Tiger Woods on a practice round at Carnoustie, Scotland, where the 147th British Open will be played. Reuters
Tiger Woods on a practice round at Carnoustie, Scotland, where the 147th British Open will be played. Reuters

Tiger Woods says conditions at Carnoustie may offer best chance to add to 14 majors



Fourteen-time major winner Tiger Woods believes the hard and fast condition of Carnoustie means he could repeat his tactics of 2006 when he last won the Open.

The former world No 1 famously hit just one driver when winning the last of his three Claret Jugs at Royal Liverpool.

A hot, dry spell has left the Scottish links in a burnt and baked state similar to Hoylake and although the weather is slightly different to 12 years ago - there was some rain on Monday night - Woods admits he could employ similar tactics.

"It could be that way. I'm not going to hit that many long clubs off many tees. I hit a three iron on Monday down 18 which went 333 [yards]," he said.

"There are not a lot of opportunities to hit the driver because the ball will be rolling 80 yards so it will be hard to keep the ball in play: even hitting four and five irons are running 50 to 60 yards.

"The idea of these practice rounds is to get a feel of what I'm going to do. It can get quick out here - you are going to seeing a lot of guys hit the ball a long way with not a lot of club."

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Read more:

Can Rickie Fowler end his wait? Five contenders for the 2018 British Open

Tiger Woods ready for Carnoustie challenge ahead of British Open return 

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Woods has not played at the Open since 2015 and has not won a major for 10 years but believes this tournament could offer him the best opportunity to add to his tally of 14.

"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 golf course," he added.

"You get to places like Augusta where it is just a big ball park and the golf course outgrows you unfortunately. A links-style golf course you can just roll the ball.

"Distance becomes a moot point on a links golf course. Creativity plays such an important role."

There has not been an English winner of the Open since Nick Faldo at Muirfield in 2002 but Justin Rose remains upbeat about his chances.

Asked whether he could win this week, the 2013 US Open champion confidently replied: "Yes.

"It has been a barren run for sure. I don't really believe in superstition but I feel my game is in a good spot.

"It is up to me, not stats or records, it is about me and playing this course this week and creating my chance to win. I try not to look any deeper than that.

"I don't mind expectation, you have to be a big boy and have to handle that if you play at the top level."

FFP EXPLAINED

What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.

What the rules dictate? 
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.

What are the penalties? 
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.

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