Fisher targetting double delight

Ross Fisher is targeting an amazing double – winning the Open Championship and becoming a father for the first time.
Ross Fisher is targeting an amazing double – winning the Open Championship and becoming a father for the first time.
The young Englishman will go into Sunday’s final round at Turnberry on three under par, just one shot off the lead held by 59-year-old Tom Watson.
But the 28-year-old has always maintained he will quit the tournament at any point to be with his wife Jo if she goes into labour.
Speaking after a third round 70 on Saturday, Fisher initially appeared to have softened his stance when he said: “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”
However, he later added: “Like I said all along, if Jo does go into labour, I’ll be supporting her 100 per cent. I won’t be here, I’ll be with her, because it’s something that I definitely don’t want to miss.
“It will be a shame. It’s been a long week. I’ve got through three days, she’s got through three days. Hopefully I can hang on for one more day, and hopefully she can.
“To win and then to get back home and to see the birth of our first child would be obviously a dream come true.”
Fisher will partner Lee Westwood in the final round – Westwood is two off the lead on two under – with both players hoping to become the first British winner of a major since Paul Lawrie triumphed in the Open at Carnoustie in 1999.
“I’m not sure why a British guy hasn’t won for 10 years,” added Fisher, fifth in the recent US Open at Bethpage. “We’ve got a tremendous amount of talent in the game.
“Hopefully that (drought) will end tomorrow, whether it’s myself or whether it’s Lee or someone else. It’s a shame, but hopefully we can boost the British game and European golf and try and get a win tomorrow.”
Watson will be the sentimental favourite to win an incredible sixth Open title on Sunday, some 34 years after his first, but Fisher had plenty of support at Turnberry too – one fan wearing a cap bearing the phrase “Hold on Mrs Fisher.”
“Tom Watson, it’s a bit of a Cinderella story,” Fisher added. “To be playing as well as he is at age 59, it’s incredible.
“He won here 32 years ago so I’m sure there will be a lot of followers out there for Tom rooting for him. But I had my fair share today and it was wonderful to hear the reception up to every tee, up to every green.
“Coming down 18, receiving a reception like that is something that you’ll never forget. Hopefully I can play good tomorrow and get just as nice reception tomorrow. Hopefully it will be for a win.
“Obviously I’ve got a great chance. If I can play my game and go out there and shoot a decent score, post a number in the group in front of him (Watson) that he’s got to beat, who knows?”
Latest
-
Ryder Cup
New Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
The task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA Tour
Tony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
News
Henrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
News
Former Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder Cup
Luke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
News
Max Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder Cup
Bernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA Tour
Brooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.