Royal Birkdale set for challenging Open Championship amid dry conditions
The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale is anticipated to be a rigorous test for golfers, with dry and firm conditions expected. The course, located in Southport, has been affected by recent hot weather, leading to parched fairways and challenging rough.
Rory McIlroy, a past champion, visited Birkdale weeks ago and noted the penal rough, emphasising the importance of keeping the ball on the short grass. Upon his return, these areas had become even drier. McIlroy expressed excitement about the possibility of playing the course more aggressively due to these conditions, describing it as a “great test” and “as linksy as links gets.” He also mentioned that the course has changed since his previous visit, with the rough being less dense due to the weather.
The course conditions are a significant factor, with some likening the experience to playing golf in a pinball machine due to unpredictable bounces. This contrasts with the 2017 Open Championship at Birkdale, where play was briefly suspended due to heavy wind and rain. In 2008, Padraig Harrington won the tournament at three over par, following a week of challenging weather.
Course Changes and Player Perspectives
Royal Birkdale has undergone renovations since Jordan Spieth‘s victory in 2017. These changes include redesigns on the fifth, seventh, 14th, and 15th holes. Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, observed that the redesigned holes appear distinct from the rest of the course, particularly noting the severe slopes around the green complexes on holes like the 14th and 15th.
Scheffler described the conditions as “extreme” and anticipated “weird bounces” and “weird stuff” to occur, requiring significant strategic thinking off the tee and into the greens. Despite missing the cut at the Scottish Open, he seemed optimistic about the setup at Birkdale.
The 15th hole, a par three, has drawn comments from players, with Jon Rahm noting its potential difficulty with certain wind conditions. He explained that from the back tee, it could play over 240 yards to the middle, making it a very tricky hole. Rahm suggested that the course designers aimed to increase the difficulty, which they have achieved.
Anticipation and Player Conduct
The 154th Open Championship is expected to be defined by the course conditions and how players manage them. Opens held in similar dry conditions often favour top players. Tiger Woods‘s victory at Hoylake in 2006 occurred under such circumstances.
Beyond the playing conditions, player and fan behaviour will also be under scrutiny. A code of conduct has been in place at majors since the beginning of the year to address temper tantrums. The R&A has issued warnings regarding consequences for unruly behaviour at Birkdale, especially given the large number of attendees and the potential for heavy hydration.
Home hopes are focused on Tommy Fleetwood, a local player whose popularity could make a victory particularly resonant. Other prominent English golfers, including Matt Fitzpatrick and Justin Rose, are also considered strong contenders. Scottie Scheffler‘s recent form has been below his usual high standards, but his iron control could still make him a factor. Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa, if recovered from back issues, are also part of the conversation.
The tournament is scheduled to run from 16-19 July at Royal Birkdale.
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Source: theguardian.com
