Special Birkdale return for veteran Fowler

By Norman Dabell

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Peter Fowler is determined to enjoy his return to Royal Birkdale, the course that marked the Australian's debut at the British Open in 1983.

Fowler, who celebrated his 500th European Tour event two weeks ago in the European Open, faded into obscurity after competing in the 1995 British Open at St Andrews, losing his playing rights in Europe and at home.

But the indefatigable Fowler, who now lives in New Zealand, refused to acknowledge his career was over and came bouncing back in 2003 to secure his best British Open finish, tied 22nd at Sandwich.

This week, in his 12th stab at the third major of the season, the 49-year-old aims to do even better.

"The 1983 Open was my debut so it's a bit special this week and I'd like to achieve something a bit special," Fowler told Reuters on Tuesday.

"I was talking to (48-year-old South African) David Frost and it was his first one as well. He's played a few more than me but it's great we're both still playing and competing.

"In the mid-1990s I was gone but I'm happy to say I'm still cutting it with the kids.

"It's great fun too. I can learn a bit off them. You're never too old to learn something new."