Scot Drysdale had a feeling the record would go
DAVID DRYSDALE saw it coming.
Having notched six mid-round birdies on “moving day” at the Open, the Scots star knew Royal Birkdale was there for the taking.
All it needed was someone to come along and seize the chance.
Branden Grace’s stunning 62 was a first in Major championship history.
But it was a score Drysdale, who also cashed in on perfect conditions to card a four-under-par round of 66, all-but predicted.
“I was out there in beautiful, unbelievable conditions,” he said after handing in his scorecard.
“I know it was beautiful on Tuesday and Wednesday but we still had 10 to 15mph winds then.
“But today I would expect some low scores from the leaders later on.”
Drysdale’s only error was in looking to the top of the leaderboard for the score of the day.
History maker Grace began the day just one shot ahead of the 42-year-old Scot.
That he ended it only five clear, despite shooting eight-under-par, was down to Drysdale’s own fine play.
Bogeys on the first and 18th holes were the only disappointments in an otherwise excellent Saturday.
Today, he is in clear sight of an improvement on the tied 60th finish he secured in 2009 – his only other Open appearance.
“I was a little bit nervous on the tee and didn’t make the best effort down the first,” said Drysdale.
“Then I had a poor bogey to finish, but in-between I played a lot of good golf and made a lot of good chances, so I’m pretty happy.
“It’s weird that I was nervous on the first tee as I’ve not been nervous at all. It’s just when my name is announced on that tee!
“When I walk out I’m fine and then for those 30 seconds before you peg it up I’m a bit nervous. It’s a bit weird.
“But I was pleased with how I did in Ireland and I’ve backed that up here.
“I just wish I could putt like I did over the last seven holes in Ireland all the time! But the game has been in decent order.”
He added: “The support I got today was incredible. All the grandstands are full and they are seven or eight deep at the ropes. You feed off that.
“You’re focused most of the time but I made some nice putts and the roar on No. 7 when I made my birdie was the loudest I’ve ever heard.”