Day 2 - Part 1 Golf: The Open

For all the talk in the build up about unplayable rough and a

minefield of bunkers here at Royal Lytham, yesterday's first day of

the Open Championship was a nice walk in the park according to

Australia's Adam Scott, the man who fared best of the 156 starters,

teeing up in pursuit of the Claret Another good one at 17, everything

65 in any tournament is nice but specifically here, it's great.

the most bizarre first six holes of my career, no question. Missing

every green and chipping in was a nice start. The boy from Aberdeen

is on fire. The Championship leader. Get in! Are feel like my game is in

good shape. I have a good feeling for the course. -- I feel. 64, a

wonderful start. HAZEL IRVINE: The loss of around 11 for -- lowest-

ever round at Lytham. But what a start. Seven of the Champions' at

the top of the leaderboard. All vying to join the exclusive Major

champions club this week. The first opening round since 1998 at

Birkdale where no one failed to break 80. Great scoring. This is a

leaderboard bursting with possibilities after that first day.

Lovely love them. I love it, I love it, I love it. -- lovely Lytham.

Tiger has not had a Major media -- Major meal in four years. He looks

a bit hungry. He could return to the world's top spot at this week.

Just a single bogey and he is poised to prowl. A master at work.

Everybody will talk about Tiger Woods, they always do. If you're

looking for a challenger, may appoint to in the direction of Zach

Johnson. -- May I point you in the direction. He was always heading in

the right direction, that way. And the classes remain firmly at on the

cranium. That is a big bubble and that is Bubba Watson, immaculately

groomed. And the Scottish meerkat shot a sparkling 65.

The boy from Aberdeen is on fire. Checkout this little baby. Top Gun,

weaving his way through the skies. Phil Mickelson likes it. He doesn't

like that. To show you how tough the rough is, we thought we would

ask five teenagers to conceal themselves in it. Spectators,

reveal yourselves. The crowds came in their thousands. It was not a

good day for Lee Westwood. So -- the stranger lip movement says it

all. Further adrift, a single birdie punctuated another -- an

otherwise dismal day for her Darren Clarke. Pheasant? I think eyespot

Graeme McDowell in the prime of life. He looks very Jonty. -- I

spot. Great shot. Could he cracked the big one? Here are some

contenders for a shot of the day. This was rather special number five.

Bradley did not too badly either. This could be very special. So

close. Steve Stricker went crazy on 13th with an eagle. And Nicolas

Colsaerts is only one off the lead after a day of Belgian brilliance.

Yes! What a two! Shaggy Snedeker made our late dart, too. The

afternoon gloom brought its fair share of doom but it was never to

gory Fourie McIlroy. In fact, it was all quite tasty until this

happened. -- for our Rory McIlroy. A double bogey followed but nothing

that a club can fix. The Australian's armoury has been

impressive. Adam Scott has always had the potential but as his best,

had the potential but as his best, and he is unstoppable. -- at his

best. And we're just a quarter of a way -

- a quarter of the way through the Championship. Play got underway at

6:30am this morning but after 11 mm of rain overnight, the spectators

were delayed coming onto the course to clear away the standing water on

and around. If you're thinking of coming to watch, a pair of wellies

might just be the thing. We have a few showers forecast. Like wind

once again. So much to look forward to on the second day. As you know,

the halfway cut will fall this afternoon. There will be an

almighty scramble to be with us for the weekend. As is always tradition,

yesterday's afternoon starters begin this morning and the roles

are reversed. Indeed, one of the star as of yesterday began his

round just before we came on air at 8:58am. Nicolas Colsaerts made his

way out onto the course. Perhaps we will get more fireworks from him

will get more fireworks from him this morning. Rory McIlroy Duggan

hard yesterday to earn his round of 67. His call time is 9:20am

alongside Keegan Bradley and Louis Oosthuizen. Luke Donald will be

aiming to make up some ground. That is a necessity. Steve Stricker has

been touted as a Major winner for a long time. Perhaps a breakthrough

will come today for him. Good scoring yesterday from him and

Anders Hansen. The appointment is at 950 3am with Mr Robson on the

first tee. -- 950 3am. Luke Donald will be without the regular caddy,

John McLaren, today. He has given him the day off to welcome his

first child into the world. His wife, Helen, was due two days ago.

Oh we're wishing well. -- we're wishing you well. This is the

practice putting green behind me. Dan Walker will be popping up to

Dan Walker will be popping up to read the morning. Who have you

found down there? Good morning. I have found David Howell. He will be

following Rory McIlroy later. Hazel mentioned Luke Donald. He has a new

caddy today but a round of 70 yesterday, two objectives today. To

make the cut, and to get up the leaderboard. He it was a patient

round of golf yesterday. His only blemish at the last. It was a poor

second shot that cost him a bogey. He will be very disappointed with

that. He could have shot 67, 66 and for once, he did not get the best

out of his round. And the key, given the way Adam Scott has played,

was to be under-par. Lee Westwood was certainly not. He goes out this

afternoon. What is the mind set? he is all about winning Majors, not

making cuts. He has to get through to the weekend and I think he will.

It was a lacklustre day for him. The way he started off, it was

perfect shot after a perfect shot. I think he would be in the mid-

Sixties. Unfortunately, when he made a mistake, his short game was

not on song. It was a poor first round. He will be bitterly

disappointed. He was grumpy love with himself last night. -- Grand

Prix with himself. He can be occasionally. Today you are foreign

McIlroy, Louis Oosthuizen and Tegen. -- you are following. He should be

in a good mood yesterday -- today, Rory McIlroy. He added that piece

of luck, hitting a spectator on the 15th. It on ahead from 260 yards

and then castigated for knocking it out of bounds! It was a bad moment

or round. But Rory McIlroy did well to come back and birdie the last

few holes. It was a fine comeback and he is in great shape. And the

conditions are just perfect here. He taught last year, in a fit of

frustration, but he was not going to change his game for the British

Open, and that a chance would come along when the weather was good.

This could be this year. The weather is perfect, the course is

softer that has been. There is hardly any wind, and it is pretty

much normal golf. Certainly, Sunday may be a different matter. But it

is a really good opportunity for Rory McIlroy. You have made it

sound relatively easy. Plenty more from David throughout the day.

I know that David has warned in his walking shoes. He will be covering

a lot of ground today. You were talking about Rory McIlroy and you

may not know that the gentleman he hit, a schoolboy called Jason blue,

from bad tee-shot on the 15th, everyone thinks he just signed

"Sorry" On the glove and that was that but no, this man was supposed

to spend a night in the tent but Rory McIlroy upgraded him and let

him spend the night in a posh hotel. A very nice gesture. It is an

A very nice gesture. It is an exciting day. Not just in the

morning, but the afternoon. A quick heads up. Paul Lawrie is expected

on the tee at have passed one. He has Davis Love with him, perhaps

getting a chance to check up on Paul Lawrie, to secure his spot on

the European team. Adam Scott is out with Alan Dunbar and Matt

Kuchar. The defending champion, Darren Clarke, disappointed not to

shine. He is with Zach Johnson and Ernie Els. Time for action for Lee

Westwood after that opening 73. Bubba Watson is well and the next,

as is Graeme McDowell, aiming to make it back-to-back wins for

Northern Ireland in this Championship. Tiger Woods is due

out just before her quarter to out just before her quarter to

three. A nicely tucked in. It seems as if you have the Clinton

your eye again. You believe totally that you are ready to win again.

have proven that I can hit the ball well. I can putt and I can do all

the things that I need to do to win tournaments. I have won some

tournaments this year. It is a matter of winning the right ones. I

matter of winning the right ones. I have a long way to go but I am

right there. And this is the state of play. No one is making a great

impression. Nicolas Colsaerts scrambled a par at the first. And

you have to go way down the leaderboard to see anybody doing

anything because there is not many birdies out there. Richard Sterne

is 1-under today. But birdies had been in short supply. So far, it is

quiet. All more or fascinating for that. -- all the more fascinating.

