Lawrie: It’s down to luck of the draw

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Former champion Paul Lawrie feels “brutal” conditions have already impacted on the Open’s outcome.

Former champion Paul Lawrie feels the “brutal” conditions in the second round of the 139th Open at St Andrews have already had a significant impact on the outcome of the tournament.
The 1999 Claret Jug winner began the day three under, six behind overnight leader Rory McIlroy, but crashed out after 40mph winds literally blew the players off the course.
Play was suspended for 65 minutes because of conditions but had improved little by the resumption and most of the later starters suffered as a result.
Lawrie signed for an 82 – his worst round in his 18 Open appearances – to finish seven over.
By contrast, South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen went out early in rain but in lesser winds and shot a 67 to pull well clear of the field on 12 under.
“It was a tough day and I can’t ever remember an Open – apart from the third round at Muirfield in 2002 – which was worse,” said the Scot.
“Yesterday I don’t think I could have had it any easier and today I couldn’t have had it any tougher – it was brutal.
“I thought it was unplayable three or four holes before they stopped it but I’m not the guy who makes the decision.
“We were on the seventh green and you couldn’t stop the ball there.
“The first couple of holes after the restart were better but the last four or five were pretty much the same.
“The Open is always the luck of the draw and this week will prove that.
“I’m not saying it was easy for Louis this morning because I think it was raining but I don’t think there was that much wind.
“You certainly wouldn’t be getting to 12 under when we were out – but you have to take your chance when it comes along.”

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