American Dustin Johnson got his first look at all 18 holes of Muirfield declaring the tougher the course plays the more he will enjoy the challenge of the 142nd Open Championship.

Johnson got his first look at this year’s Open Championship host venue playing nine holes on Sunday and then played the back nine this morning.

“The course is good, really good and it’s playing really firm and fast,” he said.

American Dustin Johnson (next to Peter Dawson) joint second in 2011 Open Championship. (Photo – www.golffile.ie)

Johnson secured a best finish of joint second with compatriot Phil Mickelson in the 2011 Open at Royal St. Georges and was asked how he felt this week’s East Lothian venue compared with the Kent golfing gem.

“From what I’ve seen of Muirfield I like it a lot,” he remarked.

“I’ve played a lot of links golf in the past couple of years competing in The Open and the Alfred Dunhill Links and I enjoy this style of the golf. It’s fun.

“It’s just so different to what we are used to on the PGA Tour and it’s just so much fun.   I find I like because you have to be so creative.

“And I’d like to see this wind remain as the tougher it plays the more I will enjoy the challenge.

“The key to scoring this week will be playing the par fives well.  There is three birdie holes while the par threes are really tough, so if even if the par fives are into the win, that’s where you should make your score.

“Then depending on the direction of the win you are going to have to attack the downwind holes and try to make fours on those into the wind.”