Troon Champions: Todd Hamilton

One of the biggest shock Open winners ever

Did you ever think you’d win a Major?
I dreamt about it. I don’t know if that really is believing it, but I certainly always hoped it would happen. Being honest, it was just such a relief to get my card that year as things hadn’t really been going all that well. I’m a true believer that if you can win one tournament, even if it’s not the biggest, it shows you have the mental capacity and ability to do it anywhere else.

What moment stood out that week?
Normally when I’ve not been playing well I tend to get nervous and worked up, but I recall a feeling of really enjoying myself and having fun. I was in the mix at a Major championship and that was something that had never happened before. I was really calm all day and that helped it all
sink in and see me over the line.

What was the main reason you won?
It was the style of golf I chose to play that week. I called it ‘ugly golf’ at the time – a lot of punch shots that saw me really rely on my short game. Chipping and putting were the strongest aspects of my game and they allowed me compete. I’d keep making sure I missed the bunkers comfortably by going either way long or way short of them, so they were never really in play and that helped me a lot.

Was there one critical shot?
I really started to think I might have a chance on the 18th in the first round. It was a 25-foot putt for birdie and it got me to level par. That made a big difference. It was only one shot, but mentally there was a huge difference between even par in a Major and being over par. It gave me the confidence to go and shoot -4 for both of the next two days.

Was there a moment when it dawned you would be champion?
When I drained my putt at the last on the first day I knew I was going to play well for the week and be positive, but I never really expected it to turn into a Major victory.

What does it take to win The Open?
Two key things for me – a sensible, patient attitude around the course and with your game, and belief. Being restrained at times and managing the course well was crucial for me, but I don’t think I’d have managed to play the way I did if I had not believed I could win. Having won lots in Japan I believed I could win anywhere.

What’s the key to winning at Troon?
You need a lot of patience. The main aspect is avoiding the bunkers – especially on the fairway. If you end up in a pot bunker then it’s basically a certain bogey and you can’t afford to be dropping careless shots on a course like this.