Espn analyst Curtis Strange previews the British Open at Royal Lytham with The Post’s Justin Terranova. The two-time U.S. Open champion talks Tiger Woods, Lee Westwood and why he never fared well at the season’s third major.
Q: We’ve seen Tiger Woods win three times this year. Is it a matter of time before he breaks through at a major?
A: I would think so. We talk about him like he isn’t back, that there’s something still wrong, yet he’s the only guy to win three times. I don’t expect the struggles to last at the majors, and I know sure as hell, that he doesn’t expect them to last. It’s always hard to bet against him now that he’s starting to play well.
Q: So, you are not concerned with him missing the cut at the Greenbrier last week?
A: I wouldn’t read too much into it. Someone not of his talent, sure. But someone like him and Phil [Mickelson], who also missed the cut, I wouldn’t think too much about it. They take those tournaments leading up to majors as doing what they can to peak for the majors. It certainly doesn’t look great that he missed the cut, but it didn’t worry me.
Q: Which European players do you expect to challenge next week?
A: I still think Lee Westwood has got it in him. I like him so much, he’s such a good guy and good representative of the game, and he just hasn’t done it yet. He’s been close so many times and still has the motivation, so I would never write him off. He knows how to play the links golf game. I would expect Luke Donald to eventually make a move in a major, don’t you?
Q: For the American players, what do you recommend in terms of coming over to Great Britain?
A: The earlier you could come over the better. I personally had to play the week before down at Kings Mill (Va.) because that’s where I lived. It was detrimental to me over the years. Because of the jet lag I was never really feeling right until Friday, and more importantly than that it’s just getting acclimated to the weather and the golf courses. Playing the Scottish Open is the best scenario.
Q: Do all the elements make it difficult to predict who will fare well in this tournament?
A: Experience is the main thing. Look at Tom Watson three years ago when he was 60. You don’t think experience had anything to do with that? I don’t want to downplay his ability to hit the ball that week. There have been novelties like Ben Curtis. The odd guy can win, but normally it doesn’t happen.
