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2012 British Open: Peter Dawson Defends Course Against Criticism

One of the bigger story lines heading into the 2012 British Open surrounds the difficulty some plyers have had with the rough off the fairways of Royal Lytham. The most recognizable player to voice concern was Tiger Woods when he stated that the course was 'almost unplayable.'

Peter Dawson, the chief executive of the Royal & Ancient came to the course's defense and set the record straight.

Via The Guardian:

"The rough is up but the course is reasonably generous on width and most of the players seem happy with it, at least those I have spoken to, maybe 20 or so," Dawson said. "It's nature. We are not starting bailing rough on seaside courses. It grows in the month before the championship. Some years we have a dry summer [and] you get wispy rough; in wetter warmish conditions you get thick rough and a softer course. We don't cut the rough other than the first and second cut."

With rain in the forecast for the days leading up to the start of the tournament it's safe to say the rough issue should be fairly present in this year's tournament.

For more 2012 British Open coverage, stay with SB Nation Minnesota. For more golf news and analysis, be sure to visit SB Nation's golf hub.

Photographs by Micah Taylor, clairity, and Fibonacci Blue used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.