Curtis returns in comfort
Ben Curtis is happy to be back at Sandwich, scene of his shock Open win eight years ago.
Last Updated: 12/07/11 6:03am
Ben Curtis went from virtual unknown to Open champion at Sandwich eight years ago - and for his return this week he has gone "from the outhouse to the mansion".
The American, ranked 396th when he benefited from Thomas Bjorn's collapse, entered a different world with the win and is still reaping the benefits.
"We've gone from the outhouse to the mansion," said Curtis, hoping to be inspired by the venue again after going over a year without a top-10 finish and dropping back to 194th on the rankings.
"We're in the same area - we just kind of upgraded this time. We're in a house and last time we were in an apartment that was no bigger than this (podium) that we're sitting on up here.
"We're just trying to keep it low key - a lot of family and friends here and just trying to keep it relaxed and enjoyable as possible for everybody."
He refused to say exactly how much it was all costing compared to last time, but agreed that the accommodation bill alone was "five figures".
It is his third trip back since his astonishing triumph in the very first major he had played.
The first came that same October when he was in England once more for the World Match Play at Wentworth.
"There was nothing here but the golf course, so it completely took me by storm - I didn't realise where I was," he said.
"We had my parents here and (wife) Candace's parents, so we hopped on the train.
"We just kind of walked the grounds. I remember we were on the second hole and went down in one of the bunkers just to stay warm. We were so cold."
Links rookie
Having done what he did in what was also the first links golf he had ever tried it came as no surprise to hear Curtis say he reckons the vast majority of the 156-strong field this week could come out on top.
"There's probably 130 guys that could win. Twenty may not be feeling well or their game is really bad, but pretty much anyone can - it's just a matter of having the right things go your way and making a few putts here and there."
He hopes it could be him again, of course.
"I've been struggling a little bit the last few months and I just want to play good golf, but obviously you want to do well."
He is no longer with British caddie Andy Sutton, but they are reunited for the first two rounds - Sutton now carries the bag of Australian Aaron Baddeley.
It was Sutton, hired just for the week in 2003, who told Curtis he had won as he waited after his round, after Bjorn dropped four shots having stood on the 15th tee three clear.
"I was on the driving range with about 50 camera crews," said Curtis. "He yelled it out from about 50 yards away.
"He was standing on a trailer watching it - I couldn't watch it. I thought I was going to be in a play-off."
