BEEF KEEN TO ROCK THE JOINT AGAIN
1954: Peter Thomson (Aus) 1961: Arnold Palmer (US) 1965: Peter Thomson (Aus) 1971: Lee Trevino (US) 1976: Johnny Miller (US), 1983: Tom Watson (US) 1991: Ian Baker-Finch (Aus) 1998: Mark O’Meara (US) 2008: Padraig Harrington, right, (Ire) Odds (William Hill): 14/1 Spieth, 16/1 D Johnson, Fowler, 18/1 Rahm, Garcia 20/1 Rose, 22/1 McIlroy, 25/1 Matsuyama, Fleetwood, 33/1 Scott, Stenson, 40/1 Koepka, Day, Casey JUSTIN ROSE resumes his love affair with Royal Birkdale today – although the Lancashire course is a harsh mistress. The last time the Open was staged here, amid the winds and rain of 2008, Padraig Harrington’s winning score was three-over par 283. Mark O’Meara won a play-off against Brian Watts in 1998, after the two Americans finished four rounds on level par. But Rose, who finised tied-fourth as a 17-year-old amateur that year, said: “I love it. It’s the fairest links golf course we play. It rewards great golf. “But we really haven’t played this course in good weather – 1998 wasn’t great. 2008 wasn’t great. “This week might not be great , but I think it plays well in tough conditions, too. “I’m looking forward to getting back out there.” HOLE 12 Par 3, 183 yards THIS is one of my favourite holes – it is such a gorgeous par three. It is a bit of a punch-bowl. I try to play this hole by pitching the ball at least 10 yards because the further you go on this hole, the wider it gets. It is narrow at the front but it is like a pear – it expands at the back. The wind dictates the club. HOLE 17 Par 5, 567 yards THEY have done a really good job on this. I didn’t love the re-do they did in 2008 so I think they have got it right this time around with the two-tier green moved back about 30 yards. There are many pin placements to choose. As we saw in 2008 with Padraig and his 5-wood approach, this hole is an eagle chance. It is a narrow approach but if you can run it up through the gap and get the distance right, you are going to have 10-12 feet for eagle. HOLE 18 Par 4, 473 yards I HAVE some history on it, so it’s special to me. Like any links golf course, it is wind-dependent. There is a fairway bunker you can hit over at 230-240 yards. Then you can try and run it up to a bunker which is 300 yards from the tee. Maybe use a 7 or an 8-iron into the green. Perhaps chase a 1-iron down the left-hand side of the fairway. But with favourable wind – and if I’m feeling incredibly confident with my driver – I might take it over the right-side bunker which is a 280-yard carry and challenge that left bunker and run it up and have a wedge into the green. ANDREW “BEEF” JOHNSTON is ready for second helpings of feeding off the energy of The Open crowd.
The bearded North Londoner was the people’s champion last year, cheered around Royal Troon on his way to eighth.
And the world No.112, who received a hero’s welcome coming up the 18th on the final day, hopes home support can inspire him to greater heights this year.
“Troon was a fantastic week – the support was just incredible,” said Beef.
“Coming down the last, I’ll remember that reception for ever. They wouldn’t stop, so I thought I’d better hold my putter in the air. I can’t wait to connect with them again.
“People have asked me if I find it a distraction, but, as long as people are entertained and having a good time, I’m not fussed. I love the energy of the crowd and I can’t wait to get started.”