By Andrew McKenzie

A young Garcia found Carnoustie's rough too tough a test in 1999

BBC golf commentator Ken Brown believes Carnoustie will provide a much fairer test at this year's Open than in 1999.

The Scottish links was criticised eight years ago after staging the Open for the first time since 1975.

"Last time the organisers wanted to make Carnoustie the toughest Open course," said Brown.

"They succeeded with ease but they also spoilt the thrill. Lessons have been learned from 1999 and the course is really set up well."

The last time the Open visited the Angus course, the world's best players were made to look like amateurs as punishing rough, tight fairways and strong winds led to some unusually high scoring.

606: DEBATE Quiz the R&A's Peter Dawson

Scotland's Paul Lawrie won the tournament with a six-over score of 290 - the highest winning total at the Open since 1947.

Fred Funk withdrew after a first-round 83 and Tom Gillis pulled out after injuring his wrist on the way to shooting an opening 90.

Davis Love III was quoted as saying Carnoustie "got the champion it deserved", while Spanish sensation Sergio Garcia left the course in his mother's arms after two rounds in the 80s.

The course got out of control, and the result was a negative course that eliminated many of the top players Open great Peter Thomson

Five-time Open champion Peter Thomson, who moved into course design towards the end of his glittering career, was scathing in his verdict on "Car-nasty".

"The set-up of the course in 1999 was disastrous," said the Australian.

"The course preparation got out of control, and the result was a negative course that eliminated many of the top players, and we don't want to see that again."

Tiger Woods, who finished tied for seventh in 1999 on 10 over and is now trying to become the first player to win three straight Opens since Thomson, has already called on the event organisers, the Royal and Ancient (R&A), to avoid a repeat of those conditions.

His request, and similar calls from others, forced R&A chief executive Peter Dawson to promise: "We are not seeking carnage - we are seeking an arena where the players can display their skills to the best effect."

The event gets under way on 19 July and Brown, a five-time European Ryder Cup player, feels the course is set up for a much better Open this year - for golfers and spectators.

I think this time a score between four under and eight under will win it Ken Brown

"There will not be as much rough on the fairways and certain areas are a bit wider, so I think it will make for a more exciting tournament than last time - a few more birdies and much less complaining," he said.

"The rough will not be as tall or as thick and I think the scores will be lower.

"All the players will be pleased to see Carnoustie as Carnoustie is supposed to be: a tough, stern test but fair. Last time there were no cheers because there were no birdies to excite the crowd, and the players suffered.

"I think this time a score between four under and eight under will win it, but it is hard to tell until you see the conditions for the week.