Lyle @ 50

Sandy Lyle has just teed off a new chapter in his life after turning 50 on February 9. Still one of Scotland's favourite sporting sons following his victories in The Open and US Masters. Lyle is hoping to make his mark on the money-spinning Champions Tour in America but, before jetting off across the Atlantic, he sat down with bunkered to not only look ahead but also reflect on the glittering career he's enjoyed on the world stage.

You've turned 50 and are heading for the Champions Tour in the States. Has the thought of a new environment got your competitive juices flowing again?

It has. The nice thing about it is, through the 'Majors' wins, even though I haven't won anything for a few years, those wins come into use because it's enabled me to be in a certain group of people. I don't have to try and qualify and I can pretty much walk straight in (to the Champions Tour). That's great. I have a base in Florida anyway - I've had it for the last eight years - so it's not a strange environment for me. I'll be out there playing with people I grew up with.

It's a growing Tour where a lot of money can be made. The crowds are also pretty good. Is that part of the attraction?

I will enjoy being in that environment. It'll be nerve wracking, yes, but it's a different mindset. It's a more full week. There's things going on at night, like parties, receptions, there's pro-ams to play in and then there's the tournament with no cut, apart from the 'Majors'. I'll be a youngster at the 'Majors' and the cuts really weed out the 65 to 70-year-olds. I've got a lot of respect for the Americans, they always play very well in their own country and always put good numbers on the board. It's not a gravy train to make money, you've got to work hard. It's not easy peasy.

Sam Torrance didn't enjoy being in the States. He felt lonely and left out. Are you worried about that?

I'm not worrying about it. In Sam's case, he likes his lifestyle and he has a lot of friends. He was always part of the Sunningdale/Wentworth crowd and he's grown up in those circles. He's very comfortable with London and the Wentworth area. I think moving to the States was very tough on him. I know what kind of character he is and killing time is the worst thing. Two or three days off, two weeks before a tournament, is it worth going home? You wonder whether it is or not and, before you know it, it's the next tournament. It's a hard decision. I've spent many years and months in the States and I don't see it being much of a struggle.

Do you think you can win?

I do. I've kept pretty active in the last few years and have kept playing, even though I haven't had the results I'd have liked. The courses are slightly shorter, which is nice. I hit the ball a long way anyway so I have that advantage. If I get the putting sorted out, then we'll be away.

Is Augusta in '88 still your favourite moment?

(Pauses) It's always nice to have your first 'Major' under the belt, which was The Open Championship in my case.