JOHNSON HOPING TO DITCH DRIVER
Big-hitting American Dustin Johnson will happily leave his driver in the bag this week as he chases a maiden major title at the Open in Hoylake.
Tiger Woods famously used his driver just once in 72 holes on his way to victory the last time the tournament was held at Royal Liverpool eight years ago.
The course may not be as hard or fast as in 2006 but Johnson, despite boasting some of the best distance statistics on the PGA Tour, thinks irons may again be the safest bet from the tee.
The 30-year-old said: "I like it here. I hit a lot of irons, don't really hit driver very much. It depends on the wind but there are a lot of irons off the tee.
"There are not a lot of places to hit a driver. Some of the par fives maybe, but I'd rather not. You're trying to keep out of the bunkers. They're a penalty if you go in them. You have to chip out."
Johnson, who finished fourth at the US Open last month, would also like to see the conditions get difficult. The South Carolina native feels his game is well suited to links courses and he could prevail in weather other players may not adapt well to.
He said: "Friday the wind is supposed to blow pretty good. I think it'll be nice weather but breezy. That will be interesting. I like it playing tough. You have got to hit good golf shots here, quality shots. You can't fake it around this place.
"I think I play really well on links courses. I like it, it's fun. Hopefully it plays tough."
Johnson finished second to Darren Clarke by a stroke on his best Open finish at Royal St George's three years ago. It might have been better but for a double bogey seven after going out of bounds at the 14th.
That came after two other major near misses. In 2010 he took a three-shot lead into the final round at the US Open only to shoot an 82. Two months later a two-stroke penalty on the 72nd hole of the US PGA Championship cost him a place in a play-off.
He will begin his latest major bid playing alongside England's Ian Poulter and fellow American Jimmy Walker at 9:37am.
Play is scheduled to get under way at 6:25am with England's David Howell hitting the opening shot, while Woods is due out at 9:04am alongside Argentina's Angel Cabrera and Sweden's Henrik Stenson, who was second to Phil Mickelson last year.
Mickelson has to wait until 2:05pm to begin the defence of his title alongside 2012 winner Ernie Els and Masters champion Bubba Watson.
