Stephens going Home (From Barry And District News)

Stephens going Home

STEPHEN DODD believes he is in the form of his life, and is confident of extending his good fortune to the Open, which starts at St Andrew's today.

The Barry-born golfer is currently enjoying the best golf of his career and has climbed up to seventh in the European Tour Order of Merit.

Dodd, aged 39, has already won the Volvo Open in China and the Nissan Irish Open this season, and from today he is hoping for more success at the Open in St Andrews.

He said: "It is a big event and I am really looking forward to it.

"At the moment I am playing well, and I just want to do myself justice.

"Last time I played (in 1989) I was an amateur and it was a massive deal. But now I feel that things have moved on and my golf is finally clicking into place.

"I just feel really confident going into every competition that I enter at the moment.

"Sure, I have my targets for the Open, but I am going to keep them to myself!"

Dodd warmed up for the event by playing the Barclays Scottish Open last week, a tournament he has played every year since turning professional in 1990.

"When the Open starts I will have to put my links golf head on, and remember to use the wind to my advantage," he said.

"I have played at St Andrew's many times, so it is not going to be unknown to me, but being the'Home of Golf', I know that the whole week is going to be very special."

Despite the enormity of the event, Dodd - the only professional Welshman other than Ian Woosnam in the field - is planning to remain unfazed.

He added: "I know that it is going to be a massive event, but I am just planning to go up there and try to relax and enjoy the two events."