Sunny scenes at links course

The big names in golf from around the world have gathered at Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England today for the start of the fourth and last Major of the season, the 154th Open Championship (16-19 July).  And with yet another heatwave on the cards who will be challenging the Official World Number One, Scottie Scheffler for the prestigeous title which the American won in Northern Ireland last year?

 

This year’s Open is the 11th to be held at the links course of Royal Birkdale making the club one of the most regular venues apart from St Andrews. 

 

Redesigned in 1922, Royal Birkdale now winds its way through sand dunes towering over each fairway which makes it a delight for the top names in golf to play. Indeed, England’s Tommy Fleetwood grew-up just five minutes from the club in Southport so he is very keen to show his talent in this year’s Open.

 

Since 1954 six Americans have claimed the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale: Arnold Palmer (1961), Lee Trevino (1971), Johnny Miller (1976), Tom Watson (1983), Marc O’Meara (1998) and Jordan Spieth (2017).  And now Scottie Scheffler is looking to add his name to this notable list.

 

Bright and early

 

England’s Matthew Baldwin has a bright and early start as he tees-off first with Thomas Detry (Belgium) and James Nicholas (USA) at 06.35 local time. 

 

A few hours later defending champion Scottie Scheffler (USA) tees-off with Tyrrell Hatton (England) and Bryson DeChambeau (USA) at 09.58 local time.

 

Fans of multi-Major winner Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick (England) can see them playing in the afternoon at 15.15 hours with Xander Schauffele (USA).

 

And, if you’re wondering who is playing at the end of the field, well that honour goes to a Dutchman.  Twenty-five year old Nevill Ruiter is one of ten amateurs who is making his debut at the Open.  He secured one of five qualifying spots at Dundonald Links during final qualifying.

 

The Champion Golfer of the Year will be known on Sunday after four gruelling rounds at Royal Birkdale.  Who will make the halfway cut?  And who will stroll down the last hole simply bursting with excitement as the winner?  Well, we shall just have to wait and see!  So please sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacle!

 

 

Wendy Hoad

Editor

 

 

MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: The World Number One, Scottie Scheffler from America defends his Open title this week at Royal Birkdale in England.