:36:17 > 5:36:19And...safely on.
5:36:19 > 5:36:25Stadler's ball already on the green. APPLAUSE
5:36:25 > 5:36:30Faldo, safely on the green then, as back at the tee,
5:36:30 > 5:36:34the final pair start the most important round of their lives.
5:36:36 > 5:36:39South African David Frost, five under.
5:36:41 > 5:36:44And the leader, American Paul Azinger, six under.
5:36:47 > 5:36:50Will today belong to him, or perhaps to Nick Faldo,
5:36:50 > 5:36:52putting ahead on the first?
5:36:52 > 5:36:56Faldo's long putt. His third shot.
5:36:56 > 5:36:58He's five under.
5:37:04 > 5:37:08That'll be near enough for a certain four for Faldo
5:37:08 > 5:37:09and a good solid start.
5:37:11 > 5:37:16Also five under and in the final pair, David Frost.
5:37:20 > 5:37:24447 yards this opening hole.
5:37:28 > 5:37:31And he's across almost where Nick Faldo was,
5:37:31 > 5:37:33perhaps a little further away.
5:37:40 > 5:37:44Frost playing with Paul Azinger, the championship leader,
5:37:44 > 5:37:45who is just off the fairway.
5:37:45 > 5:37:48He's got a good line into the flag.
5:37:55 > 5:37:57And he's just pulled it
5:37:57 > 5:37:59and it will run in.
5:38:03 > 5:38:06So the leader immediately in a spot of bother.
5:38:16 > 5:38:18Tucked up under the bank.
5:38:19 > 5:38:21Oh, I wouldn't fancy that one myself.
5:38:23 > 5:38:26Now, you see how this stance is a little bit awkward.
5:38:31 > 5:38:34And he's nipped it out nicely and given him
5:38:34 > 5:38:37a chance to get his par four.
5:38:37 > 5:38:38A good shot.
5:38:43 > 5:38:45Now Frost.
5:38:45 > 5:38:47Down in two, he'll be happy.
5:38:57 > 5:38:59And, well, left himself a bit.
5:39:02 > 5:39:04Now, Azinger.
5:39:08 > 5:39:10This for a par four to stay in the lead.
5:39:13 > 5:39:16And he starts where he left off yesterday.
5:39:16 > 5:39:18APPLAUSE
5:39:25 > 5:39:26Frost makes his par,
5:39:26 > 5:39:30but ahead, other more distinguished names are struggling.
5:39:30 > 5:39:33Watson, the sentimental favourite, slumps,
5:39:33 > 5:39:35bogeying the second and the third.
5:39:35 > 5:39:39His partner, Stewart, is erratic and unable to advance.
5:39:42 > 5:39:44Faldo's tee shot at the 4th.
5:39:44 > 5:39:46Going along very nicely.
5:39:52 > 5:39:54Come on.
5:39:54 > 5:39:55APPLAUSE
5:39:55 > 5:39:56And unlucky.
5:39:56 > 5:39:59Did you see the way that ball looked as if it was going to stop
5:39:59 > 5:40:03and then spun on. A lovely shot though from Nick Faldo.
5:40:03 > 5:40:04Stadler in trouble.
5:40:13 > 5:40:15This putt to share the lead.
5:40:17 > 5:40:20This to go six under and he's... No.
5:40:22 > 5:40:24Oh, what a good try.
5:40:32 > 5:40:34He stays at five under.
5:40:38 > 5:40:42Stadler in trouble here at the short hole. This to save his par.
5:40:43 > 5:40:45And...no.
5:40:48 > 5:40:51So now back to three under and dropping out of contention.
5:40:53 > 5:40:56And behind them on the tee, Paul Azinger.
5:40:56 > 5:40:58Very difficult short hole this,
5:40:58 > 5:41:01particularly when there is any breeze about from any direction.
5:41:01 > 5:41:04Elevated green, bunkers left and right.
5:41:11 > 5:41:13Oh, yes. Come on.
5:41:13 > 5:41:16Talks to it. And the ball doesn't listen.
5:41:16 > 5:41:20Stops a bit too quickly. But nicely on the green.
5:41:21 > 5:41:23David Frost from South Africa,
5:41:23 > 5:41:25now plays much of his golf in the United States.
5:41:25 > 5:41:27And what a good player he is, he dropped a stroke at the second,
5:41:27 > 5:41:30he's now -4.
5:41:30 > 5:41:32Azinger, though, to putt for a two.
5:41:34 > 5:41:37This to go seven under par.
