WGC NEC INVITATIONAL

August 25, 1999

Andrew Coltart

Q. Let me take you back to Sunday. When did you discover you were in the team?

ANDREW COLTART: Well, by the time I had handed in my card, I could see what Robert (Karlsson) had scored, and I knew from what he did I couldn't get into top 10 or 11. I did actually believe that 11th, given the way I had been playing or anybody in 11th, would have been picked. So, you know, I thought it was a toss up between Bernhard Laner and Robert. I was chupped. I had given it my best and went after it and managed to come up with the goods when I was asked. I just fell short at the final hurdle. It had been a long graft, and to fall just short was tough, but I knew I was heading in the right direction. I found out I had been picked five minutes before I boarded the flight from Munich to Heathrow. Richard Boxall was on the phone home, and whoever he spoke to was watching the television and he said he saw pictures of Andrew Coltart and Jesper Parnevik. I just thought: This is awesome, and I just can't wait to get going.

ANDREW COLTART: Yes, of course, I do. I mean, I really do. I probably feel more for Robert. Bernhard, I'm sure will admit he hasn't played the way he's capable of playing, and he always knew it was going to be a bit of a toss up. Robert came strong at the end, and played really good golf and had an equal claim to be picked. I phoned Mark James when I got back home, but he didn't get back until late and he knew I'd rang. He called me and I said: Thanks very much, I think you've made the right decision, and I'll give my all and do everything you require of me.

ANDREW COLTART: Well, yes, there is pressure on me, but I believe I was playing really well and had a really good chance of qualifying. Like Mark said, I have played more consistently than the other guys for a longer period of time. I think maybe that was fair enough to stake a claim to it. It's a lot to live up to, but isn't it nice that somebody thinks you are more capable than Bernhard Langer right at this minute? It's a tremendous boost to me.

ANDREW COLTART: I played twice in the NEC World Series due to my Australian PGA wins in 1994 and 1997. I loved it. The first year I didn't do great, but I played better late time. The first time was an eye-opener as it was my first trip to the States. I can't even begin to imagine how Jose Maria Olazabal shot 61 here. I know I will shoot 61 shots at some stage, but probably a long way from the 18th green.

ANDREW COLTART: No, I don't see any point, really. We will be there from Monday and you hang about so long playing four days before the thing kicks off. Normally, when you go to a major, you give yourself one or two practice rounds. There is no need for me to do more than that. Familiarity breeds contempt. I want to stay fresh.

End of FastScripts….