Fraser to cash in on Tiger's withdrawal

He only gained a late entry after Tiger Woods' official withdrawal, but Marcus Fraser isn't at Royal Troon to make up the numbers.

Thrilled by his Olympic call-up and heartened by a top-20 finish at St Andrews last year, Fraser enters his sixth British Open in a buoyant mood.

"Obviously getting into contention on Sunday afternoon is the plan," the 37-year-old said on Tuesday after enjoying his first-ever look at the links layout on Scotland's west coast.

"The golf course suits a lot of guys this week so it's going to be tough.

"But, like everyone, I want to play as well as I can and have a chance on Sunday afternoon.

"Last year I felt like I played really well. It was my best result at a major so the Open is the one for me that I feel like I can really compete in.

"I'm looking forward to a really good week."

Just as he is looking forward to the Rio Games.

While the Olympics may not be for Jason Day and Adam Scott, Fraser is relishing his "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" following the withdrawal of Australia's two aces as well as the country's No.3 Marc Leishman.

At world No.86, Fraser is the 28th highest-ranked player in the 60-man Olympic field and gives himself a shot at standing on the podium next month.

"Everyone's a chance," he said.

"There's some great players going down there so I can't wait to get down there and hopefully get one of those medals around my neck.

"You try not to think too much about it. I haven't really allowed myself to get that far ahead, but it would be something I'd never forget, that's for sure."