Date: July 17, 2009
Author: PA Sport

Norman rues poor driving

Two-time Open winner Greg Norman blamed his driving for missing a great opportunity to replicate the heroics he produced a year ago at Royal Birkdale. The 54-year-old Australian shot a seven-over 77 – improved greatly by birdies at the 17th and 18th. That was in stark contrast to his opening 70 12 months ago in Southport where he eventually finished tied for third. With fellow veterans Tom Watson, Mark Calcavecchia and Mark O&aposMeara all doing well in the first round of the 138th Open Championship at Turnberry, Norman knows he should have done better. “The conditions were perfect, the easiest I have seen them, but the pin positions were really tough to get at,” said Norman, who won the first of his two Clarets Jugs on the Ailsa course in 1986. “I knew if the conditions were going to be calm it was going to be tough for me. I would be surprised if someone doesn&apost shoot 63 today.” “It was disappointing I wasn&apost walking on to the first tee feeling confident about where I was hitting the ball.” “For me to drive the ball the way I did today was probably the worst of my career and if you don&apost get on the fairway you are going to struggle.” “I got what I deserved.”