5:41:43 > 5:41:45CHEERING
5:41:46 > 5:41:48Well, if he continues to putt like this,
5:41:48 > 5:41:50it'd be a brave man
5:41:50 > 5:41:52who would bet against him winning this championship.
5:41:57 > 5:42:01Seventh tee, Payne Stewart. Still four under.
5:42:10 > 5:42:14And a lovely shot from Stewart, a certain two.
5:42:14 > 5:42:16And that'll take him to five under par
5:42:16 > 5:42:20and jointly into second place with Britain's Nick Faldo.
5:42:20 > 5:42:21Back to the fifth.
5:42:22 > 5:42:25Playing its full length today with the wind abating.
5:42:28 > 5:42:30Third shot from David Frost.
5:42:33 > 5:42:34A pretty good one.
5:42:41 > 5:42:43Azinger's third shot.
5:42:43 > 5:42:47And from this range, so many of these great players now pepper the flag.
5:42:56 > 5:43:00Drives right down on the ball, attacking the pin.
5:43:00 > 5:43:03CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
5:43:03 > 5:43:05And a lovely stroke.
5:43:10 > 5:43:12And Frost three behind Azinger.
5:43:17 > 5:43:21A vital putt for David Frost.
5:43:21 > 5:43:24This for a birdie. Big swing on this putt.
5:43:26 > 5:43:28Turn, turn.
5:43:32 > 5:43:36And that fooled him. He's got still a little testy putt coming back.
5:43:36 > 5:43:38But, first, Azinger.
5:43:40 > 5:43:42Another putt for a birdie.
5:43:46 > 5:43:47CHEERING
5:43:47 > 5:43:50My word, he's one-putting every green.
5:43:50 > 5:43:54Puts him three ahead of the field. Putting like a demon.
5:43:54 > 5:43:56David Frost with this little putt for his par.
5:43:56 > 5:43:59And he hits it too hard
5:43:59 > 5:44:03and it spins out. Oh, dear. Oh, dear. Oh, dear!
5:44:03 > 5:44:07Three putts. Azinger three ahead.
5:44:07 > 5:44:13David Frost taps in but now five behind and virtually out of things.
5:44:16 > 5:44:20But one man still in with a great chance is Nick Faldo at the 7th.
5:44:24 > 5:44:27Here's his tee shot.
5:44:35 > 5:44:39Murmurs, murmurs, murmurs from the crowd. Heading towards trouble.
5:44:39 > 5:44:42And it's found the bunker.
5:44:55 > 5:44:58I think he's far enough back from the bank to be able to play.
5:45:01 > 5:45:03CHEERING AND APPLAUSE
5:45:03 > 5:45:05Oh, and that's a little gem.
5:45:08 > 5:45:12Good shot from Faldo. A testy four, four-and-a-half footer though.
5:45:14 > 5:45:16Stadler looks on. He's dropped another stroke
5:45:16 > 5:45:19and is now just two under.
5:45:19 > 5:45:22Faldo for a par.
5:45:25 > 5:45:27Yes, well done. Good save!
5:45:29 > 5:45:34Five under. But still trails the leader, Paul Azinger.
5:45:34 > 5:45:37At the 6th. In a spot of trouble here.
5:45:41 > 5:45:44Tough par four this 6th hole.
5:45:49 > 5:45:50And it runs on.
5:45:50 > 5:45:55If it gets the down slope, it could work its way into trouble. Yes.
5:45:55 > 5:45:58That could well cost him a stroke.
5:45:58 > 5:46:02Now, Faldo. The 8th.
5:46:02 > 5:46:05Difficult lie in the rough.
5:46:05 > 5:46:09Oh, no! No contact. No contact!
5:46:10 > 5:46:13And...he's found more trouble.
5:46:16 > 5:46:18He's found a bunker.
5:46:18 > 5:46:22And he's left himself one of the most awkward shots in golf.
5:46:22 > 5:46:25Sort of 40, 50-yard bunker shot.
5:46:32 > 5:46:34Now, Faldo.
5:46:35 > 5:46:37With this...
5:46:38 > 5:46:40He's hit it nicely.
5:46:42 > 5:46:44APPLAUSE
5:46:44 > 5:46:48That is just a superb shot.
5:46:50 > 5:46:52A short putt for his par four.
5:46:52 > 5:46:55He's keeping his run of pars going.
5:46:55 > 5:46:58Sadly, Mr Stadler isn't.
5:47:01 > 5:47:03Faldo's putt...
5:47:09 > 5:47:11Right in the middle.
5:47:11 > 5:47:14Well done indeed.
