Open diary: Wednesday

Money shrinks

The Open champion will pocket £750,000 - exactly the same amount that Padraig Harrington earned last year.

But the changes in the sterling-euro exchange rate have reduced the pay-off for a European player by a hefty margin.

Harrington got €1.1 million last term but if he wins again on Sunday his £750,000 prize will add just €935,628.

That's €170,989 less than last year or enough to buy 34,000 Titleist ProV1 golf balls.

Walton the wind man

Wind expert Philip Walton has no worries about being blown away on his Open return.

Delighted to be back after a 10 year absence, he feels prepared and ready to show that he hasn't lost the "magic"

He said: "I’m looking forward to it. Of course I’ve missed it, missed the buzz of it. It was hard work getting in. They don’t give many spots in that local qualifying any more.

"There’s still a bit of magic there but I’ll have no fears about the wind, anyway.

"I’ve had six rounds in it now between qualifying and the Irish PGA. I’m ready to go."

Wild times

John Daly and his former coach Butch Harmon continued their war of words at the Open.

Harmon fired Daly in March after saying partying and "getting drunk" were more important to the two-time major winner than golf.

Daly roared: "I think he should become a man and talk about some of that stuff he lied about."

The row began when Harmon said Daly was drinking in a Hooters tent during a rain delay at PODS Championship in March.

But Harmon said Daly's comments were "sad", adding: "He always wants to blame someone else for his problems and that's where I feel bad for him."

 

Muzzy gets a bag

Legendary caddie Dave Musgrove will help last-gasp Open qualifier Jay Williamson make his Major debut.

The American only got into the field at the last minute and was amazed to land the services to Musgrove who has helped Seve Ballesteros and Sandy Lyle lift the Claret Jug.

Musgrove said: “He’s not only never played an Open before but he’s never played a links course. So we’ve been going over quite a few things.

“He actually hits the ball quite low, so that’s going to be a help in the wind. And he now knows all about the bunkers. I’ve told him whatever we do we’ve got to stay out of them."