11 hours of coverage stretching before us. Wayne Grady and Peter

Alliss are ready to take the first shift. It is getting better by the

moment. It is a very still morning here. Very damp during the night.

The members here must be concerned about the merger rain that has

fallen on their course. It has happened before. We went into a

Monday when Seve Ballesteros won, and they leave quite a mess behind,

the spectators. It is a delicate job, cutting these holes correctly.

He is putting in a little bit of white paint, around the edges. We

often get letters asking why we cannot see the whole more clearly.

They tried, believe me, they tried. And that is the rain that fell last

night. There could be some to-ing and fro-ing, picking out of wet

spots in the bunker. That is an expensive thing to do, draining

that. And there is the view behind the first. We're in for a good day,

Wain. Certainly. The weather looks like it is going to co-operate. It

is hard to believe they only had 11 mm of rain last night, less than

half an inch. It shows you how high the water table is at the moment.

This drenching, you have had back in the United States. It is a

big man with a good game. Greens will not be any quicker than

yesterday. They might be just a bit slower. Francesco Molinari. He

played very well last week. 69 the hole. Nine holes are being cut

within the four yards of the edges. We will see throughout the day that

the flags are tucked away. Nicolas bit ordinary, wasn't it? It could

have been a bit of a large ball. struggle, you feel for him to hold

to BT. Rory McIlroy and Keegan Bradley. 71 yesterday. Rory McIlroy,

a rather adventurous 67. Some beautiful shots and a few miscued.

But all in all, a very nice start to this year's Championship. Two-

time US Open champion, Goosen. He has gone off the boil a little bit

in the past couple of years. His putting has been a bit dodgy. But a

getting ready. He will start at 9:20am. He was pretty adventurous

yesterday and he was pleased with how he hanged Armagh after being

Everything was going smoothly up until the 15th. The tee-shot was a

little bit out but I did not think it was that far out. It was not

nice to see it when I got there. I thought I did great to keep my

composure. You looked like he was smiling in the end anti- signs that

Golf Club for him but it must have been a sinking feeling. I have done

that a couple of times before and it is not the first time. It is not

nice to see but he said he was OK and everything. That was important.

And just as you would imagine and expect, two birdies in the last

three holes repairing the damage. Yes, it did. That was what I wanted

to do. It was a bad break on the 15th and a lucky break on the 18th.

I think everything even doubt. -- from the fairway. Let's watch Rory

McIlroy. People are glad to watch this stuff. 192 yards is the first

Not there. -- flag. MC: From South Africa, Lily is a

son. -- Louis Oosthuizen. Dressed all in white today. He has won the

Open Championship. Can he do it at the flag.

MC: From the USA, Keegan Bradley. It is not a pushover with the water

situation. It could be very costly. We have got tons of green left and

a little bit behind the flag. This it. Good enough. He has put himself

in a very good position with an opening round of 67. Out early this

morning in favourable conditions. He will be hoping to be climbing up

that leaderboard. I loved these ultras slow-motion shots. Head

still, driving, harpy comes. He hits that very hard. Not a big man.

second. Plenty of room. That is very clumsy. A good tee shot.

Missed the green by about 30 yards. It is very important to get away to

a confident start. So far the play on the outward nine has been very

mediocre. Hardly anybody under-par. And that is the easier nine by

miles. The majority of the front nine will be touching into the wind.

It is not very strong but a different direction, David? It is

just a bit of a breeze. But it is coming from a different direction

into the players from the left. That is the hardest for

professionals. And that will make The distance depends on where they

put the flag on the green. The green is about a 36 yards long. It

can vary in distance. Four paces in from the right. This is not the

place to be. He is really all right up against the face. That is a

worrying position. Very good shot Dave. I think that bunker will see

a bit of action. Always enough of them. He was a bit fortunate but he

played a wonderful shot. The But the shot has gone. I still

think conditions today are almost perfect. A little bit of breeze.

But it is better than it was years ago. This should be no problem. A

big crowd. Lovely to see them here. Not many courses start with a par

three. Keegan Bradley. With a barely patter. Coming in from just

off the green. -- putter. He will championships. The first Major

tournament that he played in. Chasing Jason Dufner over the final

few holes. 40 feet from Rory McIlroy after that high flighted

shot. It is all about the pace. Getting a nice feel for the green

people are sitting back. Carnoustie was the first time I saw Rory

McIlroy play. Impressive back then and he continues to impress. He was

remarkable from a very young age, from about 10. He is doing

wonderful things now. Just left of centre. Luis! One-shot gone. And

all because of that miss directed push. Find the green. Pretty heavy

clouds, Wayne. All of those people living bear little lies. Some of

them a rather grand. -- living the second. A wonderful swagger of

the club. He turns it back and four-time winner in Japan. Going

left. Short sighted. Not a lot of green to work with. But not much in

front. But these guys are geniuses around the green. We can see the

trees just moving a bit, David. Where is the wind coming? It is

coming into the left from the second hole, which is 480 yards. It

has turned this whole into a beast. Yesterday it was a 3-wood. But

today it is a different story. It is a driver for all of these

players and it will be a long shot. Just the other side of the trees.

The Fens, the railway, this may be the tee from the USA, Ricky bowler.

APPLAUSE. I don't think I have ever seen this

man so soberly dressed. The usually in myriad of colours. Is shoes

match his hat. I could not afford the excess baggage, carrying around

the motor cloves these guys have. - - the amount of clothes. Now, how

far left is that going? Come on, Harrington, put one on the green.

Even par yesterday. Phil Hawkins is conditions. The chance 40 skies to

get off to a good start. -- for is apt, the best we have seen today.

-- that is a beauty. Manuel Trappel, one of only two amateurs in the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

Championship. Shot 74 yesterday. There is a huge gallery for Rory

McIlroy, five or six deep. And one man, a keen golfer that you might

man, a keen golfer that you might recognise, Mr Tim Henman. Welcome

to the Royal Lytham. Have you been enjoying things? It is fantastic. I

am lucky enough to be here all four days. It is great to see the crowds

following McIlroy. Yesterday it was a big gallery for Tiger Woods.

Speaking to Clare Balding, this gallery is the biggest so far.

There is a real interest in him doing well. Absolutely. He is a

phenomenal talent. He is still so young. The way that he plays, it is

brilliant to watch. I am not surprised that there are so many

people. Hopefully he will keep going playing well and not hit

anyone in their heads. You know about the pressure cooker mentality

when the expectations of a nation are on you. He has struggled with

that. He seems to be dealing with the better. Does it get easier?

