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Tiger Woods will prepare for the British Open in St Andrews by training at his home in Florida. Woods normally prepares for the British Open by practicing on Irish Links courses, but following the JP McManus Pro-Am in Limerick he will fly back to Florida so he can spend time with his children. Woods spoke for the first time in Europe following the tournament in Limerick and said things have been put into perspective recently following the death of his father and recent marriage problems. He believes his game is improving more and more after each tournament he plays and he is fully focused on winning the British Open and aims to win his 15th major title at the St Andrews course. Woods has won his last three tournaments at St Andrews which will fill him confidence and could see him produce his best performance this year.

Former Grand National winner Tony McCoy will play alongside Tiger Woods at the J P McManus Pro-Am International Charity Golf Tournament in Adare Manor. McCoy is said to be extremely excited about playing with Woods who will play his first European Tournament since deciding to take a break away from the game following the problems in his personal life. McCoy has taken out insurance to cover himself in case he accidentally hits Tiger Woods, or a member of the attending crowd, with a stray shot. McCoy has spent the last few days on the course in preparation for the tournament and as well as playing alongside Woods, he will play with former jockey Mick Fitzgerald, Jim Brewer, and another professional golfer Steve Webster.

Lee Westwood has fitness concerns ahead of the British Open in St Andrews next week. He was taken to hospital last week following concerns that a blood clot had developed in his right calf. Although this turned out not to be the case, he will undergo a scan within the next few days so the problem can be identified. Westwood managed to limp his way through the French open last week and finished in 18th place, but he has had to pull out of Tuesdays JP McManus Pro-am at Adare Manor in west Ireland, which features Tiger Woods, because of the injury. He pulled out of this week’s Scottish Open two weeks ago so he could plan an early visit to St Andrews but his participation in the British Open remains in doubt.

Tiger Woods has switched to playing with a Nike Golf ball that spins slightly less and has a harder cover than the ball he was previously using. Many believe the change has resulted in Woods hitting longer tee shots than he has all year, which was evident at the AT&T National. Woods was ranked 78th for driving distance before the tournament, but after the first few rounds he lead the tournaments driving distance rankings at just over 328 yards. The change in ball is likely to be part of Woods preparation for the British Open Championship in St Andrews next week where the wind is a major factor, and with the ball spinning less this will give Woods more control around the greens.

Justin Rose won his second PGA Tour Title on American soil yesterday making that two PGA wins out of his last three events. Rose won the AT&T National in Pennsylvania Rose finishing with a one stroke lead. Rose had a five shot lead at the turn of the final round but three putt bogeys and seven straight pars meant he closed with an even-par 70 allowing him to finish with a one shot victory. The lead was reduced by Ryan Moore who finished the final round on 65. The win for Rose earns him a place at the Open Championship at St Andrews which starts on Thursday 15th July.
Tiger Woods’ poor form continued as he finished the event on four over par, which meant it was the first time in eleven years that he didn’t break par over four rounds in a PGA Tour event.