Rhein Gibson plays Tiger Woods, Jordan Speith in British Open debut

RHEIN Gibson’s reward for making the British Open cut was playing alongside golfing legend Tiger Woods and rising star Jordan Speith.

HOYLAKE, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Rhein Gibson of Australia tees off on the 10th hole during the third round of The 143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool on July 19, 2014 in Hoylake, England. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)

THE British Open is all about the experiences for Rhein Gibson and he certainly had one to remember in the third round.

The Australian world No.998’s reward for making the cut on his major championship debut was playing alongside golfing legend Tiger Woods and rising star Jordan Speith at Hoylake.

“That’s the biggest crowd I’ve ever played in front of,” Gibson said after a third-round 74 that left him at tied for 63rd at four over.

“I’m just glad I didn’t hit anyone to be honest.

“It was cool but it’s also tough, you know. They all respect him (Woods) so much and as soon as he putts out, they’re gone.”

Australia's Rhein Gibson (left) and US golfer Tiger Woods walk from the 7th tee during their third rounds, on day three of the 2014 British Open Golf Championship. Picture: paul Ellis

While Gibson won’t be contending for victory on Sunday, he’ll take plenty of confidence and special memories away from Royal Liverpool.

As darkness fell on Saturday, the 29-year-old from New South Wales holed a 15-footer for birdie on the 18th green as a group of around 20 friends and family watched on, including his mum and dad and wife Nancy.

“They all hooted and hollered when I made that putt. It was great,” Gibson said.

Gibson qualified for his debut major with a fourth-place finish at the Australian Open in January.

He made headlines in 2012 when he shot a 16-under-par 55 at the River Oaks Golf Club in Oklahoma, a performance since recognised by Guinness World Records as the lowest round in history.

Rhein Gibson of Australia plays out of the bunker on the 18th hole during the third day of the British Open Golf championship. Picture: Alastair Grant

Gibson says he doesn’t want to be known as a one-round wonder and his performance this week has strengthened a belief he can compete at the highest level.

“I’ve always said that I’m here, so I can kind of play golf,” Gibson said.

“To make the cut solidified that (belief) a little bit.

“It would have been nice to play a little better today but I’ve still got tomorrow.

“I’ve made the cut in my first major. That was the goal so I’m pretty happy.”

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Originally published as Rhein Gibson plays Tiger Woods, Jordan Speith in British Open debut