Times Has Gone Fast for Lyle

Sandy Lyle, who won the British Open at Royal St. George’s in 1985, can’t believe it was that long ago.

“It doesn’t feel like 18 years,” he said. “I can tell you that right now.”

Lyle’s triumph on this course was the first of his two major titles. He also won the 1988 Masters.

The key to success at Royal St. George’s is still clear to Lyle.

“You have to drive the ball straight,” he said. “And no matter if you go 20 yards, 30 yards off line, you just go deeper and deeper into the jungle.

“If it gets windy, we’ve got a battle on our hands.”

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For the second day in a row, Tiger Woods didn’t waste much time getting in his practice round at Royal St. George’s. Woods, who showed up with Charles Howell III for a quick trip around the links Sunday, was back with Howell early Monday and off the course before 11 a.m.

Mark O’Meara, who is usually Woods’ practice partner, played with Scott McCarron in the afternoon.

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Woods is the leader in making cuts, with 106 in a row. Ernie Els is second, with 21. Only seven others are in double figures: Andrew Coltart, Darren Clarke, Fred Couples, Justin Rose, John Senden, Hidemichi Tanaka and Vijay Singh.

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Only one of the 12 U.S. players who attempted to qualify Monday was successful -- Ben Crane.

Crane’s first-round 66 at Royal Cinque Ports matched the course record.

“It was my first experience with links golf and I love it absolutely,” Crane said. “It’s awesome. I’m ecstatic.”

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Former Masters champion Ian Woosnam qualified by chipping in from 70 feet for a birdie in a playoff at the Prince’s links near Royal St. George’s. Woosnam recovered from a bogey-bogey finish.

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Rich Beem is the reigning PGA champion, which qualifies him to comment on the difficulties of winning a major.

“You try and treat it like a normal tournament, but in the back of your mind you know, because of everything that comes along with it

Times wire services contributed to this report.