Ballmarks, Bogey Rage And Bubbly

Notes and quotes from Carnoustie:

Charles Howell III after his round Friday: "It's strange. I actually had to fix a few ballmarks out there."

Chris DiMarco: "This is the greenest British Open I have ever seen."

Nick Watney, a first-time winner this year, is playing in his first British Open and made the cut after rounds of 72-71. "I'm having a great time," said Watney, who is rooming with Kevin Stadler in a house near the course. "After watching this course on television, it's pretty cool to experience it in person."

Usually affable Matt Kuchar bogeyed the last two holes and shot 76. As he departed the 18th green, he pounded a wooden barrier with his right fist, clearly uphappy with his finish. He's at 8-over 150.

Happiest people at the Open: those hanging out at the Bollinger Champagne tent next to the media center. Dozens of guests were enjoying buckets of the bubbly, clearly oblivious to the tournament cheers.

-- Mark Soltau