Curtis: level par 70
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Ben Curtis is eyeing a repeat of 2003 after playing his way into Open contention with a level par 70 on Saturday.
The man from Ohio shocked the world when he came from nowhere to win the championship at Royal St George's, playing in his first major.
On Sunday he will have a chance to do it all over again, particularly with strong winds on a brutal afternoon at Royal Birkdale pulling the afternoon starters back towards his seven-over total.
"It is not really the same as 2003, dealing with the pressure and to play the way I did on a Sunday afternoon in a major in your first time around," said the 31-year-old.
"That will always be the best round I have played. I may have better ball-striking days or better scoring days but as far as dealing with everything there is not much that can beat that.
Patient
"Today was more about staying patient, just hanging on for dear life.
"At the start of the day I didn't expect shooting level par would be near the lead. Now it will most likely be in the top five or 10."
Curtis is excited by the prospect of being in contention again.
"It is going to be fun going out there tomorrow. If I had a chance of winning another major, this would be it," he added.
"I am a much better player than I was in 2003. Back then I didn't put any pressure on myself and I had one of the best weeks I ever played.
"I know if I can get hot I can have a chance of winning any week."
Curtis rated the conditions today as the worst he had endured.
"That is about as tough as I have played. I probably didn't hit it as well as yesterday or Thursday but the hardest part of the day was making putts," he added.
"Par out there is anywhere from mid to high 70s."
Mickelson impressed
Curtis' playing partner Phil Mickelson was impressed. "I thought Ben Curtis played a great round of golf. His round was incredible," said the three-time major winner, who shot a 76 to be 13 over for the tournament.
"He hit a lot of great shots, a lot of great putts and to shoot even par in this weather, it's one of the better rounds I've seen.
"You need a few good breaks out there too and Ben got one on three when he holed his second shot. You don't expect that."
