Immelman: Birkdale is toughest yet

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As high winds battered the Lancashire links during the final practice rounds, US Masters champion Immelman warned that if similar conditions prevailed over the next few days then players would struggle to reach some fairways with their drives.

The 28-year-old South African defended the controversial new 17th green, which Lee Westwood claimed should be dug up after Sunday's final round.

"It's different," said Immelman. "But I think it fits in well with that hole because with the prevailing wind it's going to be helping you more than hurting you. I've never had problems with par five holes with tricky greens."

But he has had problems with the course as a whole, adding: "This is the toughest Open Championship course I've played. With these winds the course is pretty demanding and whoever plays well is going to have to bring their best stuff."