Woods is chasing his third straight Open win

The set-up for the 1999 Open at the same venue was heavily criticised by many players for being tough to the point where good play was not rewarded.

But defending champion Tiger Woods said that this year's was "extremely fair", adding: "It's not like it was in 1999."

Phil Mickelson said: "What I really like is how much room there is around the green to hit shots and chip shots."

Woods, who has recently become a father for the first time, was tied for seventh with a 10-over-par total when the Open was last played at Carnoustie.

But despite his relief over this year's course, he denied suggestions that the players will have an easy ride when the event starts on Thursday.

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"If you have wind it becomes more difficult than you think," he said.

"You really do have to hit the ball well, and the greens are extremely subtle, just like all links they're very hard to read, so you have to do your homework.

"I've never heard anyone say Carnoustie is easy. Even the times I played the Scottish Open here, when the conditions were more benign, the scores were not that low."

US world number two Mickelson said: "The course is giving players a chance to separate themselves from others because of the quality of shots required."

He added the extra space around the greens gives "a chance to let your short game make pars for you. That is my favourite thing about Carnoustie."

Compatriot Jim Furyk added: "This is probably the softest I've ever seen a links course in a championship, and the rough is patchy. Some holes there's not much rough at all."