You had a similar discussion this time last year when you were leading the tournament. How do you feel you went today? I had a sluggish start with the hand brake on a bit. But once I got through three or four holes I was feeling good again. I make a nice birdie on six which made me feel I still had a show. Then on the back nine I started to feel really good. The eagle helped on 11. It was a day of trying to do the best I can, stay in stay in position. It is nice to be leading the tournament. How tough were the conditions? I thought the last two holes were pretty much on the edge. The golf course is very dry. I would not say that it was on the edge but it was quite windy out there. It is tough to keep the ball straight in the air. I was happy to handle it reasonably well and feel good. Inaudible question. It was a tough tee shot. It was howling across, at least 35 mph. I tried to play something low and as soon as it got up a touch, it was gone. I had a nice lie. Chipping back into the breeze helped. That was downhill. If you have the breeze the other way, you have absolutely no chance from there. When Mick hit his shot in there I saw how his ball reacted on the green and that helped me. My contact was great. Inaudible question. You have to be able to control the ball any time you play golf but in these conditions you have to really on your game, especially distance control in cross winds and into the breeze. And down breeze, at No. 14, I had 200 metres to the hole and hit a five iron over the back. Inaudible question All the par fives are risk-reward. I had a good number to the hole. I was planning on hitting right through the shot and if it goes a little long, then that s okay. When I hit it I thought it was pretty good. It rolled close to the pin. I took a risk there and pulled it off. I hit a three wood. Would a win tomorrow cap you best ever year? It would. Winning then national Open is always a dream. But there is a long way to go. I have to concentrate on what I do. We ll see what happens tomorrow. It would be my best year but the last two years have been pretty good. Inaudible question. I know where I stand. I need to deal with that, come out tomorrow and play my game. Were you referring to the weather conditions or the course? No, the condition of the golf course. It got very dry, especially the 18th green, and the14th green was quite dry around the hole. It had nothing to do with the set up or what they had done early in the morning. It is the wind. I think they are predicting windier conditions tomorrow. I am sure they will take care of that. You ve put yourself in a good position for tomorrow? That s why we are here. We want to be in the position to get the experience and know whether you can handle it. Tomorrow is going to be a test but it is a test for every golfer. Sitting on the lead, it is a matter of doing the job and moving forward. I think the whole experience is why we play it. Question about Rose pairing Justin Rose has had a fantastic year. He is a tough competitor. I feel I am going to enjoy that tomorrow. He is a really nice guy. I have played with him over the years.
Author: Golf Australia