“This is my favourite Major so it’s nice to play well. It was a cool feeling to see my name on the top of the leaderboard. You know you’re in contention and it shouldn’t affect the way you play but maybe there was a little bit of nerves involved with (missing) the second putt on 16.
South African qualifier, George Coetzee, after scoring a three under par 69 on his 28th birthday
“Well, I probably can’t get a flight out today. I’ll be sitting and watching coverage at the house, and hanging out with my friends, my buddies that are here. Webb (Simpson) is staying in the house with me. So me and Webb will probably be making fun of how bad we played today. I don’t know what he shot today. Probably terrible.”
Masters champion, Bubba Watson, when asked what he’d do if he missed the cut (Simpson shot 77 to finish 9 over par)
Well, today was better. I actually hit the ball in play today. It was my putter, really. I actually hit the ball well enough to be scoring half decent. I played solid golf on the back nine. We just got away this week from one of the feels I have been using, don’t ask me why. And that has obviously taught me a lesson, not to do that again.”
Former Amateur champion, Bryden Macpherson, after adding a 80 to his opening 90.
“I have never pulled out of a tournament and I plan to keep that record until the end of my career,” Macpherson when asked if he thought about withdrawing after the opening round.
“It was really, really important to finish with a couple of birdies and put me in good shape for the weekend, I think. Lunch will taste a lot better. If the wind stays up this afternoon, I shouldn’t be too far back.
Adam Scott, who carded a 73 to finish on three under par 141.
“It was tough out there. There’s always a tipping point with links courses. I think a 10-15 miles-an-hour breeze is fun to play in. If it gets over 15, if gets towards 20 miles-an-hour, which I imagine it did today, that’s when it gets quite extreme and quite difficult. The ball starts oscillating. It’s tough to keep your balance while you’re putting and holing out and it got to that point today, for sure. We had an hour or so when I felt we were just hanging on.”
Justin Rose, who is on two under par 142 after posting a 70 during the second round.
“It’s really close. Yeah, it’s really close to being good. I’m striking it so good. If I putt the way I putted the last nine holes, I’m going to have a great chance over the weekend.”
Phil Mickelson, who in the group on level par 144, talks about his chances of defending the title.
It’s good to get some links golf again. It’s like night and day to what we play in America. It’s a heavier wind, The ball can run out 50, 60, 70 metres. It’s nice to finally come to grips with it and handle it a little bit better,”
Marc Leishman on how he finally feels at home on a links.
