Louis Oosthuizen has fond Open memories at St Andrews
Tuesday 14 July 2015 12:40, UK
Louis Oosthuizen believes his game is well suited to the links course at St Andrews ahead of the start of the 144th Open this week.
It is the first time the Open has been held at St Andrews since 2010 when Oosthuizen won by seven shots to lift the famous Claret Jug, his first and only major championship to date.
The 32-year-old has been paired with Australia’s Jason Day and Tiger Woods, who finished Open champion in 2000 and 2005 – the only other times St Andrews has played host to the major.
Oosthuizen said: “I’m always proud playing at St Andrews. We always have the opportunity coming here in October to play Dunhill Links but The Open at St Andrews is definitely a different vibe.
“It brought back a lot of memories playing 18 holes yesterday and it is really good being back.
“Chambers Bay (at the US Open) was links style golf and I enjoy that type of golf but yesterday I liked the feel of the golf course. I like the way my game is for the golf course so I’m looking forward to the week.”
Oosthuizen, meanwhile, has warned world number one Rory McIlroy of the risks of rushing back from injury.
McIlroy will not be defending the Claret Jug at St Andrews this week after rupturing an ankle ligament playing football with friends.
"Rehab is the most important thing after any injury. I came back in 2010. I tore my ankle ligaments on the left ankle and I came back probably too soon, so that put me back a few months more," added the South African.
"It's something you and your team need to take care of just to make sure that, whenever you're back, you're fully fit. A lot of times you're very anxious to come back a bit earlier to get back to it. You miss being part of the action, you miss playing in tournaments, and sometimes that can be costly."
