Eddie Pepperell at the British Open. (Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Francesco Molinari won the British Open Sunday for his--and Italy's--first major championship. But, as far as Adam Kaufman's concerned, Eddie Pepperell stole the day when he spoke after his final round 67.
"I mean, I hit the ball better on the range, which gave me some confidence, 'cause I didn't feel like I was swinging it very good this week, and then playing with Phil," he said. "Those two things gave me something to go out there with, honestly. And, um, I was a little hungover, I won't lie. I had too much to drink last night. I was so frustrated yesterday that today was really, I'm not going to say right off, but I didn't feel like I was in a golf tournament, and whether I shot 69 or 73 today, it wouldn't have been heartbreaking. But as it happens, I've shot 67. It's a funny game."
Was it a late night drinking Saturday?
"Well, it wasn't that late," he said. "It was probably eleven, half-eleven, it wasn't too bad. Just some wine ... I was there with my coach, and we traded stories for half an hour, and then we had a good chat with a few people, and it was enjoyable."
Pepperell finished tied for sixth with Tiger Woods and landed three shots back, and the best part of his chat with the media may have been when he noticed Woods take a late lead.
"Tiger's minus seven--he didn't have a drink last night, I bet," Pepperell said. "Proper athlete."
Pepperell's Open Championship finish was the best of his PGA Tour career.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) reports