Nick Price and the Thrill of Winning the Open

Nick Price, the previous No. 1 participant on the planet, received the P.G.A. Championship in 1992 and 1994, but it surely was his victory within the ’94 British Open at Turnberry in Scotland that stands out.

While taking part in the 71st gap, a par 5, Price of Zimbabwe felt he wanted a birdie to offer himself an opportunity. He did higher than that. He obtained an eagle, knocking in a 50-footer, and went on to win by a stroke over Jesper Parnevik of Sweden.

Price, 66, talking by telephone from his house in Florida, mirrored not too long ago on his Open triumph and why it was so particular. The dialog has been edited and condensed.

Where do you place your victory at Turnberry?

Having been second twice, in 1982 and in 1988, it was one thing I actually needed badly. It’s the primary main championship I ever watched on TV. It meant probably the most to me.

What are the challenges dealing with the gamers at Royal Liverpool?

I feel your regular hyperlinks golf. One of the actual keys to hyperlinks golf is to hit the ball straight. Tom Watson, who was all the time a grasp of the hyperlinks programs, that was his philosophy. He stated it doesn’t actually matter should you miss hit the ball or no matter, however should you hit it straight you may play a hyperlinks course, and no more true phrases had been spoken.

What was the Open you first watched?

In 1969, when Tony Jacklin received at Royal Lytham. We didn’t have dwell TV in these days. The tobacco firms used to have all of those 16-millimeter movies that they used to carry to the golf golf equipment. They would do two showings, one on a Friday night time and one on a Saturday night time. I can bear in mind sitting on the ground on the golf course in the primary lounge in entrance of the display screen watching with two or three buddies. It was such an eye-opening factor. I didn’t know you can generate income taking part in skilled golf.

What was the important thing to your win?

The putt on 17 was enormous, however I birdied the sixteenth gap, which actually put me able to win. I performed the outlet completely good. I hit a driver down there so I might get my 60-degree sand wedge on it, which I had probably the most quantity of spin with. I used a bit of little bit of a slope behind the pin as a backboard and drew the ball again off the slope to about 15 ft and holed a really tough left-to-right, downhill putt.

What about Bernhard Langer not too long ago setting the file for many wins as a senior?

What amazes me about him is the need. He nonetheless has the need. For many people who’ve stepped apart or retired, he’s simply an incredible human being.

You’re solely seven months older. Can you think about your self doing what he’s doing?

No. I had an harm that put me on the downhill towards retirement in 2012. But even so, if I hadn’t that, I most likely wouldn’t be taking part in as a lot — a number of occasions, however not like he does.

You had been by no means fired up in regards to the senior tour anyway, had been you?

Not actually. I went flat out on the common tour till I used to be 50, so I used to be at a bit of little bit of burnout on my first three of 4 years on the Champions Tour. It didn’t encourage me.

What is your largest remorse?

I’d have favored to have come to America earlier. Over right here my progress accelerated much more. I ought to have come on the finish of 1980 as an alternative of 1983.

When you play with associates lately, what motivates you?

The love of the sport, that’s what it comes all the way down to. I’ve to maintain transferring my targets. It’s not what it was. Yesterday, I shot 71. I broke par. I’m taking part in from the second set of tees, a course about 6,700 yards. It’s nonetheless enjoyable for me and particularly with the fellows I play with. I attempt to be selective in regards to the programs I play. I solely wish to play programs I get pleasure from taking part in. That’s one of many belongings you might be whenever you get to my age.