Rose says precision driving the key to Birkdale

By Tony Jimenez

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Accuracy off the tee will be paramount at this week's British Open, world number nine Justin Rose said on Wednesday.

"It's almost as good a driving test as a U.S. Open would be," the 27-year-old told reporters on the eve of the third major of the season. "You certainly need to drive the ball well.

"I think it is more of a test off the tee than possibly it was in the past. It's a great course."

Ten years ago, Rose stunned the golf world with a grandstand finish at Royal Birkdale, chipping in on the final hole to tie for fourth place and win the silver medal as the leading amateur.

Birkdale was buffeted by strong winds on Wednesday and if those conditions remain for Thursday's opening round as forecast, Rose said it would become a brutal examination.

BRUTALLY TOUGH

"If it blows like this tomorrow, it will really just be a matter of survival," he added. "It is brutally tough.

"It feels like the course as a whole has got a lot more teeth to it."