Todd Hamilton has returned to Royal Troon for the first time since 2004 after deliberately staying away to preserve the memories of his shock Open triumph.
Hamilton was playing in just his eighth major championship when he defeated world number two Ernie Els in a four-hole play-off to become the sixth consecutive American winner of the Open at Troon, following in the footsteps of Arnold Palmer, Tom Weiskopf, Tom Watson, Mark Calcavecchia and Justin Leonard.
As a former champion, the 50-year-old from the small town of Galesburg, Illinois - population 1,500 - has played in every Open since, but did not even visit Troon when the championship was held at nearby Turnberry in 2009.
" I never have been tempted," Hamilton said. "I'm not superstitious or anything, but I always wanted to have good memories and didn't want to mess it up by coming here and hitting a drive in a bunker where I shouldn't or three-putting a hole where I shouldn't.
"Sunday was the first time I'd been back so I noticed the clubhouse was redone inside. I couldn't even remember how to get to the driving range, it's been such a long time ago.
"I could remember all of the holes, but I think they built a few new tee boxes further back. They never build them further ahead any more! And I think in the 12 years since I won here my driving distance has gotten a lot shorter, because the golf course played very, very long, especially the back nine.
"I don't remember everything that happened, but I remember enough to make it a very memorable and cherished event. I would like to have some other good memories this year. (It) doesn't have to be a victory, but at least play some good golf."
Some of the things Hamilton does remember are the strange omens which seemed to abound that week, from a priest praying for him after sitting next to his wife on the plane from the United States, to his caddie telling a local restaurant owner they would return with the Claret Jug at the end of the week.
And when he played a late practice round on Tuesday, his name happened to be on the famous yellow scoreboard behind the 18th green.
" There were eight to 10 names on it and mine was one of the two at the top that were tied at four under par I think," Hamilton added. "They had just done a trial run of the scoreboard, and my name was up there with maybe Darren Clarke.
"And I think they had (David) Duval at three under. But they had my name at the very top, which I thought was kind of odd."
Source: PA
