CBS Sports: No longer a surprise, but Curtis' third-round play probably is

SOUTHPORT, England -- He's not a surprise any longer, though the way Ben Curtis played Saturday in the British Open, overcoming wind gusts that proved disastrous to virtually everyone else, was hardly expected.

Five years ago, no one knew Ben Curtis from Ben Franklin. Curtis showed up more tourist than competitor for the Open at Royal St. Georges, talking about visiting London on his way to the tournament.

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Oakland Tribune: Can Norman continue amazing re-emergence?

SOUTHPORT, England -- He held the lead for so long on this memorable day. Then it was snatched from Greg Norman in the early evening, taken from him by K.J. Choi on a birdie putt the last hole, a hard bit of reality after hours of fanciful possibility.

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London Daily Telegraph: The Open: World No. 1 Tiger Woods texts Mark O'Meara to provide support and motivation

The text message was there in the morning. If Tiger Woods could not be at Royal Birkdale, at least his words were, directed at longtime pal and 1998 Open champion Mark O'Meara.

"He told me to go out and kick some butt," O'Meara said, then laughed in reflection. "I didn't kick any butt. I was just getting my butt kicked."

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CBS Sports: Spider-Man weaves himself into leaderboard with amazing 65

SOUTHPORT, England -- He's only here because Kenny Perry isn't. Kenny Perry doesn't think enough of the world's oldest tournament, sometimes the world's toughest tournament, to cross the sea.

So Camilo Villegas, who failed in qualifying, found an exempt place in the 137th the British Open. Villegas was 51st in the World Golf Rankings when the field was set, and the top 50 gain entry. Thanks, Mr. Perry.

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Contra Costa Times: Chills and thrills at Royal Birkdale

SOUTHPORT, England -- Paul Goydos couldn't close an umbrella. Rocco Mediate did close out his round. The rain fell. The wind blew, and, heaven help us, in what promises to be the most enticing British Open in recent years Greg Norman was a shot out of the lead.

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