5:47:15 > 5:47:18Now, Azinger.
5:47:30 > 5:47:33And a good shot.
5:47:33 > 5:47:35And a chance to go back to eight under
5:47:35 > 5:47:37and keep that three shot lead.
5:47:41 > 5:47:44Surely, he can't hole another putt?!
5:47:44 > 5:47:47All of 18 feet.
5:47:51 > 5:47:52CROWD: Yes!
5:47:53 > 5:47:56Quite incredible.
5:47:56 > 5:47:59Eight under now and three shots clear of the field,
5:47:59 > 5:48:03Azinger appears uncatchable but others still live in hope.
5:48:03 > 5:48:06Payne Stewart for one refuses to give up the chase.
5:48:10 > 5:48:13A double bogey at eight and his chances look gone.
5:48:13 > 5:48:16But playing nine, this magnificent iron fired
5:48:16 > 5:48:21right into the heart of the green, gives him an eagle chance and hope.
5:48:27 > 5:48:30And that hope is realised when, moments later,
5:48:30 > 5:48:35he makes a confident putt. The line is perfect. Dead centre.
5:48:35 > 5:48:38Five under and back in the hunt.
5:48:42 > 5:48:45Rodger Davis also makes a charge.
5:48:45 > 5:48:48Birdies at 8, 9 and 11
5:48:48 > 5:48:50take him to five under.
5:48:52 > 5:48:54And he seems to be on his way.
5:48:54 > 5:48:58But hopes are quickly raised, are equally quickly dashed.
5:48:58 > 5:49:02Stewart's roller-coaster round crashes.
5:49:03 > 5:49:06He slips at ten and the anguish
5:49:06 > 5:49:09and disappointment are writ large across his face.
5:49:09 > 5:49:11Davis's charge falters
5:49:11 > 5:49:14and runs out of steam as luck deserts him.
5:49:14 > 5:49:18And he can't quite land that killer blow.
5:49:19 > 5:49:23Only one man seems to show the consistency needed
5:49:23 > 5:49:28to threaten Azinger's brilliance - Faldo's great run of par continues.
5:49:28 > 5:49:32No hazard can hold him.
5:49:32 > 5:49:37Another great recovery and he stays five under but can that be enough?
5:49:37 > 5:49:41Azinger is still three ahead as he plays the 10th.
5:49:41 > 5:49:45475 yards, a par four.
5:49:48 > 5:49:54And that's going right and flies into a bunker. Sacre bleu!
5:50:00 > 5:50:03Well, in fact, he's not all that bad.
5:50:03 > 5:50:05He's fairly near the front of the bunker
5:50:05 > 5:50:07but he's got to hack this one up in the air.
5:50:11 > 5:50:13It stopped quickly enough.
5:50:13 > 5:50:15But, as you can see, five or six yards short.
5:50:20 > 5:50:22And we've just heard from the 18th
5:50:22 > 5:50:25that Ben Crenshaw has got a short putt
5:50:25 > 5:50:28for a round of 68, which would put him to three under par
5:50:28 > 5:50:31and a total of 281.
5:50:33 > 5:50:37And this man is eight under par. This to stay eight under.
5:50:42 > 5:50:44It's turning. It...
5:50:44 > 5:50:45Oh, I say!
5:50:45 > 5:50:48But that's a shot dropped.
5:50:48 > 5:50:50It's all to the 17th and Rodger Davis.
5:51:04 > 5:51:06He needs to hole that putt and get a three at the last
5:51:06 > 5:51:09if he's going to set a target for the others to chase.
5:51:12 > 5:51:15The 14th, and Nick Faldo's second shot.
5:51:15 > 5:51:18He's still five under par and playing very smooth,
5:51:18 > 5:51:20confident golf indeed.
5:51:20 > 5:51:22The swing he's worked on so religiously and so hard
5:51:22 > 5:51:26for the last two or three years standing the strain very well.
5:51:26 > 5:51:31And... Well, just... Will it stay on? Yes, it will.
5:51:31 > 5:51:33Safely on for two.
5:51:33 > 5:51:34And we've just heard
5:51:34 > 5:51:37that Paul Azinger's dropped a stroke at the 11th.
5:51:37 > 5:51:43So hope for Faldo. And certainly for this man - Rodger Davis.
5:51:43 > 5:51:45If he can hole this for a birdie four,
5:51:45 > 5:51:49that will take him to minus four - two off the lead.
5:51:54 > 5:51:58What a good putt! Sweetly done. Four under par.
5:51:58 > 5:52:01And off to the 18th with hopes high.
