“If the greens end up firmer than they are now it’s also going to test your mental game,” he said. Masters champion Patrick Reed is another who believes links golf offers a “true test,” especially if the wind blows. “Feel has a lot to do with playing the Open and I think the guys traditionally over the years who have done well have been wonderful feel players.”īrooks Koepka, who won a second straight US Open at a fast, linksy Shinnecock Hills last month, is known for his big hitting but says he enjoys courses where you have to plot your way around “more than the bombers’ golf courses.” “I’ve always loved playing links golf, it’s my favorite type of golf to play because it’s creative,” said Woods, whose links debut came on the Angus track as an amateur at the Scottish Open in 1995. The scorching UK summer has made conditions similar to the Open at Hoylake in 2006 when Woods crafted his way to back-to-back Claret Jugs without hitting a single driver all week, instead favoring a low-flying two iron to keep the ball on the fairways. He scored a runner-up spot in Florida in March and was fourth in his most recent PGA Tour outing in Maryland.Īnd there is a groundswell of opinion that the sun-baked, fast-running course - Justin Thomas said he hit a five iron a remarkable 305 yards Tuesday - with only moderate rough, may play into Woods’ hands at Carnoustie. Woods’ last major triumph came in the US Open of 2008 - when this week’s defending champion Jordan Spieth was 14 - since which scandal, personal problems and multiple injuries have derailed his career.īut the American has risen from 656 in the world at the end of 2017 to 71st after a promising return from back fusion surgery last April. “You get to places like Augusta National, where it’s just a big ballpark and the golf course outgrows you, unfortunately.” It certainly can be done,” added Woods, in a low-key but more engaging news conference than many during his ice-man heyday. “Look at what Tom did at Turnberry, Greg there at Birkdale. Woods pointed to fellow American Tom Watson, who so nearly won the Open at Turnberry - now owned by US President Donald Trump - at the age of 59 in 2009, as well as Australian Greg Norman, who was 53 when he led after three rounds at Royal Birkdale in 2008. The last five major championships have been won by players in their 20s, but in Woods’ favor, seven of the last 10 Open champions have been 35 or older. Even if I get a bit older I can still chase some wood or long club down there and hit the ball the same distance.” Golfing wisdom I hit a three iron that went down there 300.
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