Hotshot Rickie ready to rumble
RICKIE FOWLER has warned golf’s finest he’s ready to sink a double Scotch.
The 26-year-old Californian says he’s never been better prepared to lift his first major.
He goes into The Open at St Andrews on the back of his Scottish Open victory at Gullane on Sunday.
World No.1 and big pal Rory McIlroy is out through injury, while boy wonder Jordan Spieth is a links rookie despite the fact that he’s shooting for a third successive major.
But Fowler, who was runner-up last year, reckons the time is right for him to finally crack the big one.
Fowler said: “My game feels very comfortable and this is one of my favourite courses.
“It’s a special venue and I’ve got to say my game is back exactly where I want it to be.
“I couldn’t have done anything better to prepare and I can’t wait to get started.”
He added: “Jordan has been playing some amazing golf so I wouldn’t say I’ve got some kind of advantage over him.
“Rory has been playing amazing golf for some
Woods has been battling with swing changes and the effects of a back operation last year.
But he said: “Retirement? Well I don’t have my AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) card yet, so I’m a way from that.
“My body has healed from the surgery last year and I’ve changed the swing at the same time, so I’ve had to fight both these things.
“But I’m still young. I’m not 40 yet. I know some of you guys think I’m buried and done, but I’m right here in front of you.
“Yeah, I love playing, I love competing and I love playing these events.”
Despite his remarkable achievements in the