Former US Women’s Open champion Paula Creamer will have a head start over most of her rivals when she tees up in next week’s Ricoh Women’s British Open being played for the first time over the Championship Course at Carnoustie.
Creamer visited the Angus town last weekend and played two rounds on the links before flying to France for this week’s Evian Masters tournament.
The Californian, who is number eight in the Rolex world rankings, loved what she saw on her first visit to Carnoustie.
She said, “I love coming here and playing links golf. It’s very exciting. The people are so welcoming. They love watching golf.
“They come to watch in big numbers and make you feel very much at home.”
She added, “I played my first rounds at Carnoustie and thought it was great.
“There’s nothing tricked up about it what you see is what you get.”Driver’s courseCreamer said, “What surprised me was how long and narrow the greens were. It’s a driver’s golf course.
“The wind wasn’t bad, but I’m sure it could get tough even if it gets up a little bit.”
This year’s championship, which starts next Thursday, has attracted a strong international field, including all top 15 golfers in the world.
The home challenge is spearheaded by 2009 champion Catriona Matthew from North Berwick.
The Scot was recently signed up as the first global ambassador for the Carnoustie Country brand, and also made a trip to Angus to play the Championship Course.