Two-time St Andrews Open winner Tiger Woods took time out from practising for the Open Championship this week to hail the "brilliancy" of the design of the Old Course.
Woods, who has the opportunity to become the first man in history to win three Opens on the Old Course told a packed press conference that players have to hit the ball really well to succeed on the famous Links. "I think that's the brilliancy of how this golf course was designed, that it's still able to withstand the test of time." he said. "Players have gotten longer, equipment has changed, but still, this golf course is still relevant, and it can still be very difficult."
Woods was among a clutch of players taking part in press conferences ahead of the championship and there was widespread praise for the condition of the course and an air of eager anticpation for the return of the championship to the Home of Golf. Lee Westwood expressed his desire to win the Open in the birthplace of the game. He said, "It's obviously the Home of Golf, a rich history to the golf tournament, especially when it's held at St Andrews. I think it's even more special when the Open Championship is here, and obviously it's one I'd like to win."
Rising Japanese star, Ryo Ishikawa, who visited St Andrews Links to play the Old Course last July, said, "I'm so glad I became a professional golfer. I get to play at the Old Course, the Home of Golf, which has the longest history. It is a very good experience for me. It is beautiful."
Practice for the Open Championship continues on the Old Course tomorrow. In the late afternoon 25 of the living Open champions will take part in a four-hole Champions' Challenge event.
The championship runs from Thursday, July 15 to Sunday, July 18.