By DOUG FERGUSON

The Associated Press

HOYLAKE, England – Nick Faldo wore a Superman logo on his cap Monday, appropriate for this British Open.

Everyone must feel like they’re on another planet at Royal Liverpool, a course tucked along the Irish Sea that has not hosted professional golf in 25 years.

And Faldo, a three-time champion and legendary figure in these parts, may need super powers to get through the week.

It’s bad enough that he has not played a tournament since the end of April. Faldo learned Monday he will be playing the first two rounds with defending champion Tiger Woods, whom Faldo has criticized from the broadcast booth the last two years.

Woods and swing coach Hank Haney can be a little sensitive when it comes to Woods’ revamped swing, and Faldo took his crack two years ago at the Buick Invitational, when working for ABC Sports.

Faldo stood by his criticism from the booth, saying he was paid to offer his opinion.

“And I’m entitled to my opinion,” he said. “I’ll be right sometimes, and I’ll be wrong sometimes. As long as it’s entertaining and the check hits my bank account once a month, that’s fine by me.”