A: "The course, I think, is a lot tougher than it was back in'91. I think the weather forecast is not as good as it was in '91 either. I think the fairways are a lot narrower and, of course, the par has changed as well. The 13th I believe is now a par 4. So 282 would be quite a good score. ...Someone will be under par. It depends on the weather forecast. It is to be better at the weekend, which will be good, but up until then it is going to blow."

Q: What is your approach to the wind?

A: "I think avoiding it is possibly the best option for me. Your swing can be destroyed by the wind, and, it is important for me anyway, the way I tend to practice for these events is rest and relaxation. I've played quite a bit. You know, I started at the U.S. Open and played right through. I know what I'm doing. It is a matter of being relaxed on the first tee and go on tomorrow morning."

Q: How much less pressure do you feel this year at Birkdale than last year at Troon?

A: "A little less. It is human nature to feel a little more pressure at your own course if you like. Unfortunately, my first round wasn't up to it. But to be five-under in my last three rounds was O.K., so I got back into it. It was just unfortunate, the start. I think there is obviously less pressure this year than there was last."

Q: What would it mean to win here?

A: "What would it mean to win? I mean, I'm a British sportsman and this is the British Open and this is obviously the biggest title for a British golfer, and this would be the pinnacle of any golfer's career."

Q: Can you specify some of the things you are better at doing now than 2 or 3 years ago?

A: "I think I am better all around. I think my course management is better. I think it is important around here to know when to hit a driver and when to hit a two-iron and when to go for the middle of the green and when not to. That's what I tend to pride myself, I'm quite good out there knowing what shots to hit and not to miss greens. We all know where not to go, that is the answer. Generally at these tournaments, par down the last few holes is always quite good. You have to know where to place your balls to make par. I'm just more experienced than I was before."