GARETH Benson, the Lancashire coach and Hart Common professional, talks to David Magilton about the 133rd Open Championship, which gets under way at Royal Troon on Thursday.

LOOK out for a tale of two nines as the feature of this year's Open -- particularly if the wind blows.

Gareth Benson believes that whichever golfer can best keep his nerve and his form on the back nine, will triumph over the famous Ayrshire links.

"The big thing about Troon, when you look at the golf course, is that it is very much nine holes going out and nine holes coming back in the opposite way," he said.

"Invariably the front nine are down wind, and the back nine are into the wind. All the players will look to get three or four under par going out and literally try and hold it together coming back in, when there are so many long par fours and the tough par three at the 17th.

"Troon is like two avenues of fairways, and is the main feature of the course.

"Not many guys will be making a charge on the last nine holes, it is more likely that somebody will lose it on the last nine.

"The rough is not as severe as it has been in previous tournaments at Troon, and I think that is because if there is any wind , the back nine is so tough.

"It is a fairly easy start, with a couple of short par fours, and you can get off to a fast getaway. Having a good start is the key.

"It will be a tale of two nines and you have to be geared up for that.

" The fairways don't shed the ball like they did at St George's last year. Such is the nature of the course that there will not be a Ben Curtis winning it this time.

"It is a very fair course and a tough test, so you will get the better golfer coming through.

"You have to look at the guys in form for a winner this time."

THE THREE KEY HOLES

8

POSTAGE

STAMP

123 yards, par three

THE shortest hole in championship golf. Always a tiny target and a calamity waiting to happen. Less than 40 per cent of the field will hit this green. Anyone who thought the seventh at Shinnecock Hills in the US Open was a challenge, then watch this. It is a very small green and fun to watch. The green sheds the ball and the bunkering is very tight and small.

,,6

TURNBERRY

601 yards, par five

THE first hole to measure 600 yards in Open history. It used to be a lay-up hole because of a ditch, but now it has been extended. it is a driver off the tee instead of a one or two iron. It is still a three shot hole, although to some it is reachable in two in the prevailing wind, and provided they stick to the narrow, snaking fairway.

17

RABBIT

222 yards, par three

THE long par 3 17th stands out as the hole that has made a difference when it comes to the crunch. Justin Leonard made two there when no-one else could when he won in 1997, Mark Calcavecchia played it well. and Greg Norman didn't in 1992, while Nick Price was in the frame and lost it there. This hole is always a test. It can easily be a two or three shot swing.

THE ONES TO WATCH

RETIEF GOOSEN

Nationality: South African

Age: 35

Previous Opens: 9

Best Finish: T8 (2002)

HE is a great ball striker and his temperament is ideal. He is in great form and won in Ireland last week. He will be patient on those back nine holes.

PHIL MICKELSON

Nationality: American

Age: 34

Previous Opens: 11

Best Finish: T11 (2000)

IF the conditions are more benign he will be in with a chance. He hits the ball very high which does not help in the wind and I don't think the back nine will suit him. But he is in form, winning the Masters and coming close in the US Open. His confidence is high.

LUKE DONALD

Nationality: English

Age: 26

Previous Opens: 4

Best Finish: T83 (2000)

HE is the best British hope and pre-qualified through the US system. He is getting better all the time. You have to look at the standard of golfers he is playing against in the US, and he is doing well. The strength in depth is massive and he is in the top 30 at the moment.

VIJAY SINGH

Nationality: Fijian

Age: 41

Previous Opens: 15

Best Finish: T2 (2003)

A CLASS player who is always going to score. He is such a strong player and will always be there or thereabouts. His long irons are good, and he is not frightened of winning, which is important.

TIGER WOODS

Nationality: American

Age: 28

Previous Opens: 9

Best Finish: 1 (2000)

NOT as good technically as he was, and is definitely not swinging as well as he did. Recent results have shown this, but he is still able to compete and success is still just around the corner. Form is temporary but class is permanent. With him you have got to think he can come round any time if he gets the bit between his teeth.

ERNIE ELS

Nationality: South African

Age: 34

Previous Opens :16

Best Finish: 1 (2002)

HAVING a good year, and a previous winner two years ago. He has a good game and is a superb all round player who has got all the shots.

... AND DON'T FORGET MONTY

HAS had his off-course marital problems. so he is not fancied to do well. But this is Monty's home course and I think he can still win a major, particularly when he is not expected to do well. He will sneak up, rather than lead from the front. You will see him have a good couple of rounds, and end up winning by one. He is still a world class player.