Rose's Tiger pairing works wonders for his text life

Tiger Woods’ British Open playing partner, Justin Rose, says being paired with the Tiger has done wonders for his text life.

England’s top ranked golfer was halfway through his practise round when he learned he would be teeing off alongside the biggest name in the sport in the first two rounds this week.

That triggered a barrage of text messages on Rose’s mobile telephone from his friends around the country.

He said: ‘‘I had numerous text messages from friends who are coming up on Friday and they can’t wait. It will make it even more of a special week.’’

Woods’ red-hot favouritism to win the Open this week was summed up nicely by fellow American Davis Love III.

‘‘If Tiger played putt-putt he would still be favourite,’’ said Love, although he did insist that as many as 50-75 players had a chance of beating Woods to the title.

Love’s tips include former Open champion Justin Leonard, although his real outside bet is Loren Roberts.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods solved a mystery when he explained his thinking behind the goatee beard he had sported recently.

There was no special reason behind it, just a bout of laziness, as he said: ‘‘It was just being absolutely lazy.

‘‘I don’t know any guy who likes to shave. It’s annoying and when you don’t have to do it, I don’t see any reason why I have to do it.’’