Date: July 17, 2017
Author: Golf Australia

AUDIO: Griffin starts Open recon

Victorian Matt Griffin is considering adding a two-iron to his bag to combat expected fierce winds at Royal Birkdale for this week's Open Championship.

Griffin, having walked a round at the famous English links near Liverpool this morning, said the demanding nature of the famous course combined with forecast testing weather later this week could force the change.

"I normally play with driver, three-wood and then three-iron through, but I think this week because this week the course is so varied off each tee and there's so many shots you have to hit, I'm actually thinking I might drop out a wedge and carry a two-iron as well," Griffin told the Breakfast Club on RSN Radio this morning.

"Which shows you how good a golf course it is.

"The course is fantastic, a real test. The wind's predicted to blow a bit as the week goes on and whoever is on top on Sunday will really deserve to win.

"(Today's round was) really trying to find out how the course plays depending on the breeze.

"Today we had a nor'-wester and it's expected to turn around to the south.

"So we're hoping to play course in a couple of different breezes (and I'm) scanning course to see where can I miss it if I do hit a bad shot.

"I've been writing little notes (in my yardage book) and crossing out areas which are no-go zones and finding those little areas where if it does get rally windy you can take the safest route."

Griffin, 33, playing his first Open having qualified via his success as ISPS Handa PGA Tour of Australasia order of merit champion last year, was in awe of the atmosphere at one of golf's most storied venues.

"It's definitely a place where the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as you walk in. There's so much history," he said.

"You look into the 18th green (from the outside) and it's almost like you're standing outside the MCG, the stands are so big.

"I'm trying to treat it as a normal week but the reality is when I stand on first tee on Thursday it won't be a normal week.

"But I'm just trying to soak up the atmosphere and have a bit of fun and I think that will be the way I'll play my best."

To follow Matt Griffin's progress at the 146th Open, check out his daily video blog at drummondgolf.com.au throughout the week.