Tuesday 14 July 2015 21:08, UK
Bubba Watson is not optimistic about his hopes of success at the 144th Open Championships at St Andrews this week.
Historically Watson has never done well at links courses and has missed three cuts out of the last six times he has played in the Open, including at St Andrews in 2010.
His best finish was in 2012 when he finished tied 23rd and the two-time Masters champion is not expecting much of an improvement this time around.
“Luckily for me we don’t play on every course like this so I have the chance to perform at a high level somewhere else,” he said.
“It is a challenge for me because it’s trying to figure out the right shots and it’s trying to hit the ball straighter.
“It was the same thing at Chambers Bay this year, it’s trying to be the same kind of golf. For me it is harder to hit the straight shots because I don’t see the straight shots, so I have to learn that around here.
“I have not done it well yet but hopefully in the near future I can learn it and make some putts when I have the chance.”
Tough playing conditions are being forecast for St Andrews with high winds and rain expected and Watson believes his style of golf will struggle in such weather.
“The Open Championship is tough,” said the 36-year-old. “The ball bounces around a lot, rolls a lot. The way I like to move it in heavy winds is pretty difficult.
“On paper it is probably not the best for me with all the conditions you add to it. A little bit of water – I usually don’t play good in the rain because I move the ball so much.”
