when I was following the Watson/Langer/Jimenez group on Friday, the one thing that really stood out to me was the "stage presence" of Langer and Jimenez. They looked like the 2 most serious golfers I've ever seen. Jimenez was like a Matador and Langer was like a surgeon at work. Meanwhile Watson appeared to be very different. There was a beautiful sunset and while they were waiting for an approach shot, he was just sort of staring over and admiring it while they others were in conference with their caddies. The impression that I got was that he was a man who had already conquered all and was in this for the nostalgia more than anything.
Nice description. I got that same feeling as well and wrote similar on my Facebook page.
I was a little surprised by the small crowds and switching to see some of the ladies tournament at Gullane, seemed they also had sparse crowds. That really surprised me. I really appreciated some of the TV camera work highlighting the town of St. Andrew with shots of the cemetery and University. It made me feel appreciative of my opportunity to experience it and fondly remembered my few days of time there.
I played TOC on Monday when they still had the pins set in the same places as the final round. Was really great to see some of the pin locations, since in my three previous trips around the place I had never seen some of those locations and certainly not at anything near those green speeds. My guess was that 24 hours later the greens were at maybe 10 and the Course was firm and fast, but not extreme in any way.
Some of the pin locations:
Pin on 2 was right over the central humps. 7 was at the far right edge. 9 was 6 feet from the left edge. 10 was a few feet over the front right. 12 was back ridge on the plateau. 17 was right over the bunker. And 18 was the traditional Sunday pin right over the valley.
Before I teed off I was sure I was in for one of the toughest rounds ever in a 20 mph SSW wind, but found the pins to be eminently fair and fun and the overall setup to be just grand.
Truly a great reflection on the quality of TOC I think that a mortal would find it so fun the day after a major championship.