31.   Nicklaus loves the strong, chilly gusts that have caused the course to play much tougher than usual the first two days.

32.   Norman was in a relaxed mood during his practice round Wednesday, laughing with spectators despite swirling winds that made the course play difficult.

33.   Once again soft fairways and a persistent but not problematic wind made for relatively good scoring conditions and the newly toughened Blue Monster course played easier than expected.

34.   The course played like anything but its Blue Monster nickname.

35.   The brief rain did not seem to change the way the course played.

36.   The course played slightly easier than the first round, and several players took advantage.

37.   The course played a little more than one stroke harder than the first round.

38.   The course played a little easier on Friday.

39.   The course was playing about one stroke easier than last year, but it was missing the howling, swirling winds from the first round a year ago.

40.   The field is better and the course is playing tougher.