The Loop

O'Malley: Day 2 Observations

SOUTHPORT, England -- Comments from Friday's second round:

Camilo Villegas (76-65), on needing only 23 putts after taking 34 the day before, helping him finish with five consecutive birdies: "Just trying to even it out, man."

Villegas on how the wind affected play: "Downwind you can hit a drive that goes 370 yards, and then you get into the wind and you're hitting a driver 230. I mean, on the sixth hole I believe I had 205 to the front, and I killed a 3-wood, perfect, and it pitched two yards on. My 3-wood normally carries 260."

Jim Furyk (71-71), on playing with Villegas and watching his five consecutive birdies: "I can see it happening, but just as quick as that happens, I can understand five bogeys in a row, too. It's a tough golf course."

Greg Norman (70-70), asked during a press conference whether, given his minimal expectations entering the Open, he had made any alternative plans for the weekend in case he missed the cut: "No. [Laughter.] Boy, I missed you guys." [Laughter.]

Norman, estimating his tennis expertise after marrying Chris Evert: "I'm about a 20-handicap or 18-handicapper. I'm just learning how to get it back across the net."

Adam Scott (70-74), on Norman, a fellow Aussie 25 years his senior: "When he was one under through nine and I was still around the mark, I was trying to get myself up there so I could maybe play with him over the weekend. That would have been awesome--paired with him late in an Open at the weekend would be great. I'll have to play well tomorrow, and hopefully I'll catch him Sunday."

Rocco Mediate (69-73): "I hit the ball a million times better today, shot four shots higher. Go figure."

Sergio Garcia (72-73), on three-putting the 18th: "While I appeared calm on the outside, the things I was saying to myself were not very nice."

Mark O'Meara (74-77), the Open champion at Birkdale in 1998: "I putted so badly for two days... I'm not a real happy camper right now."

Robert Allenby (69-73): "You can't attack this golf course. As soon as you start attacking it, it'll grab you and chew you up, that's for sure."

Graeme McDowell (69-73): "Four or five days swinging the golf club in this kind of wind I think inevitably takes its toll a little bit, and I felt my rhythm wasn't quite there the first 10 or 11 holes."

Jean Van de Velde (73-71), on waking up at 4:30 a.m. for his 6:30 starting time: "It's been a while since I've done that, but when I play the Open or other big tournaments, I'd be happy to come down at 6:30 every day if I could keep playing golf for many years to come."

*--Mike *O'Malley