Perry in playful mood ahead of moon walk

By Patrick Johnston

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - A more playful manner has resulted in Kenny Perry's surge up the world rankings as he prepares for "moon-like" conditions at the British Open this week.

The world number four is twice a winner on the PGA Tour this year and was runner-up at the U.S. Masters.

"I tell everybody it is like playing on the moon (here) because it is so different for me," Perry told reporters after a practice round on the Turnberry links course Tuesday.

The American, who was joined in the round by fellow countryman and world number 15 Anthony Kim, spoke of his relaxed manner on the course and his enjoyment at teasing the younger players on tour.

"He (Kim) is a hoot," said Perry. "He is such a kid, the same age as my son. I was just aggravating him the whole day out there.

"I kind of take the young kids and aggravate them. But it's a lot of fun to me, just to hang out with them."

Perry attributes his upturn in form, in the twilight of his career, down to a more jovial attitude.

"To me it was a job in the 1990s ... but now it has become fun," he said. "It has just taken me a long time to figure it out, to be comfortable, relaxed, enjoy the people and the crowds and the travelling.