Experience helps. It is important that you go out and try to control

of things you can control. You cannot control what people are

saying. Preparation and performances most important aspect.

When he won as good as he is, hopefully you will have a great

chance. -- when you are as good. heard a rumour that you shot a 64

on this course. Is this true? I went in too many bunkers. I

played in the HSBC patrons stay. It was awesome. Bunkers should be a

hazard and a penalty. It was great. It is amazing to see the pro's play

the course properly. Let's see them clear. Incidently, Tim Henman was

being rather modest there. He plays much of his golf at Sunningdale,

and I think he is either a scratch up-and-down did not happen.

Toshinori Muto goes to 2-under. McIlroy on the right-hand side.

There is a lot of grass in front of the ball. He may struggle to get

this to the surface. The ball could go anywhere. David, have you

checked the lie? He has called this perfectly. If he gets this to the

front, he will have done well. The wet grass will slow this up. He has

the trees. It could have easily bounded in, out of play. Second

shot for Nicolas Colsaerts. Another row. He is suffering their --

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

Waiting to start his day. A bit of work to do today. He struggled

been missing a few of those. A little bit of movement. A very nice

start. He is wearing the red laces again. They must have been a

bunkers, it should not be that difficult to play out of after the

We had a chat to Luke Donald on the raised -- on the range earlier. How

you feeling? Feeling good. I played solidly yesterday. Why did not get

much out of that but hopefully I can hold a few putts today and get

can hold a few putts today and get in the red numbers. You looked so

comfortable yesterday. Is that how you felt or were you putting on a

good impression? I was very mad coming off of 18. I was

disappointed to make a bogey. I had a lot of good shots. A in terms of

conditions, are you thinking it is going to be a different game?

a different wind direction. I have not played the course in this

direction yet. I think this is how it was yesterday morning. There is

a little bit of adjusting. Not too much wind and the Wall's a lot of

rain overnight. -- there was a lot of rain. Bumpy greens. Usually the

greens are all right in the morning. Rain sometimes makes these surfaces

smoother. I'm hoping for a good surface, to see some of those putts

drop. Are you feel a ING less pressure? Obviously, you're a big

favourite. Are you feeling less of the pressure? You create your her

the pressure? You create your her own pressure. -- your own pressure.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

yesterday? And surviving. -- how to do today. He has the work in

front of him. Eight par round might opening tee-shot.

Being left-handed, that could be awkward. From Australia, Geoff

as Phil Mickelson, the need to hit some good to shots today. They have

to think of shooting into the Ogilvie, the Open champion. Colin

Montgomerie had a glorious opportunity but it was not to be.

We will step aside and leave you with Dave Brown and Andrew column.

It is running at a reasonable pace. At the end of the day it will dry

out and get a little quicker. Rory McIlroy for a par. Nicolas

with that after a loose tea shop. It could have been much worse in

to the right side of the green. He will try and grind out this for

foot shot and he has rolled it in surface. Avoiding the bunkers is

going to be very important. The players have no idea if it has got

water in it or not. If you find water, you can play it but if you

want to drop it out, you have to drop it out of the bunker and

inevitably, it will plaque. What is he doing? Setting sail. Will it?

will not risk doing that. It copped out. My goodness. That was risky.

His original position was just as the second but it is tricky

because of the bunker down the left. The players are being forced to hit

driver ants they have to aim it down the right towards the trees

and it is a pretty daunting shot. bit of a breeze from the left. Rory

McIlroy has occasionally struggled, Conditions are lovely. Just a small

breeze but it does make a difference. He would normally fly

the ball 280 yards. That gives you some idea of how much effect the

wind is having. A dangerous tee- to out of bounds but he has been OK.

He does not yet know. Phil Mickelson dropped a shot on the

first but a decent life. -- position. And it makes all the

difference. That was risky because sometimes the drop in the bunker

makes it difficult. They are always tough bunkers and Royal Lytham but

very tough today because you do not know if they have got puddles of

that was a cave. -- OK. Nut at the third. 28 yards longer -- nut, 28

yards longer than the last time. Absolutely perfect. If you can

drive down the line, you are playing the length of the green.

might be all right. That line was not bad. He is just down to the

left. He might have to fight with the trees again. Donald at the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

let him down. We can see house moves the greens are. -- the

smoothness of the greens. Francesco strongest, I suppose that the

breeze has blown all week. About 12 That will be hard to get out. Safe

play from Padraig Harrington. Nicolas Colsaerts dropping back.

Dropping two shots on the first three. Rory McIlroy, a steady start.

Adam Scott and Zach Johnson late starters today. Playing 192 yards.

Steve Stricker. Playing with Anders Hansen. Taniguchi had a round of 72.

A good round of 68 for Anders Hansen. It is very hard to predict.

A wind can drop and it can pick up. It will probably be won over if you

are guessing at the moment. -- one. This is his 14th appearance at the

front right bunker. Taniguchi once again wearing yellow. Maureen.

better grip all in their forties. And all of these players were on

the range 20 minutes ago. -- veteran groups. He is using a 4-

iron today, Taniguchi. The middle of the green today is very

opening shot. MC: From Denmark, Anders Hansen.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

yesterday. He hit 16 out of 18 long birdie attempt. The greens are

actually running a bit faster. They would double cart at 3.25 mm. --

they were at double cut. This gives you an idea of the conditions. Not

quite that bad! Actually, for playing golf it is perfect.

Temperature is rising and not much wind about. For an Open

Championship on a links course, it could not be nicer. David. This is

not as bad as the previous hole but the grass is thick, heavy and wet.

He will be delighted to get this on the putting surface. Anywhere past

4th tee! Toshinori Muto's caddy was getting up to get it. He will have

his fingers crossed coming up there. When he finds that, he will not

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

Harrington. Nicely done. 1-under. Steve Stricker. All three in the

group, with Anders Hansen and Taniguchi. Steve Stricker is one of

the best putters. Consistently at yards. The greens are very yielding

this morning. That all got stuck stuff. He had some misfortune on

indeed. Both of these players, fine. A simple up-and-down and much the

same for a. He has just avoided the long grass. It is not the easiest

chip and a putt, but he will be delighted with where the ball has

finished. So a tin she's to the right and it is virtually

unplayable. -- six inches. Two yards to the right and he is in

trouble. A big break for both of putting surface. A nice landing

area. The grass is not bothering him. It is a remarkably good break.

There are a few elements to getting that would have aired on the short

side. -- always the shot. He will be thankful for a six footer for

par. Back to Anders Hansen on the first. He has had a good read from

beautiful should -- hit some beautiful shots this morning. Much

more comfortable lower, and softer, than Rory and Kieran Brett Lee. --

Keegan Bradley. It is an outside birdie chance but if you can pass

at the end of that part. -- Rory McIlroy. Not the same line, but it

unkind. I don't think he worries about it because he had a Shrek

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

stay up a little bit. A bogey five for four McIlroy. He had some luck

there, and you need luck to win Majors, but he did not capitalise

on it. There is a score to be grabbed this morning if you play

well. But you have to hole a few parts. Added would be good time to

start on the second hole. Luke Donald, 1-under after two if it

of the sun is out. Summer has finally started. The Olympics next

able to save par after good fortune. Bradley has given that quite a shot.

