Golfing greats gather at seaside links
Rory McIlroy lifted the Claret Jug at Royal Liverpool in Wirral, Merseyside, England the last time the Open Championship was staged here in 2014. What an honour it woud be for the 34 year old from Northern Ireland to pick-up his fifth Major title this week just a few days after storming to victory in the Genesis Scottish Open at North Berwick. But first the talented professional has to beat 155 of the best players in the world like Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler who have travelled from all corners of the earth to perform their golfing brilliance at Hoylake (20-23 July).
The Open Championship is the fourth and final Major of the season and remains a life-long dream for every golfer to win. The defending champion is 29-year old Australian Cameron Smith who pulled-off a sensational victory at the 150th Open at St Andrews last year. He is on-form again in 2023 and is looking to add another Major title to his collection.
Early start for players
Today saw the players tee-off early at Royal Liverpool with England’s Matthew Jordan, Richie Ramsey (Scotland) and Branden Grace (South Africa) leading the way. Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre also has high hopes this week after narrowly-missing out on the Aberdeen Scottish Open title a few days ago to Rory McIlroy.
The even bigger names in golf are spread throughout the start sheet with McIlroy playing with Spain’s Jon Rahm and England’s Justin Rose at 2.59 pm local time. World Number One golfer Scottie Scheffler from America is also at Royal Liverpool.
And if you are keen to see a Dutchman in action then look out for Joost Luiten from Bleiswijk. The six-times winner on the Tour thankfully earned himself a spot in the Open after a runner-up position in the BMW International Open in Germany at the end of June. His game has seen a few dips in recent times but he is back in action this week and is desperately seeking to win a Major to happily coincide with his wife’s pregnancy of their first child.
Historical links
The golf course was founded in 1869 on what was then the Liverpool Hunt Club. George Morris, the younger brother of Old Tom Morris designed the original layout with Robert Chambers. The seaside links course was extended to an 18-hole layout in 1871. In a span of 151 years, this is the thirteenth time that the Open Championship has been played at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Amateur Harold Hilton had the honour of winning the first Open here in 1897.
But who will become the Champion Golfer of the Year this year? All I can say is: Sit back, relax and enjoy! It is going to be an incredible four days!
Wendy Hoad
Editor
MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: Australian Cameron Smith defends his Open Championship title this week at Royal Liverpool GC.