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Fast Talk with Stephen Ames

The defending Players champ comes clean on surviving the wrath of Woods

Published: April 24, 2007

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People still talk about the Match Play, when Tiger beat you 9 and 8 after you critiqued his driving. That bug you?
That got taken out of context. What I said is that it's a testament to his ability that he can play so well while spraying his tee shots. He's that good. But a writer took only part of the quote.

So you're saying he still sprays it? We kid! How have you spent your $1.4 million Players Championship check?
I bought a new car, another Mercedes. The S-550. Living in snowy Canada, I need 4-wheel drive. The S-550 is a sedan, with 4-wheel-drive. It's pewter — only about $140,000. Not all that much. I'm not a big spender.

Is that all? You sound like a total tightwad. Last one: You're about to turn 43. Will you win a major?
I love a test, like Shinnecock in 2004. I finished ninth. I had a chance to win the Masters last year (he finished 11th). Augusta's at the top of my list of majors I think I could win. Hey, I'm a late bloomer. Age? It's just a number.