The BBC has secured the Olympics distances. A slightly bumpy start.

Already a couple of bogeys on his He missed a lot of opportunities on

the back nine. Slightly frustrating greens in regulation, which is very

decent. He is playing the third, birdied the second. The green staff

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

are trying to get rid of some of Should be a two. Bradley's tee-shot,

typical of many of those are round the golf course, you have to

concentrate on missing the bunkers. 240 to carry those. There is a

bunker on the left and it is about 275 to reach it. The players are

hoping to land the ball somewhere 275 bunker, the fairway jams in an

something five that stops quickly. So you get over the bunker, 240

easily, but then the ball stops The afternoon starters get the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

opportunity to see how the round no shot at the flag. That is a

pretty good result. To get at the flag, you have to come off the

pheasants out here, that much be -- that must be deeply confused. A

good tee shot here. It comes back towards the clubhouse, this whole.

These three players, they hit the ball exactly the same distance.

That is what they have done. 150 yards to the pin. It is a pitching

the pin. There is a bunker to the is not necessarily a drop in. He is

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

need some birdies today. -- Shaun Leonard certainly needs some

birdies today. Great golf and the sun is shining. You just what the

players coming through when the sun is shining and it is great. Luke

Donald is just about six inches away. That marker of Luke Donald

has been obliterated. That bunker has been raked. It is a tricky

business when that happens. He has offered him 50p I think, to go and

look for it. It will be raked and repaired as close to possible as it

was before. But it is not an exact science. But they remember pretty

much where it was. You want to make sure that they do a good job with

it as well! All of a sudden, he might knock it 100 yards past.

Andrew from the Australian Tour is officiating. Up ahead on the green,

Padraig Harrington. Lovely touch. We used to expect that from him

regularly but perhaps he has had his edge taken off recently.

think he is getting his second wind of confidence, like Ernie Els.

has been working so hard on his long game. I think he neglected his

short game a little bit. But a good start for Padraig Harrington. 1-

under after three. That is a great genuine birdie hole on the front

line. -- front nine. It is a par four that he wants to take

advantage of, when the rest of the course is very difficult. Is it

just slightly right and left? tricky bit is almost trying to find

the green but it is slightly uphill. It is inviting. And the green is

running beautifully. It just puts a bit more pressure on the ones you

just love watching him play. Like a breath of fresh air. Just gets on

chances to come, but we will go triple bogey. 4-over now. It has

been a wicked hole on the third and I think the answer is not to be too

of the sweet spot, it runs along from the railway line, back towards

the stands and down on the green. Rory McIlroy has made his birdie.

and a glorious opportunity for a birdie. Thousands of people have

come out this morning to watch these superstars. I hope they

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

there. Every chance of getting that. He has found the fairway at the

second and he has got an opportunity if he is brave enough

the third hole. He found the rough could well be chasing flanks today

as well. That is dangerous when the position is straight. -- chasing

Toshinori Muto. He has never made a cut in the open. It is unusual how

the cuts have been painted. The top quarter of the cup has not been

painted white. I have not seen that before. Phil Mickelson said

yesterday that one or two of the cuts were lifting. 5th hole. 227

today. The green is falling off to left and right. With the wind today,

very little coming from the latter, it is a very long and very

green, where the flag has been cut. green, Francesco Molinari had a

birdie attempt. # has a birdie recovering from his wrist operation.

Rory McIlroy waiting for the green draw Park. -- Bo Van Pelt has

5th. It is a tough one. It is a straightforward challenge. You have

just got to find the middle of the green with a three or four Higham.

An accurate shot is required. This should short -- suit Rory McIlroy.

He should just feed it back towards think he likes it. Unlucky. His tee

shot at the first went a few yards too far. From his end it would have

You have to trust the yardage. the right. It is going to be the

rock of the green. It is a little hollow where it has gathered

moisture. It is a lush rough. It has bounced. Bradley just waiting

on the 4th green. Taking his time on the par three. He has got a 3-

iron. He has played with the four off to the left and the ball has

second day could not be any more perfect. Beautiful sunshine

breaking through and hardly a breath of wind. But for all of that,

just six men under-par for their round today. It is still very

tricky. Nicolas Colsaerts has been going backwards as we have said.

Francesco Molinari is 1-under. The man that was runner-up at Castle

Stuart last weekend. Well-fancied with his precision play to

challenge. Padraig Harrington coming back to form and talking of

a good game, when he talks a good game, we know he is in form. We are

out and about and we have found a man that has been here at Royal

Lytham long enough to remember the We are on the 18th with the man

that we were talking about. He has been here for 462 years, correct?!

You must be delighted with how the course is playing and it looks

fantastic. We usually produce good players at the top of the

leaderboard. Going back to 1996, we have got a famous story that

supporters will know about. A victory was attributed to you

earlier in the week. He was being very kind. He came in the shop and

asked how to win the Championship. I just said keep it on the short

grass. Then the footage was made at the end of the tournament and he

was kind enough to mention that. But it was all about the shot-

making. You are in the club shop next to the studio and the practice

putting green. What requests have you got? Caddies and players are

coming in the course. It is a friendly spot for the members to

congregate. But this week has all been about reacting to what people

required. We have been doing our best to fulfil that. And you do

like the membership. Every golf club has got the many members. Not

as many as others. Some people have been saying that the course has

been playing easier. But it can be much harder. For the Championship,

we have got an extra cut on the rap. It is not so easy from the fairway

into the thick rough. But on Saturday week, when people are

playing the Championship Trophy competition, they will have a good

go at it in these conditions. you for talking to us and have a

great week as well. Back to the There is a little bit of wind. But

although that was a good save on love watching a flock shot. It is a

difficult shot to play well. Mickelson is probably the best

"Where is the sea?" He has obviously not been watching when we

have had these shots from the high camera. 500 yards or so from the

edge of the golf course. It has receded over the years. There is

the railway line and then left, the main road, and there is the water.

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

take very long when he is over the ball. Running nicely. I have had

some correspondence about Harrington's red shoelaces.

Apparently he is a patron for the Special Olympics, and has been

since 2010. So he is an ambassador. That's right. Excellent. He is a

too hard, but we are continually told that the game has improved and

everyone is wonderful with strength and depth but we have hardly seen

anyone hit a green yet. I think you're just getting old and crusty.

Are probably so, but it is wary some when everything is wonderful.

I like to see them hit the greens. -- wearisome. This is something

that happens a lot here. You have to walk back to the tees. It has

been a strange morning so far with quite a few people going out.

Nobody has reached the turning under-par. Par out his 34. Three

short holes going out. There was only one par-4. A montage of the

various shots. Nothing electrifying. The more like candlelight instead

of electricity. We get some tweets in. Luke wants to know, can I tell

him if I have an account on Twitter? I do not. We have only

just got gas where I live, so Twitter is out of the question. You

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

longest hitters in the world. They that one. Brandt Snedeker gets a

Oosthuizen. Beautiful tee shot, setting up all well for him. --

week. Always produced a lot of very Sport is extraordinary. Rugby,

Miles wants to know, "Our caddies around -- allowed to use trollies?"

