The firm fairways, the endless run, the tight lies and the quirky bounces?
The abundant nuances of a true links test is better felt than telt and while Rickie Fowler is ready for the fiery Gullane examination in the Scottish Open this week, he has used a touch of virtual reality to bolster his knowledge ahead of a fortnight of seaside golf on the east coast.
“I have a simulator with Carnoustie on it,” said Fowler of next week’s Open venue. “It was good to get there the other day to see it in person compared to looking at it on a screen.
“But it’s a little bit of a help on the simulator to see it instead of turning up completely surprised at what you are looking at.”
Fowler showed his fondness for the links game by winning the Scottish Open at Gullane in 2015 while he has a second and a fifth in the ultimate links arena of the Open down the years.
“This golf brings out the best in me,” he added. “I’m more focused on where I want to start the ball and how I want it to fly.”
After that Scottish Open triumph here three years ago, the Gullane members renamed a bar in the clubhouse in his honour. Rickie’s Bar will no doubt be going like a fair this week.
“It’s cool to be felt as welcome as we do in Scotland,” he said. “I should just get a place and become a part-time resident here in Gullane.”
That could be handy. Next year’s event is taking place at the nearby Renaissance Club.
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