Leonard happy to take rough with smooth

TURNBERRY, Scotland (Reuters) - The sight of waist-high rough would normally strike fear into the heart of a golfer but 1997 British Open champion Justin Leonard was glad to see it at the Ailsa Course.

"It really puts a premium on putting the ball on the fairway," the American told Reuters on Wednesday.

"It is nice. I am (pleased)."

Leonard, a straight hitter who has only missed one British Open in 14 years, was speaking after a practice round with compatriots Jim Furyk and David Duval at sun-soaked Turnberry.

The 37-year-old Leonard, who has three top-five finishes on the PGA Tour this year, said the Ayrshire links layout represented a fair test.

"I think the course is set up perfectly even if we get some wind which I think we all hope we do," he said.

"The course will still be very difficult but playable."

BREEZY STATE

Leonard, a native of the breezy state of Texas, made the most of the lack of wind on a calm day at Turnberry.

"It is a little easier to prepare (in calm conditions) because you can think about what the wind is going to be doing rather than having it dictate how you play the course every day," he said.

"You take days like this whenever you can get them."

Former U.S. Open champion Furyk, another straight hitter, said the course would get difficult if conditions deteriorated.

"When I'm playing well that (straight hitting) is my strength," he said. "But you still have to go out there and hit the fairways and if it gets windy it will be quite tough especially if some cross winds get high.

"But it is not even worth praying for a calm week," added world number nine Furyk.

"I got a good feel for the course today ... and I'm feeling alright about my game, it is pretty good."

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)