Todd Hamilton | The 152nd Open

Hamilton’s fast playing style was key to his victory in 2004, when he was still using a hybrid club.

And although he left the hybrid animal at home in Texas, he expects it will still be up to its usual tricks there.

But for the other players at the 152nd Open hoping to emulate his success, his advice is to avoid ending up in jail like he did.

“Anytime you play a championship event, the first thing you have to do is hit the ball well,” Hamilton explained.

“If you hit it into the heavy rough or the bunker here, you’re behind the 8-ball from the start. So, first of all, hit it into the fairway.

“Given what the course demands, it’s not going to give you birdie chances on every hole, just pick your spots to succeed.

“As far as I can remember, the first nine holes are mainly into the wind, if you have the traditional wind, and the back nine holes are the toughest part of the course.

“So don’t force it, go to the fairway first, hopefully you’ll have a good week of putting and see where the chips fall at the end of the week.”