I was thinking to myself this morning that the weather looks a little bit dicey this week and one of the best chances you have of winning a major is when the elements go awry. So I have to think why not me this week?
I’m actually playing some really good stuff and am liking the way that I’m hitting it. If I do the right preparation, put in place good course management plan and play the way I know I can, hopefully I can be in the hunt. That’s where I want to be.
But while I’m so pumped I could start the Open tomorrow, the trick is to not get too hyped up.
I don’t know the course at all, I’ve ever played here but it really suits my eye. I went out on the course yesterday afternoon and played with Rory McIlroy, Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry for a few holes.
It’s not like I look at Rory and think I’m suddenly going to play like him as I don’t have 330 yards in the air with a driver. But with guys of that experience, you look at the spots where they aim for. One thing I’d most love to talk to them about is the mental side but a practice round is not the time to be doing that.
I wouldn’t encroach in that way – it’s more one for over dinner when we’re all a bit more relaxed. But during those few holes you really pick up on their shot selections and what they’re saying to their caddies. Aside from all that, I had a nice chat with Rory about clothing and a few other bits and bobs – all pretty relaxed.
One thing I’ve found, though, when I play with the best players in the world like these guys is I feel both super calm but also the intensity goes up as basically I don’t want to mess up and don’t want to look like a fool. I always tend to play slightly better that way. You’ve got to think that sort of thing makes you better prepared come Thursday.
For me, it’s just good to be back at the Open. It’s a bit different for me as I had to go through qualifying to get here and that wasn’t the easiest thing to do. Initially I struggled a little bit in the qualifier at West Lancs two weeks ago but stuck to my guns and then the birdies started rolling in. Then I was away and felt so in control.
It’s the one you want to win most as an English golfer ... worldwide it’s this and the Masters but, for me, this is No1.
At the end, it was more like job done as that was what I’d come to do but those extra rounds of links golf – same with the Scottish Open last week – really helped as I’d not played links golf for a while.
Links golf is mentally taxing and all consuming. You have to be fully involved with your emotions. If you let the bounces, the bad lies or the wind bother you, it can roll on for a few holes and then you’re really stuffed.
I love the battle and the grind and, while I’ve never had game at the Open where I’ve been in contention, I’m in a better spot now with my game.
It’s the one you want to win the most as an English golfer. It’s brilliant. Worldwide it’s this and the Masters that are the two that go the furthest but, for me, this is No1.
I remember going down to the Open at St George’s in 2003. I got taken down there as 13-year-old and watched the guys playing in awe. It was raining and sideways wind and I was left wondering how they‘re playing in it. I so much looked up to those golfers and now here I am, one of them.
