Fisher ready to take major step

Fisher has won tour titles on the European Tour

Ascot's Ross Fisher believes the time is right to win his first major as he prepares for the Open at Turnberry.

The 28-year-old, who finished fifth at the US Open last month, told BBC Berkshire he is ready to take the step.

He said: "This is what I've dreamed of doing for many years, when I first picked up a club at three years old.

"My game has improved all around, every single aspect. There's still a long way to go but I'm hoping it can still improve and have my best year to date."

Fisher finished three shots off the lead at the US Open and said both he and his caddy have the belief he can take his first major title.

You want to do good for yourself but for him as well because it's a team thing, it's team work and we work very well as a team

Ross Fisher on his caddy

"I was sitting at the house Sunday night with my caddy Adam and he said to me, 'You know what Fish, this is the first time I've really felt like you could win this. I didn't feel like you were ready... whereas now I feel like the time is right, this is a really good opportunity for you.'

"To hear the guy that has been on your back, this is our fourth year, is great, it encourages you, it inspires you, you want to do good for yourself but for him as well because it's a team thing, it's team work and we work very well as a team.

"If you can walk away from a US Open feeling disappointed finishing fifth you're doing something right."

Fisher added he relishes the atmosphere at the major tournaments.

"I go out wanting to win every single week but it doesn't get your juices flowing as much as a major in front of masses and masses of people," he said.

"I feel like I perform better, I feel like I concentrate, I focus more. I want to perform not only for me but for every guy and girl that watches us. For me the more people that watch me the better."

This year I've introduced a physio which has been a great help and it's been my best season to date so far

Ross Fisher

Although Fisher goes into the Open in good form, he says Tiger Woods is still the man to beat.

"He's the best and we need to get past him. He's raised the bar so high that we've got to work just as hard if not doubly hard to try to compete with the guy because he's that good," he said.

"This year I've introduced a physio which has been a great help and it's been my best season to date so far.

"Every aspect of my game has improved - my driving is straighter, iron play's got a little bit better, I've sharpened the short game up, chipping, shots around the green, putting... but everything has to be on top form."