I guess there are but they prefer not allowed to use buggies or

trollies at professional tournaments. I do not think the

caddies would want to. If you think about it, they would leave them in

the greens or on the bunkers. He plays with firm wrists. Such a

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

tremendous variety of shots he can the 4th, to get back to even par

quite sharp. His Open Championship record is not that good. He

finished 5th at Turnberry, but apart from that,... Gareth warder

is caddying for her look. -- Gareth is that right, were you the biggest

baby in the world, ever born? the heaviest baby born in Europe

for her 80 or 90 years. �14.12. That is a good sized turkey for

That is all right. It takes a while and they pitch-and-putt. He is 4-

over par. He needs a couple of Slightly hundred with his view. --

seen thicker bit of rough. -- yards. It flew into the bunker.

Five yards to the right, it would have been a beauty. Struggles

continue. The bunkers are punishing. I think when Tony Jacklin won the

Championship years ago, he was down in two every town. A wonderful

execution of bunker play. That is more like it. That is the direction

trampled conditions. We will not have any penalty. We can see that

the ground is a very dirty. He is just in that little olive. He has

been around for a year or two. Some very promising players in the last

warmth than that. -- worn out. is very cruel! It takes about two

or three months to clear everything bunkers. Keegan Bradley is slightly

further up on the 6th green. But neither are as bad as they might

appear. They can get elevation to get out. No problem stopping it

somewhere near the hole. As bunkers go, these two are reasonably all

right. As deep as they are, they have got a bit of an upslope.

they are very clever with the prepared bunkers in my life. They

are proper bunkers. Over the years they have developed. They are just

flat and people hitting forwards and under the green for 250 yards.

straightforward. Not too steep and not too soft. That makes all the

difference. Driving has been the problem this morning, missing the

fairways and struggling to get the of trouble over there and I do not

think he has hit back on hard enough. This is where the golfing

Steven Alker from New Zealand. A if he wins he will be an honorary

Australian. My first Open was in 1979 and on the 7th I did this. I

had four shots to get the ball out shot here and drop a shot there and

do not recover and they just begin to slip away. Only Simon Dyson has

gone out under-par on the front nine today. And he birdied seven.

think anyone man has got out in part. I would not have thought it

was that difficult if you keep the ball on the fairway from the tee.

Wonderful second shot from Louis will later when the leaders go out.

We will wait until 1:30pm. That is and joined Adam Scott at the top of

the leaderboard. A wild tee shot but he was able to escape with a

the last. And he does with a vengeance. That was a fine shot.

Level par for the day. 7th shot, good tee shot as well. Up on the

Ricky Fowler was. And he made it. shops under-par have all gone back

to Eden Park. How quickly yesterday's headlines can become

first genuine birdie opportunity. But unreachable today. Just coming

back into the breeze. It is a long haul. Three shots. But get it down

there and get the shot and try to spot it from there. He might be

fortunate if he is in with the crowd. But bunkers down both sides

of the fairway and claustrophobic from BT. Has a good look from here.

I hope they have not done any hits it wide. Brings trouble into

your own mind. That is as good as he has been so far. Nicolas

Colsaerts is one of the biggest hitters and he would not have been

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

right, left. He knew immediately the park today. He took five -- won

over-par today. He took five at the are up to, but they cannot hit them

straight today. Steve Stricker on five. This is the longest of the

start to the championships. Many players have been dropping down the

rankings from the top of the leaderboard. Brandt Snedeker one up.

Wayne said he is a little worn out. He has had a hip surgery already

this season at. I found out last night that he cracked a rib before

the US Open and he did so Copping. -- coughing. Richard Sterne also on

the march. But scoring conservatively set up. Conditions

appear to be conducive. Andres Romero is always a hot player if he

gets it going. Theatrics at Carnoustie a few years back. VW

Golf won a Masters Championship. And Thorbjorn Olesen. Many of these

players are probably watching at home and wondering what state they

are going to have because nobody is coming at us right now. Ross Fisher

is 1-over for the Championship. We will be keeping a look at the cut

at the end of the day. Could be at about one, or 2-over. Tom Watson

yet to go out. Five time Open champion. A very intriguing

situation as we get back down to Keegan Bradley. He has been

fortunate. The area has been trampled down by spectators and he

can get the club on it and get back on the fairway. On the third hole.

has just got to lay up here. It shouldn't be a massive problem to

him to choose the distance to leave his third shot. And just poppet

down the fairway, avoiding the bunkers. Mustn't be too greedy.

that. We saw Phil Mickelson take seven here yesterday. If you're

going to play safe, you must play safe. One of the teachings of Ben

Hogan. If you're going to play safe, truth. It looked as though it went

into the rough. Francesco Molinari for birdie to get to three under.

Good form from last week. A play- going and going. He probably hits

less well shots than anybody on just recently. And with putts like

that, a little bit of a funky swing, a stranger finish, but certainly he

to read. Little subtleties. Well, I said it was not able to be reached,

but clearly I was talking about myself. These two guys are taking

it on. 283 yards. He's going to hit it with a three wood. Quite a

narrow opening. Don't go right. Do in that. A very nice position for a

anyone. Can he proved me wrong? needs a runner. He wants one lower

yards. -- 592 yards. There is our high camera. The biggest one I

think is 250 feet. You don't go up there when it is windy, though.

Unless you are well strapped in. Straightforward little strip shot

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

There was a time, not so long ago, when those weary me a fairy-tale.

Perhaps they're returning? -- those where a near fairy tale. Let's hope

so. One under. An almost think he looks a bit like Joe Carr, the

amateur. He was a smile. Let's watch this now. Very strange

obviously did find trouble, then, his lay-up was not too good. Things

are working against him. I think out at the farthest point of the

horse. The 8th hole continues in the right direction. Then you turn

around and head back. He carefully watch the ball run past the hole.

Anders Hansen, meanwhile, frighten the pin with his tee shot and went

through the back, fluffed his chip and took two more to get down, took

opening of the 7th green. He has got options. He could putt it. He

could chip and run it. He has chosen a pitching wedge. He will

They do play a greater variety of shots with a lofted clubs. Just by

adjusting the lie of the club. Hand position. Taking the loft of the

club, pushing our hands forward and pushing the club through. The 10th

green, bottom left, there. Going back to Brandt Snedeker for a par.

He has been a good performer, three time winner on the US Tour. Louis

Oosthuizen's lie is on the upslope. He's on the grass, trying to play

with a nine-iron. He has done very Jim Furyk dropped a shot at the

very narrow open here on the six. Used to be a par five. Now, 200

yard par four. Playing alongside Phil Mickelson, who has found the

have got two others, I see. And That would be slightly

embarrassing! Where has the EC gone? -- the sea. Lee Slattery.

