Curtis wishes he was in the Tiger’s shoes

Published on Wednesday 17 July 2002 01:00

FORMER US Open champion Curtis Strange admits he’d rather be in Tiger Woods’ shoes this week than speaking into a microphone.

Strange is part of the ABC team at Muirfield and is looking forward to seeing if Woods can take another step towards golf’s first Grand Slam in the one year.

"Tiger will be under more pressure than normal this week due to that but I’d certainly like to be in his shoes," said Strange. "Who wouldn’t?"

A two-time US Open champion, Strange is growing used to commentating on the Open these days rather than playing in the event.

"I think this will be my eighth year covering an Open from the TV booth," he said. "I used to wish I was still out there for the first few years but I’m over that bug now.

"It’s great to still be part of an occasion like this, though. Instead of practising my build-up to the event involves getting out and about and talking to the players.

"Listening to what they have to say about the course and how they are playing is helpful when you are commentating, so it’s part of my job."

As Strange looks out from his commentary position later in the week he’ll see a course which is vastly different from the one he played Open Championships over.

"The course this week is totally different to what I remember about Muirfield," he added. "It was hard and fast when I played it; this year it’s a lot greener and more lush, too, due to all the rain you’ve had.

"There’s also a lot more rough and the fairways are tighter as well. If the wind blows this week, it is certainly going to be very tough."

While Woods is a red-hot favourite with the bookies to claim the Claret Jug on Sunday, Strange certainly doesn’t subscribe to any theory of it being a one-horse race.

"Yes, Tiger can move a step closer to that Slam - but he’ll have to play well," insisted Strange. "If guys like Phil Mickelson or Ernie Els light up then they will be very dangerous indeed.

"But Tiger is the best player in the world and, if he’s on his game, then he will certainly be the man they will all have to beat."

Asked if Woods would feel extra pressure over the next few days, Strange added: "Pressure bothers everyone to some degree.

"It isn’t easy to win Majors, even if your name is Tiger Woods. And because of all the talk of the Slam there is bound to be more pressure on him this week. However, another way to look at it is he’s won two Majors already this year and might be more relaxed inside as a result of that."