Olazabal giving it a go Masters champ defies broken hand, will play British Open Click here for more on this story Posted: Tuesday July 13, 1999 11:16 AM   Jose Maria Olazabal admits the injury will hinder his shots out of the rough. AP CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (AP) -- Still in pain and with a wrap on his right hand, Jose Maria Olazabal says he's fit enough to play the opening round of the British Open on Thursday. But don't go near him if he plays another bad round. The Masters titlist broke his hand when he punched the wall of his hotel room in frustration after a first-round 75 at the U.S. Open three weeks ago. He didn't play another round until Monday's practice at Carnoustie. "The hand it alright. It's recovering OK," the Spaniard said after completing 18 holes around one of the toughest courses in golf. "It still hurts a little bit, but it will take at least 2-3 weeks to be truly free of pain. Because of the fracture being so clean, it is OK. It shouldn't get worse. It's just a matter of time before healing properly." Olazabal, out of action for 18 months with severe foot problems before his amazing recovery ended with a second Masters triumph this year, knows how to play in pain. But he acknowledged his foolishness in putting himself out of action. "I had some problems with my feet, now I have a broken bone in my hand," he said. "So the only part of my body that I think will handle that kind of punch will be my head. "I think I did pretty well holding my emotions on the golf course and on the driving range and on the putting green. I was just on my own in the room and I could express myself freely at that time. That's why it happened." The Spaniard admits he will be handicapped if he has to play out of the thick rough that borders virtually every hole. "I cannot grip the club properly because I cannot use any strength my with fifth finger," Olazabal said. "So that's the reason why it is affecting my swing more than anything else. It's not that it hurts when I strike the ball. It's just that I cannot grip the club properly. "It's going to affect my chances. I'm here to try the best I can. It is the British Open. I love this tournament in a very special way. I will do whatever is needed to play this tournament. "It is nice to be here even though I know that my chances are not all that great."   Related information Multimedia Click here for the latest audio and video Search our site Watch CNN/SI 24 hours a day Sports Illustrated and CNN have combined to form a 24 hour sports news and information channel. To receive CNN/SI at your home call your cable operator or DirecTV. Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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