This is for birdie. He was school a few times. The last five

or six years, he has been fairly consistent. No big wins. Just

finished. Bob Estes shot 72. One over-par. They head off at 6:30am

opinion. He took the hole on, aggressive it. And he got his

reward. Very nicely played. -- Bradley. Just like the Mickelson

yesterday, if you miss the fairway, with your lay up, beer some fairly

thick rough in that era. -- there is some fairly thick rough in that

area. Angel Cabrera out in 40. Fisher continues his return to form,

33. Jonathan Byrd, out in 33. Three players better than par. Par is 34,

which is pretty tight. As they walk up the hill, back to the tee on the

right. They have squeezed about every drop of room out of this

course as they can possibly get. Second shot on eight, Francesco

Molinari. The green is elevated. Although the pin today is much

easier positioned, at the back of greens, to the right, and of course

did not have any green to work with. He tried to play a shot. Lots of

spin but of course, it didn't. So now he has this one to try to save

struggle for him and is a very strong possibility of him getting

an early flight back to the United States, sadly. It's time for me to

move aside and bring in the birthday boy, Andrew. Thank you,

Peter. 93 today! Still, D wind has not got up. We are expecting more

in the afternoon. As it did yesterday. Donald, back to back

birdies on four and five, going on better now. Yes, he looks really

confident. He has got a great rhythm going with everything

included. This will be three birdies in a row, his second

consecutive birdie. A little off the left. The hardest hole on the

coming together. To the 8th and Rory Wright, just an iron off the

tee. Just an iron for Rory. A two- iron. Drilling this one down the

centre of the fairway. Beautiful Jacklin is in the box with us.

beautiful morning, no wind. Not many are taking advantage, other

than Mr Donald. We will go up to the 18th hole, he is going on

nicely, he has birdied two holes. Pretty much on line here. He is

from New Zealand, he lives in Gillingham. Phil Mickelson, on six,

for a bogey. He hits those putts so hard sometimes, that is liable to

have happened. Look at this, a lot of standing water. We had 11 mm of

rain overnight. They are trying to dry in summer that water away from

the bunkers, it is also pretty muddy on the foot paths. You can

see the work being done by the ground staff and the championship

committee. This is not a bad place to watch the golf. The 18th hole,

this is the chairman of the championship committee, Robert Webb.

You have hundreds of people out there, maybe that is an

exaggeration, they were trying to get rid the water, how hard was

get rid the water, how hard was that? We were caught slightly

unawares by the forecast. We have a full team out. They have done a

fantastic job. It in terms of putting on the Open Championship,

how many years of planning have gone into this to bring it back

here for the first time in 11 years? A lot of planning. It takes

a long time. It was the last 12 months that was the really serious

bit. We have a very big team, the members are very keen to be in bold.

Are you able to enjoy it, or is it a case of getting to the end of the

week? The enjoyment comes from the satisfaction of knowing we have

done a good job. It is not very relaxing just yet. I hope you do

enjoy it. We are going to practise are whispered talking, they are

playing behind us. I'll hand you playing behind us. I'll hand you

hole. He rolls that one in nicely. Just one bogey on his card today.

Rory McIlroy, on the 8th hole. has got 166 up the hill. The pin is

on the right-hand side, fairly imagine he thought that would be

closer from where he is standing. Harrington macro on the 7th hole, a

par five. -- Padraig Harrington. He is going along nicely, one under

for the championship. That one did putting together a tidy round. That

is a lovely finish. That is a 69, three under for the back nine. Just

his second Open championship. He came up through the local

qualifying. He is certainly here for the weekend. An eight-iron for

Louis. That one is causing in trouble. -- causing him trouble.

Lee Slattery upper the 18th. This one was for par, what a shame. He

will be here for Saturday and Sunday. One over par. He is from

Southport. Not too far away. Snedeker, this for a birdie. That

would have tied him with Adam Scott, had it gone in. One of the very

Padraig Harrington. This one for a birdie. Steady as she goes. He

birdied the first hole, or pars since. -- he has got pars since.

That is quite a clean life. -- lie. A very good shot. That was a fine

effort from Steve Stricker. The 6th hole is a beast of a par four. If

you get away with a par, you will move quickly on. Anders Hansen, for

He's back to level par. Oosthuizen here. Oh, yes! In she goes. He has

back-to-back birdies. Back to one for McIlroy a. They were all shy of

the pin, on the back of the green. This is a good chance. This could

start to turn his day around if he McIlroy, he did everything right.

He is in good shape, he is exactly where he needs to be right now,

three-under-par. That would have shot to the par five 7th. He looks

a bit despondent now. He's six over par. What a difference a day makes.

Here is one of the great putters, Steve Stricker. Those are routine

for him. He has had a great few years. He has played some great

golf in the United States. We went from Phil Mickelson, possibly one

of the best way to -- wedge one of the best at the moment. Of the last

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

-- Luke Donald is one of the best under. This is the beautiful little

back to the clubhouse. Peter Hanson, we are seeing a lot of that today.

They are visiting these little craters, some of them are very wet

at the bottom. Steve Stricker's tee shot, he has a three-wood. This is

one of the more generous fairways. There we are, he took the risk out

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

his birdie attempt for Phil the final 11 holes. Six over. He is

something at Castle Stuart last week. After his horrible first

round there. But just not quite the Phil Mickelson of old. 153 for

Louis Oosthuizen. It is just a I must say, down the hill. It is

not playing much more than 145. bounced back superbly from that

upset at Augusta. He went straight to Malaysia and was victorious. He

reminded me of Bernhard Langer in 9th green. Not pleasant, Tony.

going to have a difficult stance there. He will be above the ball.

Scott, if he makes this. It's a tall order but a good effort. But

Luke Donald on the 7th? -- well, could it be four in a row for Luke

Donald on the 7th? Can his putter make amends now? A little bit of a

waste of a good position. But, generally, heading in the right

direction. Two under for the Oh, very good. Very good indeed! He

moves to two over-par. And, I suspect, that will ensure he is

Lehmann, the 1996 champion. Boldly, 17, eagle, 18. Jose Maria Olazabal,

joins him. A little bit of applause will grow for Tom Lehmann. And for

that shot from Greg Owen. That is albatross here in 2001. My memory

may be playing tricks. But I think he did. Anyway, eagle there to

difficult second. He has got to take this really deep and keep that

played up. That is highly curved in front of him and he needs to stop

it as quickly as he can. He has just backed off here, being put off

by a cameraman or something but this is near impossible to get

close, in my view. The green slopes away from him. He can barely see

the middle part of the flag. The a bit cute, in my view, with the

tee shot. That pin on the front left it tends two to go at it and

he took it on and paid the price and now it doesn't take very long

to ruin a score when you get into but, again, managed to run at 12 or

14 ft 5 past. That will be bogey. In danger of dropping two here.

There's his record in the Open. He started brightly a few tens,

especially in 2010. Perhaps his second rounds have not lived up to

his first. He will have to work hard just to drop one shot there.

Hewitt we are in super slow-motion. -- here we are in super slow-motion.

Now, Gray going. Doing a bit of repair work to the 18th green. --

Greg Owen. He came through international qualifying at

Gleneagles, Dallas, Texas, 60, 61 there, an eagle at the last to make

number five. Staying one behind Perhaps over clubbing with his

eight iron. That's not a pleasant Rory Bo Van Pelt, just looking over

this bogey putt -- Rory McIlroy, just looking over his bogey putt.

What a blow it would be to take a double bogey on this Billy

innocuous par three. -- fairly innocuous par three. He has got to

tap it in on up the left. A really important putt this, in Rory's day.

