Tiger Woods says conditions at Carnoustie may offer best chance to add to 14 majors

A hot, dry spell has left the Scottish links in a burnt and baked state similar to Hoylake - scene of the former world No 1's last British Open win in 2006

Tiger Woods on a practice round at Carnoustie, Scotland, where the 147th British Open will be played. Reuters

Fourteen-time major winner Tiger Woods believes the hard and fast condition of Carnoustie means he could repeat his tactics of 2006 when he last won the Open.

The former world No 1 famously hit just one driver when winning the last of his three Claret Jugs at Royal Liverpool.

A hot, dry spell has left the Scottish links in a burnt and baked state similar to Hoylake and although the weather is slightly different to 12 years ago - there was some rain on Monday night - Woods admits he could employ similar tactics.

"It could be that way. I'm not going to hit that many long clubs off many tees. I hit a three iron on Monday down 18 which went 333 [yards]," he said.

"There are not a lot of opportunities to hit the driver because the ball will be rolling 80 yards so it will be hard to keep the ball in play: even hitting four and five irons are running 50 to 60 yards.

"The idea of these practice rounds is to get a feel of what I'm going to do. It can get quick out here - you are going to seeing a lot of guys hit the ball a long way with not a lot of club."

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Woods has not played at the Open since 2015 and has not won a major for 10 years but believes this tournament could offer him the best opportunity to add to his tally of 14.

"As far as long-term certainly I would say 'Yes' because of the fact you don't have to be long to play on a links-style golf course," he added.

"You get to places like Augusta where it is just a big ball park and the golf course outgrows you unfortunately. A links-style golf course you can just roll the ball.

"Distance becomes a moot point on a links golf course. Creativity plays such an important role."

There has not been an English winner of the Open since Nick Faldo at Muirfield in 2002 but Justin Rose remains upbeat about his chances.

Asked whether he could win this week, the 2013 US Open champion confidently replied: "Yes.

"It has been a barren run for sure. I don't really believe in superstition but I feel my game is in a good spot.

"It is up to me, not stats or records, it is about me and playing this course this week and creating my chance to win. I try not to look any deeper than that.

"I don't mind expectation, you have to be a big boy and have to handle that if you play at the top level."