Special Birkdale return for veteran Fowler

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - Peter Fowler is determined to enjoy his return to Royal Birkdale, the course that marked the Australian's debut at the British Open in 1983.

Fowler, who celebrated his 500th European Tour event two weeks ago in the European Open, faded into obscurity after competing in the 1995 British Open at St Andrews, losing his playing rights in Europe and at home.

But the indefatigable Fowler, who now lives in New Zealand, refused to acknowledge his career was over and came bouncing back in 2003 to secure his best British Open finish, tied 22nd at Sandwich.

This week, in his 12th stab at the third major of the season, the 49-year-old aims to do even better.

"The 1983 Open was my debut so it's a bit special this week and I'd like to achieve something a bit special," Fowler told Reuters on Tuesday.

"I was talking to (48-year-old South African) David Frost and it was his first one as well. He's played a few more than me but it's great we're both still playing and competing.

"In the mid-1990s I was gone but I'm happy to say I'm still cutting it with the kids.

"It's great fun too. I can learn a bit off them. You're never too old to learn something new."

Unlike a few players of his age, Fowler is not just biding his time before joining the senior tours.

"No, I'm not thinking about the seniors just yet," he said. "Why should I? I've still got plenty going for me on the normal tour."

SEVE MEMORIES

Fowler's fondest memory of his 11 British Opens involves one of the championship's most flamboyant winners.

"I've played with Seve (Ballesteros) a few times in Opens and that's always got to be special," he added.

"My best memory I guess is playing the first two rounds at Royal Lytham with Seve in 1988. He went on to win, of course, and he played great over those first two rounds.

"It's such a shame he's not around to play any more, a great loss."

Birkdale will hold no fears for Fowler if the wind tears into the north west of England links either.

"It's a tough course and it's very likely it will blow but I've got the stamina nowadays," he said.

"I'm fitter now than I was 20 years ago. You've got to be these days. Courses are getting longer and harder all the time.

"Four rounds of 70 can win round here. I remember playing here in an English Open, in 1988, when it was as fierce as you can imagine. It was the first week I used the metal driver and it was needed I can tell you."

Fowler feels his short game is good enough to allow him to do well this week.

"My putting's pretty good and that's always crucial around here," he said. "My chipping feels pretty good too.

"Your short game has to really be up to scratch. Mind you being accurate off the tee doesn't do you any harm either.

"I hope my experience stands me in good stead and I can hit the ball low, straight and strong."

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)