During this event he was particularly annoyed at a small mound down the 9th fairway - some 250 yards away. Repeatedly it halted his rifled one-iron's progress from the tee. Being reared along American principles, he suggested to the Links Management Committee that it was unfair and needed levelling. He got his wish. Nicklaus was not impressed.
Judgment is everything whilst playing the links.
With judgment comes feel, and with feel comes improvisation. It has been no coincidence that this brilliant manipulator of the small 1.62 inch British Ball reigned supreme on the links. If it was fast running and especially dry, all the better were his chances. He didn't need them, didn't use them, rarely had them at his disposal. He employed great caddies who knew their stuff, but regardless, Thomson walked over his rivals with his skilful 'eyes' and advanced judgment.