Three-time champion Tiger Woods was left in tears at the end of his round on day two, in what he thinks could have been his final hole playing the Old Course in an Open Championship.
St Andrews has always held a special place in the American’s heart and he even skipped the US Open to be fit for this tournament, but the 46-year-old will not play this weekend after a difficult opening two days.
"It was very emotional for me," Woods told Sky Sports. "I have been coming here since 1995. I think the next Open here comes around in 2030 and I don't know if I will be physically able to play by then. To me, it felt like this may have been my last Open at St Andrews.
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"The ovation and warmth from the fans was an unbelievable feeling. I understand what Jack [Nicklaus] and Arnold [Palmer] had gone through in the past, and I was kind of feeling that way in there at the end. The collective warmth and understanding - they understand what golf is all about and what it takes to be Open champion.
"I've been lucky enough and fortunate enough to have won this twice here. It felt very emotional, just because I don't know what my health will be like. I feel like I will be able to play future Opens but I don't know if I will be able to play long enough when it comes back around here."
As he finished his round on the 18th, he was cheered with every stride he took by a St Andrews crowd that have seen him lift two Claret Jugs on this course. If this was the last time we saw him here, it was a beautiful farewell.
Away from Tiger, Cameron Smith’s -13 was the lowest 36 hole score in an Open Championship hosted at St Andrews as the Australian leads the way heading into the weekend. He hit a ridiculous eagle at the 14th that wowed the crowd and kept his composure to lead the field after his 18.
Meanwhile his countryman Adam Scott also enjoyed a wonderful day in the sun as he hit seven under par to put himself in contention heading into the weekend. The Brits were led by Tyrell Hatton who moved into T6 on eight under, as we saw some elite level putting on the greens.
Matt Fitzpatrick hit the same score on his round across his 18 to take him to six under and Rory McIllroy whose first round score of -6 put him in contention, got into third as he finished on ten under par.
Amatuer golfer Barclay Brown has also made the cut and is on six under heading into Saturday. His performances could be the story of the weekend if he keeps scoring well. But today was about two men. Leader Cameron Smith and Tiger Woods. There were a few tears of sadness for Tigers, but Smith could be the one blubbering if he wins the Claret Jug on Sunday.
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