5:52:03 > 5:52:06Now, Faldo at the 14th.
5:52:06 > 5:52:09A long putt for a three.
5:52:16 > 5:52:19And, once more - right to the hole side.
5:52:21 > 5:52:24He stays at five under.
5:52:26 > 5:52:30As Faldo pars, Stewart's hopes take another, perhaps, final blow.
5:52:30 > 5:52:34A shot dropped at 16 and he now slides to three under -
5:52:34 > 5:52:39one behind Davis, who's in a good position at the 18th.
5:52:39 > 5:52:44Now, will he play safe, or will he have a real fly at it?
5:52:45 > 5:52:49Oh, no. That was a nervy, edgy one. He's let it go.
5:52:49 > 5:52:51Heading towards the bunker.
5:52:53 > 5:52:57And, although it's lying pretty well, that's an awkward spot.
5:53:05 > 5:53:07Can Rodger Davis get down in two?
5:53:22 > 5:53:25Bite, bite! Oh, yes, nicely played!
5:53:25 > 5:53:26WHISTLING AND APPLAUSE
5:53:33 > 5:53:35He has a putt for a 69.
5:53:40 > 5:53:41APPLAUSE
5:53:45 > 5:53:48A 69 it is, and a total of 280.
5:53:48 > 5:53:51And that's a very good target,
5:53:51 > 5:53:53but now he must wait and see what the others do.
5:53:56 > 5:54:00After four days, the final climax is in sight,
5:54:00 > 5:54:03as Muirfield lies enshrouded by a mysterious,
5:54:03 > 5:54:05swirling blanket of mist.
5:54:05 > 5:54:09The Championship balances delicately between two men.
5:54:09 > 5:54:12But first, the stage must be clear.
5:54:14 > 5:54:17It's Payne Stewart from the United States, three under par.
5:54:17 > 5:54:20Strange round he's had today.
5:54:20 > 5:54:24He's had eagles, birdies, bogeys, double bogeys, the lot.
5:54:27 > 5:54:31But now, only a birdie will do, and what a splendid second shot.
5:54:31 > 5:54:33That putt for a round of 71.
5:54:33 > 5:54:34APPLAUSE
5:54:36 > 5:54:39Tom Watson, a sad day for him, on his way to a 74.
5:54:39 > 5:54:43Promised much, but in the end, never quite got there.
5:54:44 > 5:54:47Now, all still, for Payne Stewart.
5:54:53 > 5:54:56CROWD GASPS
5:54:57 > 5:55:00APPLAUSE AND WHISTLING
5:55:01 > 5:55:05A 72, he doesn't tie with Rodger Davis,
5:55:05 > 5:55:07so just two contenders left out on the course.
5:55:10 > 5:55:15Moments later, Faldo makes his 17th straight par.
5:55:15 > 5:55:18But, brave as it is, will it be enough?
5:55:18 > 5:55:20A glance at the leaderboard will tell him
5:55:20 > 5:55:24that Azinger still leads by one, as he comes to the 17th tee.
5:55:33 > 5:55:37Bunkers at the left-hand side, and he's hit it left.
5:55:37 > 5:55:41There's sand lurking there, and he's found the deep bunker.
5:55:41 > 5:55:44And that, indeed, could be very costly...
5:55:45 > 5:55:47as Faldo drives at the 18th.
5:55:53 > 5:55:55Oh, a lovely swing.
5:55:55 > 5:55:57He splits the middle of the fairway.
5:56:01 > 5:56:06And, just a little bit more to the right, we'll find Faldo's ball
5:56:06 > 5:56:09absolutely dead centre.
5:56:09 > 5:56:10What a fine shot.
5:56:15 > 5:56:1917th, Azinger, just got to pitch out sideways from this bunker.
5:56:23 > 5:56:25Out of the bunker, yes.
5:56:25 > 5:56:27But, out of trouble? No.
5:56:27 > 5:56:31Azinger is in deep danger of dropping a shot, and the pendulum
5:56:31 > 5:56:36slowly swings towards Faldo, who, on 18, faces his greatest test.
5:56:36 > 5:56:39One more good, clean, straight hit.
5:56:42 > 5:56:45Oh, it's going dead straight.
5:56:45 > 5:56:47CROWD SHOUTS ENCOURAGEMENT
5:56:47 > 5:56:49RAPTUROUS CHEERING
5:56:49 > 5:56:51And a lovely shot from Faldo.
5:56:53 > 5:56:55Well, he was asked the ultimate question
5:56:55 > 5:56:58as to whether his swing would stand up and, my word,
5:56:58 > 5:57:01how it has stood up to the tremendous pressures.
