145th Open Championship tees-off at Royal Troon today

The 145th Open Championship begins at Royal Troon GC today (Thursday, 14th July).  And it’s a Scot, Colin Montgomerie, son of the former club secretary of the beautiful links course in Ayrshire, who battled through final qualifying, that has the honour of teeing-off first at 6.35 in the morning.

 

All the great players from around the world will be in Scotland this week for the most coveted Major on the golfing calendar.  The 156-strong field includes defending champion, Zach Johnson, fellow American and US Open Champion Dustin Johnson, and US Masters Champion, Danny Willett from England, to name but a few.  Interestingly, Royal Troon, which dates back to 1878, has hosted The Open on eight previous occasions, the last six of which have been won by an American.

 

Glorious weather is expected today which should make for good scoring conditions.  We’re in for a real treat as the players tread the historic fairways at Royal Troon in search of a place in the history books.  They will not be shy of putting from way off the green in true links style or conjuring-up all manner of magical shots out of pot bunkers and from impossible lies in knee-high, wispy grass.

 

According to Gary Player, Royal Troon has the most difficult back nine in the world, when there is a wind blowing.  The secret is to tear the front nine apart which tend to be down-wind holes.  Players like Bubba Watson and Dustin Johnson will probably blow our minds by driving the green on some of the par fours this week.  Yes, please hold on to your hats, The Open is set to thrill you and inspire you over the next four days!

 

 

Wendy Hoad

 

 

PICTURED:  A chuffed Colin Montgomerie on day one of The Open.