Sandra Gal diary: The British Open

Editor's note: This season LPGA golfer Sandra Gal will be writing a weekly diary for USA TODAY Sports to share her adventures on the Tour.

The British Open is for Europe like the US Open  for the USA. But with that comes a major difference in the style of play – links courses, pot Bunkers, wind and (un)-lucky tee times.

The courses typically played at British Opens like the Old Course at St. Andrews, Royal Liverpool Golf Course, Royal Lytham and St. Annes or this year Turnberry are built on sandy ground near the ocean amidst the dunes. I always consider the British Open the one Championship, which hands you the highest amount of factors that are out of your control. For example, tee times are often critical – you may play on a calm morning and someone else will draw the windy, stormy afternoon tee time.

I remember feeling like a guinea pig at St. Andrews a couple of years ago, when they sent us out to play in up to 45mph gusts to find out whether the conditions were unplayable. But I am not complaining, a bad draw happens to everybody

However, there are still ways to prepare even for the unexpected. Leading up to the Open, practicing low shots is a must. It also helps to prepare for side winds that come from the ocean – strong left to right and right to left winds ask for adjustments in your set up, swing and club choices. I also need to be prepared to be more compact during my putting stroke – a solid footing and arms closer to my body help me stand strong in the wind.

Another big difference on this style of golf course is the short game. There are a lot of run offs around the greens, which instead of rough, present you with tight lies. This usually calls for a bump and run shot: a shot that runs along the ground for most of its way, instead of flying through the air. Hence you can use a lower lofted club, which also helps to stay clear of the wind. This definitely needs extra practice and a bit more creativity, as these shots are rarely required in the US, where rough is prevalent around the greens.

Being here in Scotland always makes me think about the history of golf. This is the place, where everything started. I can somehow feel it in the air – there is a mystic atmosphere here. Dark clouds, cold air, ocean, rolling hills and rough nature all belong to the British Open experience. Turnberry certainly is a stunning setting, especially with the pretty lighthouse in the background.

I can’t wait to tee it up on Thursday and soak in the special feeling of being able to compete here. Rain and wind – let it all come. If there’s one place, where it belongs, it is here in Scotland.

Hope you tune in to watch us play !

Sandra