Tiger: Open is my big chance

Carnoustie – American superstar Tiger Woods (above) returns to The Open after three years saying yesterday that it is his best long-term chance to add to his 14 Major victories.

The 42-year-old – whose dominance of the sport ended with the emergence of his serial infidelity in 2010 and, from 2014, serial back problems which led to several operations – said links golf suited classy ageing golfers well.

The three-time Open champion, who has shown glimpses of form since returning to the circuit last December and has been in contention for a couple of titles this season, cited the examples of Tom Watson and Greg Norman, who in their 50s came close to winning The Open in 2009 and 2008 respectively.

“As far as long-term, certainly I would say ‘Yes’, because of the fact you don’t have to be long to play on a links-style course,” said Woods, who has not played at The Open since missing the cut in 2015.

Woods, whose last victory in The Open came in 2006, says he is slowly but surely regaining his competitive edge.

“Each tournament I feel a bit better,” he said. “I feel I’ve got a better understanding of my game.”

Woods says he has a special affinity with links courses.

“I think I’ve got experience of playing this type of golf course,” he said.

“You’ve got to manage your way around this course.

“I have always loved playing links golf because the style of golf you have to play is creative.” – AFP