This week, all golfing eyes will focus on Carnoustie. Here, in their own words, the world’s top players look ahead to the challenge.
Angel Cabrera
“After my US Open Championship win I feel a lot more comfortable and confident with myself, knowing I can win big tournaments like this one.”
Luke Donald
“I think this is a very good links course where you have to hit good, solid shots. It’s not going to be too bouncy so the shots aren’t really going to get away from you. If I play the way I have been playing – with good precision iron shots – then I should have a good chance.”
Ernie Els
“This is definitely the toughest of the lot (of Open courses). It’s got length and it’s got great bunkering. You really have to have your wits about you to play this golf course. It’s probably the best bunkered golf course that you will ever find in the world and it seems like the wind always blows here.”
Jim Furyk
“I had a pretty good Open Championship last year, I feel like my game is in good shape and I like this golf course. The set-up is going to be very different from the last time we were here in 1999 and I think it has set up very fair and very well.”
Sergio Garcia
“I’d love to do it (become the next European winner of a Major) – but we’ll see how the week develops. We are all trying hard here, not only the Europeans, but everybody else. We are all trying our best and hopefully by the end of the week, a European will be on top.”
Zach Johnson
“The beauty of this tournament is that you have to hit every shot. Everybody says you’ve got to hit the ball low because of the wind but you’ve also got to be able to hit it hot. We don’t see much of this type of golf in the States which makes this tournament one of my favourites – probably the favourite.”
Padraig Harrington
“Fourth favourite? Hopefully the bookies are right and I’ll have a chance of being that high up. Having not won a Major before, it is always going to be difficult but I am capable of doing it.”
Paul Lawrie
“You want to play with the best players and, obviously, Tiger is by far the best player in the world right now and I’m looking forward to playing with him for two days. I’ve played with him before and he’s a great guy to play with – I’m very much looking forward to it.”
Phil Mickelson
“The closing holes here are probably the three toughest on the course. That means it will be an exciting finish for everyone because nobody is out of it. What I really like about this course is how much room around the greens there is to hit shots and chip shots and to let your short game make par for you. I think that’s my favourite thing about Carnoustie.”
Colin Montgomerie
“I think it is a blessing that I have this great support (here in Scotland). I was out there at half past eight the other night and there was a huge amount of people just watching me go round. Let’s hope I have as much tomorrow because it really did help me at St Andrews in 2005 especially in the third round playing with Tiger. The warmth and support I had that day was incredible and if I can get into contention here again, let’s hope I have the same feeling.”
Justin Rose
“I guess it’s self belief. Having played well in the last two Majors, I am beginning to believe that is where I belong and just that alone makes it much easier to go out there and let it happen.”
Tiger Woods
“I love playing over here because it allows you to be creative and you can use the ground as an ally. We play so much in the States where everything is up in the air and if we had had a day like the other day here, you probably couldn’t play a States course. My first time over here was in 1995 and I played here and then over at St Andrews – my first two experiences of links golf were probably as good as they get.”