5:57:03 > 5:57:05Terrific applause.
5:57:06 > 5:57:09Faldo has no idea how this man is doing behind.
5:57:13 > 5:57:15He's now playing his fourth shot...
5:57:17 > 5:57:19..to the 71st hole.
5:57:23 > 5:57:25And a pretty good one.
5:57:25 > 5:57:31But what tension now, as these two battle it out.
5:57:31 > 5:57:33The 18th green, Faldo for a three.
5:57:39 > 5:57:41CROWD SHOUTS
5:57:41 > 5:57:42Oh, no, that's too wide.
5:57:47 > 5:57:48And he's left himself
5:57:48 > 5:57:53one of those horrid length putts in front of about 40,000 eyes.
5:57:53 > 5:57:58Azinger at the 17th, Faldo at the 18th.
5:57:59 > 5:58:02Azinger, who's wielded a magic putter all week.
5:58:10 > 5:58:12CROWD SHOUTS ENCOURAGEMENT THEN GASPS
5:58:12 > 5:58:14What a good effort, but that's a six.
5:58:16 > 5:58:17Faldo at the 18th.
5:58:21 > 5:58:25If he can get this, Azinger needs a four to tie.
5:58:30 > 5:58:33CROWD: Yes!
5:58:33 > 5:58:35Oh, a smooth stroke!
5:58:37 > 5:58:38And the relief on his face.
5:58:40 > 5:58:42SUSTAINED CHEERING
5:58:42 > 5:58:46The crowd now see that Azinger has dropped a stroke, and they're level.
5:58:48 > 5:58:51Azinger, back on the tee, this time using a one iron.
5:58:57 > 5:59:00An iron for safety and position down the final hole.
5:59:04 > 5:59:06And what a moment for this young man from America,
5:59:06 > 5:59:09who's made such a wonderful impression here this week.
5:59:09 > 5:59:15The crowd round the 18th, waiting to see what happens to his second shot.
5:59:21 > 5:59:24A four to tie, a birdie three to win.
5:59:27 > 5:59:30The wind from the left, he's kept it too far left,
5:59:30 > 5:59:31he's going to catch trouble.
5:59:32 > 5:59:36CHEERING THEN GROANING
5:59:36 > 5:59:40And some cheers and groans, a mixed reception there.
5:59:47 > 5:59:50APPLAUSE
5:59:58 > 6:00:01He's found an awkward spot in the bunker.
6:00:01 > 6:00:04This is by no means a doddle to get down in two from here.
6:00:04 > 6:00:06Look at that stance.
6:00:09 > 6:00:10Flips it up...
6:00:12 > 6:00:13..and not quite far enough.
6:00:16 > 6:00:17And still the drama goes on.
6:00:20 > 6:00:21Oh, dear. Oh, dear.
6:00:29 > 6:00:30Now, this to tie.
6:00:36 > 6:00:38SHOUTS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
6:00:38 > 6:00:42And he's...for once, left it short.
6:00:42 > 6:00:45So Azinger finishes six, five.
6:00:58 > 6:01:01For Azinger, the final two holes
6:01:01 > 6:01:04shatter his dreams into a thousand pieces.
6:01:04 > 6:01:09But, for Faldo, it's the moment when a dream comes true.
6:01:09 > 6:01:11After four days of intense struggle
6:01:11 > 6:01:15in some of the most appalling weather imaginable,
6:01:15 > 6:01:19Nick Faldo has triumphed against the finest golfers in the world,
6:01:19 > 6:01:23and the greatest prize in golf is his.
6:01:26 > 6:01:30Azinger can only look on and think of what might have been.
6:01:31 > 6:01:36But Faldo knows that his name goes down in history
6:01:36 > 6:01:39and joins the roll call of past Muirfield Open winners -
6:01:39 > 6:01:44Watson, Nicklaus, Trevino, Player.
6:01:45 > 6:01:50- FALDO:- If you go even further back, you've got Vardon and Braid,
6:01:50 > 6:01:54and Cotton, and Taylor, I think, Walter Hagen.
6:01:54 > 6:01:57You look at those names and add Faldo to the back of it.
6:01:57 > 6:01:59I look a little different -
6:01:59 > 6:02:02like a sore thumb sitting there at the moment!
6:02:04 > 6:02:05But it is those very names
6:02:05 > 6:02:09that confirm Faldo's first step along the path
6:02:09 > 6:02:15to greatness, as the winner of the 116th Open Championship.
6:02:36 > 6:02:39Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd