Paul Lawrie believes a second Claret Jug is not out of the question after reaching the halfway stage of The Open Championship two shots behind leader Dustin Johnson.
The Scot, who came from ten shots back in the final round at Carnoustie in 1999, completed a second round 70 at St Andrews when Saturday’s play was eventually completed following lengthy wind delays.
On eight under par, he has just Johnson and second-placed Danny Willett ahead of him going into Sunday’s third round, with the tournament finishing on Monday for only the second time.
“I struggled a wee bit when I went back out,” said Lawrie, who parred every hole he played today. “I had to hole a couple of decent putts for pars and then should have birdied 18; I really hit a poor chip at 18, but apart from that, played solid.
“When you've got a chance to win any tournament, to grind it out a little bit when you're not at your best is one of the most important things that we do.
“Obviously I've been working really hard on my putting. I've got a new putter. Last week I put it in the bag with different grooves that the putter company I'm with, Caledonia, they rolling a lot better, and it feels great. So these putts are hugely important if you're going to win tournaments.”
The 46 year old Lawrie refused to get too far ahead of himself when asked what it would take to land a second Major Championship on Monday.
“I haven't really thought that far ahead to be honest,” he added. “I've always prided myself on you are where you are, as opposed to where you would like to be.
“There's 36 holes to go. There's a lot of world-class players in there. I think if you start getting ahead of yourself is when you start making mistakes and tripping up.
“All I'm thinking about is getting off the first tee tomorrow, into position, and pick my line that I want to hit it on, and make a good swing, and then you move on to the second shot at the first. I know it's boredom, but as soon as you start getting ahead of yourself and dreaming of things is when disasters happen.
“So one shot at a time. I know I'm playing good. I know I'm swinging good and I'm certainly putting better, but there's a long way to go.”