Amazing. 150 or so yards but surrounded by deep Graves which

swallowed him, spat him out, double from a double bogey at the 15th and

competitor. Bradley, for birdie, and he just does not read it high

in the future? Should they be allowed, Tony? They have let it go

for 25 years. If they change it now, I don't know. There would be a lot

of people affected by it, it so it's not a decision they will take

lightly, I'm sure. But it keeps a lot of players playing longer a. It

enables them to be competitive longer. Louis Oosthuizen, now, for

this lad. He moves nothing which does not need to be moved. We go

back to the 10th tee, which they putt as far as they can back in the

corner there. It's a hole of tremendous character. An hourglass

fairway which nips in at about 285 yards, which goes down to very deep

bunkers, right and left. The second at a fair way, on the left, is

lower. Downwind, you can get close to the screen. But not at all today.

He's going with an eight iron. It hardly any breeze right now

golfer out here, the way it's playing today. The greens are very

receptive. We are here with Steve Stricker, a third shot on number

seven. The greens are very receptive. Not a breath of wind. It

on a links? Very, very rare. The ball spinning back 10 feet, eight

feet or so. I wonder whether it's going to change before the weekend?

It's supposed to be nice weather coming. A bit of wind picking up.

Harrington, just waiting for the behind have hit into the 8th now.

But also, up ahead, on the 10th tee, a fairway wood for Rory McIlroy.

Well, the two things to avoid here are the bunkers. 255 yards off the

tee. Down the right side. This is a beauty. Straight down the middle.

Position A. Lovely. You don't see any of the fairway from the tee.

But his job is done, as it has been sudden. North-east England. Here we

are, Brandt Snedeker. Number six. One of the hardest par-fours in

Lytham. Shouting four. That means he is left. Certainly, I doubt he

will be able to get on the green in two from this. 492, par four. Back

every right to think that was going to go into the hole. He really does

it roll the ball beautifully, Steve This is almost a suckers pin at

number nine. This is Rory's tee shot. We have got a message asking,

how much money did you win at the Open? �4,250. People asked me if I

need the money? Of course I did. Not as much as �900,000, which is

the first prize this week. We're not seeing that many putts holed,

certainly from decent rages. It is amazing. It is a perfect morning

but scoring today. Different pin positions change a golf course.

Everything is perfect for low- scoring. The greens are holding

beautifully. Maybe the pins are just not as accessible as their way

yesterday, some of them. -- as they were yesterday. It was a surprise

on the previous green when a Luke Donald did not rule it in for a

birdie. He now has this opportunity on the 8th hole. It is slightly up

hill. Not much movement on this one. Just a couple of people moving

vocal chords. The crowd are getting excited. Luke Donald, listen to

them, they are going crazy! A rather splendid performance, Luke

Donald. That is four birdies in five holes. Time for a cold shower!

That is a brilliant run, he's four behind the leader Adam Scott. That

is a terrific run. Absolutely. He is getting to the point where he

must feel more comfortable. I imagine, with the pressure coming

into this event, he could feel it a bit. He is world number one, he

wanted to show everybody, he's now working in southern to weigh very

strong position indeed. He looks very comfortable in himself. --

he's now working himself into way very strong position indeed. Brandt

Snedeker. You can see where the crowd have been walking. The right

hand side is a jungle, nobody goes down there. It is extraordinary

that he could get himself out of that. This hole is 492 yards. He

has a medium iron, I find that unbelievable. Fantastic shot.

was like Seve. Harrington, for a two. His card is starting to a good.

A par and the 9th hole -- on the 9th hole, would take him 32 out in

32. Bradley has got a wedge out to the 10th green. The players want to

be aggressive here, this is a great birdie chance. He has just backed

off, he wants to be clear in his mind what he's doing. I would

imagine it is hard to get this to the hole. He has done a great job.

That is a beautiful shot. From there you have to look at the top

of the pin, he did beautifully. That is fattening up for shooting

season. It looks last. -- lost. Rory, he needs a birdie. He can't

afford to push it, it is tricky out there. That is the point that Tony

was making, if you go to the back British player! Ricky has had a bit

of an up and down day so far. He was up in 35, with four birdies. He

had a triple bogey on the 13th. Harrington, a par. -- for par. Well

done. There are so many different ways to putt. He doesn't look that

comfortable, the to get it done. The best from nine are the morning,

32. -- the best front nine of the morning. The best score is Steven

Alker. Luke Donald, I doubt he will take the risk of taking the pin. He

has gone for the middle of the green, a sensible shot. He has

still got a chance of a two. Ogilvie. It is funny, the wind has

changed direction. It did not affect that shot, that was a lovely

nine iron. I thought you are going to go again, if that had gone in!

Imagine if that had gone in! This pin looks innocuous from the tee,

those front bunkers. It can be very tricky. Snedeker, after getting

himself out of the rough. This array birdie. Look at that. -- this

for a birdie. A great birdie, probably the hardest par-four on

the course. Six under, tied for the tournament this is for a birdie. He

is well in this tournament. We have seen Brandt Snedeker

birdied the 6th hole. Here we are, this was the hardest hole on the

course yesterday. There is a reason for that, it used to be the easiest.

It used to be a par five, they took some yards off it, and turned it

into a par four. There are bunkers short of the green, Tony Jacklin

has called that one of the hardest par fours in the world. There was

some real trouble on this yesterday. Now the wind direction has changed,

the 7th hole is not producing as many birdies as yesterday. This is

a very tough corner are the course. Brandt Snedeker has just shown if

you played well, you can do very well. We saw a pheasant earlier run,

there he is. -- earlier on. That little birdie is having a lovely

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

He finds the green on number eight. are a little higher. Blackpool

Tower in the distance. Luke Donald, for a birdie on number nine. This

is for five birdies out of six, Birdied the 8th. This is for a par

at the 9th to take him out for best the day, 31, Luke Donald. And he is

scores on not so low today is we are not seeing that sort of

prevailing wind helping him much on the 9th. It is a very benign sort

of day and what breeze there is is not instant. That's the reason we

are not seeing so many low scores on this front nine. Currently the

front nine is playing two over-par, the back nine, even, so that's the

toughest so day -- so far. Raphael Jacquelin. He's getting his posture

to get a feel for the club head and always a work-in-progress. You have

never got it. Absolutely. Steve Stricker flirted with the left-hand

bunker. It is a beast of a bunker, but a solid seven iron to here has

left him this Cross Green putt for birdie. This would get him to four

under. As Tony pointed out earlier on, the heel of the putter of the

ground, he can afford to be aggressive here. It is up the hill

not play that much. Perhaps 20 tournaments a year at most and when

he does, he plays well. Padraig do attack that pin. Just overcooked

Oosthuizen. Economy and movement there. He really does swing the

club beautifully, this lad. efficient, isn't it? No power is

yards. A new tee. They have done away with but a big Burma on the

left, Ken. -- berm. It hid a lot of the fairway. It was a very

different hole. A lot longer. will be thinking, if I can get one

of my Sunday best right to left turn us, get a bit of bounce, this

green might just be in range. being able to use this green. Bo

Van Pelt is in front but he's long. Nice to see the players cutting

loose yesterday, Conservative play of this tee. That's three good

birdie opportunities from here, I think. Down the right gives you a

better angle from the green. If you want to jump and run a bit, it also

Tee shot today, 284 to take the left-hand, which is a massive carry.

