Woods ready for British Open

Portrush (UK), July 16  

Tiger Woods said today that he is confident his body can hold up under the rigours of links golf this week as he bids for a 16th major title at the British Open.

The 43-year-old, who capped one of sport's greatest-ever comebacks with victory at the Masters in April, will be playing in just his fourth tournament since winning the green jacket.

With cold, wet weather predicted for all four days as the British Open returns to Northern Ireland and Royal Portrush for the first time since 1951. But he was keen to point out tricky conditions may also play into his hands, as they did for Tom Watson when he lost in a playoff to Stewart Cink at the age of 59 at Turnberry in 2009, and Greg Norman when he finished third at Birkdale in 2008 aged 53.

"It's just part of, unfortunately, dealing with the procedures I've had, and being a little bit older," said Woods.

"It just doesn't move quite as fast when it's a little bit cooler. But the great thing is playing in an Open Championship, you can do it. Look what Tom did at Turnberry, what Greg did at Birkdale. The golf course is fast enough, even if you don't have the speed to carry the ball.

"You just have to navigate the bunkers and navigate around the golf course. And that's true, that's understanding how to play an Open Championship." Woods' fifth Masters triumph was his first Major victory since the 2008 US Open, but the success relaunched his bid to chase down Jack Nicklaus' record tally of 18 titles.

Fasting resets Mickelson 

Five-time Major champion Phil Mickelson said today that a recent six-day fast to "reset" after a poor run of form has helped him "feel better" about himself heading into this week's British Open. The 49-year-old said he lost 15 lbs (6.8kg) after only drinking water and a "special coffee blend" for six days.

 "The first day and a half was tough, but after that I found that I didn't crave food, I felt better, my energy levels were better, my focus was better," said Mickelson. 

"I just started to reset my mind and body and that's just the start.” — AFP