Golf: NZer's Open hopes hinge on short game

New Zealand golfer Mark Brown is making his second appearance at a major. Photo / Kenny Rodger

TURNBERRY, Scotland - New Zealand golfer Mark Brown has pinpointed improvement in his short game as the key to mounting a challenge at the British Open starting here tonight (NZ time).

Brown, 34, is one of four New Zealanders in the field for the 138th Open Championship, alongside Michael Campbell, David Smail and Josh Geary.

This year has been one to forget so far for Brown, who has made just one cut in his past six tournaments.

"I think the scores probably reflect how I've played, which is pretty rubbish," he said.

"I played OK at the start of the year, had some good results in Asia, but apart from that it's been a bit of a struggle."

Brown announced himself on the world stage by winning last year's Johnnie Walker Classic in New Delhi.

It propelled him to the Australasian Tour's Order of Merit crown, which earned him a ticket to Turnberry.

A failure to continue that kind of form left the Wellingtonian frustrated but realistic.

"When your short game's not that great, it's hard to put a score on the board," he said.

"I've been working hard at it but it just seems that it's a pretty tough game at the moment."

But Brown believes he is not far away from returning to the form that catapulted his career 16 months ago.

"Hopefully I can get some of that confidence from last year back."

The Open will be Brown's second appearance at a major.

He made a credible debut in finishing tied for 24th at last year's PGA Championship.

"I was first reserve (at the British Open) last year and didn't get in," he said.

"You take the attitude that it's just another tour event but obviously, you're going to be pretty excited about the whole thing and I'm just looking forward to experiencing the whole week."

The prestige of the tournament will not be lost on Brown when he stands on the first tee.

"I think it was always the favourite major growing up," he said.

"But I think it's just the style of golf course. I love that style of golf course, the links.

"I think most of the guys will say the British Open is the biggest tournament in the world so to be part of that is a huge thrill."

- NZPA