It's a risk-reward proposition. Price and Nicklaus said if Woods misses the greens, he could have difficulty chipping close to the hole from bad side angles and awful lies. Tom Watson, a five-time British Open champion, including in 1982 at Troon, went further. However, Crichton, the assistant pro, said Woods might want to try reaching. Woods, now a winner of four tournaments this year and six in his 21 PGA Tour starts as a professional, will find a Troon course that is two different tracks in one.
Players know it's important to take advantage of scoring on the front.
Not only are the first three holes short 4s, the fourth and sixth are birdie holes, both downwind par 5s. Woods' length could be more of an advantage on the back, which has six par-4s of at least 431 yards that play longer because of headwind. He's a wonderful player, and when he's playing well, he'll win. He can play average for him and beat most everybody every time. When he plays well, every golf course will be good for him. . . .