Justin Rose believes Royal Aberdeen can offer just as stern a test for the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open as Hoylake will for The Open Championship next week.
Rose, fresh from winning on the US PGA Tour at Congressional a fortnight ago, believes the new venue can offer perfect preparation for the year’s third Major Championship.
“Hoylake might seem a gentle test compared to maybe what we face here this week depending on the weather,” said the former US Open Championship winner.
“I think this will sharpen you up. You're going to have to hit every shot this week.
“You're going to have to really control the ball flight, knock shots down and get your links feel going, which means hitting five iron from 160. For me, there's always a visual challenge to that. So often we are regulated by how far the shot looks, and when the conditions change this dramatically, 160 is playing 210.
“There's so many different factors out there. I think this week will be a great run, because you're going to be tested to that point.”
While his recent victory has given Rose a confidence boost, he is keen to maintain the competitive edge from being in contention.
“This is an important week to get comfortable with being in contention again and that's the most important thing for me,” he added.
“I think that's where the more you get comfortable in that situation, the easier it becomes and obviously heading into a Major, that's when you're tested at your most.”
Rose’s fellow Englishman and Ryder Cup team-mate Ian Poulter is also keen to get a good week under his belt, and like Rose expects plenty of challenges on his return to Scotland.
“It’s good to be back, a very tough golf course,” said Poulter. “Especially when it's blowing 30-35 mile-an-hour winds.
“You're going to have to hit all the shots this week that you're going to require next week, so if ever there was a good week to come back and play The Scottish Open, then this is certainly a very good one.”
While Poulter and Rose are part of a very strong English challenge, the best chances of a home victory may well be Scotland’s Stephen Gallacher.
However, the Dubai Desert Classic winner is keen to play down the importance of being the top-ranked Scot.
“It's great just to be playing your National Open on links golf,” he said.
“It's golf we very rarely get a chance to play these days, so to play a course that's superbly set up, a little bit of wind here and there and a little bit of variability, it's going to be an exciting week - especially with the stellar field that's here, as well.
“It's just a case of you've got to thrive on it. You know it's great playing in front of your home fans and it's great playing in front of your family and stuff like that – it can spur you on a bit.
“The course is fantastic and it's a different challenge to a normal weekly basis, so it's a challenge I'm looking forward to really.”
