Watson – Carnoustie still one of the toughest

Golf legend Tom Watson believes this year’s Open venue, Carnoustie, remains one of the toughest courses around.

The Open returns to the Scottish links this year for the eighth time between July 19-22 with the world’s best players set to do battle for the famous Claret Jug.

Watson, who played the Angus links for an R&A patron’s day earlier this week, claimed the first of his five Open titles there in 1975 and he admits it is still a stern test.

He told the Courier: “Carnoustie is one of those courses where the bunkers are in play and you have to challenge them. If you play short and safe you?re too far away to be very effective in getting the ball close to the hole.

“So you?ve got to be careful because if you make three, four mistakes and hit it in those bunkers, you?re not going to win the tournament.”

Watson admits he cannot compete with the big-hitting players of today but he doesn’t expect anyone to get an easy ride around Carnoustie, especially if the wind gets up.

He added: “Players hit the ball a long way now – I can?t play with these kids anymore, unfortunately – but I don?t think there?s a danger of Carnoustie being tamed.

“If the wind blows, this course is as tough as it gets.”