9 hours ago
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The two-time European Ryder Cup player is making his first visit to Royal Birkdale and says it comes as no surprise the course will provide a stern test this week.
He believes the hot weather, combined with strong winds, has left the fairways running fast.
"I played nine holes, the back nine, on Monday afternoon in strong winds and it was brutal," he added. "It's tough but I've had a bit more time to work it out since then, so we'll see.
"There's a lot of short clubs off the tee, just to stay out of the pot bunkers, get it on the green from there and try to take your chances.
"It's a very strategic golf course. You've really got to stay disciplined to your gameplan and trust it's right.
"The ball was running out fully 50 yards on some tee shots, even with a six or seven iron. Some guys will flip a coin and go with driver anyway, but then you run the risk of bunkers and all the other trouble.
"For me, hitting greens in regulation is the key, so it's about playing smart golf and hitting fairways."
English (US) ·