Woods back at British Open
Tiger Woods, back at the British Open this week for the first time since 2015, will begin his campaign in Thursday’s opening round at Carnoustie in a three-ball with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama and Russell Knox of Scotland.
“It has been a while and I’ve certainly missed it,” former world No 1 Woods said on Monday.
“This is the oldest tournament we have in our sport.
“Carnoustie is special. This is my fourth time playing it as a tournament. From my first time coming here as an amateur to being back now, it’s just amazing how this course doesn’t change.
“It’s probably the most difficult one we play in the whole rotation,” Woods said.
The 42-year-old American, world No 16 Matsuyama and Knox, will tee-off at 3.21pm local time. Woods has missed the last two editions because of a back problem.
Fellow American Jordan Spieth launches his title defence at 9.58am along with Justin Rose of England and Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy must wait until 12.53pm to tee-off with Australia’s Marc Leishman and Thorbjorn Olesen of Denmark.
World No 1 Dustin Johnson will be joined in the 1.04pm group by Sweden’s Alex Noren and fellow American Charley Hoffman.
The honour of striking the first shot of the championship falls to 1985 winner Sandy Lyle.
The 60-year-old Scot, making his 43rd appearance in the tournament, will tee-off at 6.35am in the company of Germany’s Martin Kaymer and Andy Sullivan of England.