The bunker on the right, they can clear over. Then you get a better

angle through the bunkers. You want to lay yourself just far enough

back to get a bit of rain upon it with a front left pin. You don't

want to come into it on too short a range. This green allows you to run

the ball on. You are just got to get up the little bluff at the

front. With 205 bunkers on the course, Tony, I got to assume when

you won the Open, your sand play was pretty handy? Yes, I was in 11

greenside bunkers and managed to get up and down 11 times. With a

new wedge. I came into the week not really been short whether my wedge

was legal or not. They said it was borderline. I went into the do not

stand and got a Roberto sand wedge. -- Dunlop stand. And performed very

well for me, I must stay. -- say. 11 out of 11. It must have had

enough grab on it to hold it on the slopes. This is his third at the

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

Steve Stricker. Or Anders Hansen. Yes, this yardage is just between

clubs for all the players that can't afford to be short, so

they're trying to take something of I've seen two days at the Open

Championship, in my memory, with so a little necklace dependent, the

bunkers. There is the other one, Peter. Three-under par, second shot

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

It is out of reach. Just drilled this one nice and low. Fine shape.

What sort of yardage would you like to leave yourself when you are

pitching? What would be ideal? or 80 yards would be ideal. A bit

more than that, by the look of it but this fairway has a lot of waves

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 48 seconds

in it. I remember it for that done. All-important, Major

championships, if you can take care of that length, and under, you are

never going to be fat -- that far away. Luke Donald has found himself

a pretty decent lie in the semi rough on the left side of the 10th

hole. Completely blind second shot. The whole position at the very back

of the green. He can't afford to be too aggressive with this one

because this ball will release once it hits the green. Can he see the

TV towers? Has he got any steerage as to where the flag is? Yes, he

will have a fairly decent idea of where the flag is because he can

see the top of the cameras. Although, having said that, he had

to jump to see it. When he is over the ball, he can't. Anything on the

He stopped in a very awkward spot, the ball stopped quickly. It went

into a tufty at of grass. It will test his Supreme short game. A very

tough up and down there. He has only had one putt at any length

today, Steve Stricker, and I keep expecting him to get started. This

is down the hill quite fast, this atmosphere around the golf course.

I suppose birdies are hard to come by. There has not be a great deal

His third position at the Masters last year. -- he is from Sweden.

He's not going to share it. Please, please, just a nibble! Oh, he has

got one of his own. Hasn't quite got to the jam yet. You save that

for last and it dribbles down your one of his four wedges, Rory, and

he has got to stop making some birdies. The course is that for the

taking, as we speak. This is push himself too hard. He's such a

the top. This green very nearly in range. Is he itching it on? He is

urging it on. Two great strikes. -- is he is urging it on? Par five,

lower trajectory. This will not the 8th. He has been a marvellous

player for 20 years or more. This is not the best of lies four Luke

Donald. He has to get a good contact, and bring it up the bank.

The green tends to slip away, this is tricky. He caught a bit too much

grass. That was a difficult one. That came at the wrong moment. The

young master was going on nicely. His tee shot cost him. Wayne Grady

has joined me. Good afternoon. There is quite a bit of grass on

the edge of the green, but he was unfortunate. Well done. He is not

the number one in the world but nothing. -- for nothing. Snedeker's

third shot. This is a par five. Brandt Snedeker, a share of the

lead. He is from Nashville, Tennessee. He is revelling in these

calm conditions. Adam Scott is yet to go out. Tiger Woods is going out

at 2:45pm. The yellow boxes mean they are about to tee off. There is

a real struggle to meet to be cut. There is a man who knows what it

takes to win this great event. There are a few who would love to

had the line, he forgot to hit it. The scoring is a little tougher

today. I can't understand why. I know the wind is blowing the way it

is, but so many of them are missing the fairways and the greens. I

don't understand it. A top shot by Luke Donald. He is playing quite

beautifully. Out in 31. Did I see that right? Mickelson has changed

his grip. I think he's up for trying anything at the moment.

will be on his way home it in a few hours' time. The first player I

ever saw using that grip was Mark Calcavecchia. Snedeker, to get to

seven under. Beautiful. As I said earlier, he is a quiet achiever. He

has won a three times on the PGA Tour. McIlroy, to go to two under.

It is just skimming by the edge. look like it will be too wild today.

Muto for a birdie, at the 12th. No, sir. Jamie Donaldson. It is very

hard to recognise some of them with their baseball caps on. This is a

simple enough looking shot, isn't it? The green slopes severely away

from the players only three yards behind the pin. That is quite

severely off line. He was at short range, to miss that completely.

iron shot for Snedeker. This is the last of the holes before they turn

back for the club house. Peter Hanson, at the 9th. No, just a bit

speedy. You don't often see that. Harrington, second shot to the 11th.

That will just make it. If that had been straight, it might just have

reach the green. He has been going along nicely today. And aways is of

green Adam -- a small area of green, amongst the Victorian and or

Edwardian houses. This is a delightful part of the world.

Lovely little shops, schools and offices. Right in the corner,

tucked up against the hedge, is the par three 12th. This is not an easy

one, not so bad today, virtually no wind, the green is slightly across

from the players. They are not into desperate a position. -- they are

not in a desperate position. There is an Australian in the stand, you

can tell by the hat. Louis Oosthuizen has switched to a six-

iron. Long is not good here. Good shot. Over 20,000 seats provided

here. There are several spot here way you can watch a three or four

holes. Not too many of them have missed the green. Back left a few

times. This is a frightening hole with the wind coming across it.

Here is Keegan. A six-iron for him. He is floating around the cut line.

We have been asked if there are any prizes for a hole in one this week?

No, not here. The same club for Rory. This is an inviting one. If

he can hold his ball, it is an inviting shot for him. Pretty

straight, I fancy. Too far. He hit that one quite viciously.

generates some speed. An e-mail from Craig, he wants to know why

some golfers have blue marks on their balls. It is not gunpowder,

like the Red Arrows. I know they are a funny lot, they are not

totally potty. Striker, having played a wayward second. --

Stricker. Hanson, this for a par at the 9th hole. He has missed it. He

has dropped a shot. Here we go again. This short par four is

causing a few problems. That is a bogey. Martin has sent in email

asking where the stewards come from. They are all local. A very

interesting morning. Colsaerts has a difficult time. Yesterday's

headlines, today's it chip wrapper. He does not take very long to reign

a good score. That is a beauty, the best we have seen today. Brandt

Snedeker for a birdie on one. under par. Look at that! When you

look at that? Tied for the lead. Phil Mickelson, forehead bogey.

looks a bit despondent now. Donald for a birdie. Look at this!

crowd getting excited, is it going from the man from Tennessee because

he has not dropped a shot at all. That is very good playing and it

has taken him right to the top of the leader board. Three under today

at 7 under-par for the championship. One ahead of Adam Scott. Many of

these players, still to go out, but there has been some form of

momentum as we have been seeing from Luke Donald and Steve Stricker.

Peter Hanson lead in the Masters earlier this year. He shot an

amazing 65. Anyway, curious morning. As Tony Jacklin said earlier, a

virtually perfect day for golf. Certainly compared with difficult