The world of golf is buzzing with anticipation as the 151st Open Championship draws near. Scheduled to commence on July 20th, the event promises to be a thrilling spectacle, bringing together the best male golfers from around the globe. The tournament will take place at the renowned Royal Liverpool Golf Club, also known as Hoylake, which has a rich history of hosting the Open.
The Venue: Royal Liverpool Golf Club
The Royal Liverpool Golf Club, a historic venue that has seen champions like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy grace its greens, is set to host the Open once again. However, the course has undergone several modifications since it last staged the Championship in 2014, presenting players with fresh challenges. These include additional bunkering, harsher run-off areas, new tees, and a brand new par 3. The course architect, Martin Ebert, has overseen these changes, including a new par-three 17th and a new 18th tee that extends the closing hole to a staggering 607 yards.
The Players to Watch
The tournament will see the participation of golfing giants like Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and surprise US Open winner Wyndham Clark, who have claimed the first three majors of the season. Rory McIlroy, who is still waiting for his first major since the 2014 US PGA Championship, is another player to watch out for. The defending Open champion, Cameron Smith, will also be in the spotlight, with his creativity around the greens making him a strong contender.
The Absence of Sergio Garcia
In a surprising turn of events, Sergio Garcia has missed out on his first Open Championship since 1997. Despite a promising start, Garcia slipped down the leaderboard during the second round, finishing on minus six. The disappointment was palpable among Garcia and his fans, as the 43-year-old came up just short in his quest to make it to golf’s oldest major for a 25th straight year. However, the tournament will see the participation of other talented players like Matthew Jordan, Tiger Christensen, Matt Wallace, Alex Fitzpatrick, and Kyle Barker.
The Broadcast Details
Sky Sports will provide exclusive live coverage for viewers in the UK, with all of the action available from dawn until dusk. BBC will also provide nightly highlights after each round. For viewers in the United States, a combination of NBC’s streaming service Peacock and the Golf Channel will provide coverage over the first two days, with NBC taking over on Saturday and Sunday.
As the final major of the year, the 151st Open Championship is set to be a thrilling event, promising high stakes, exceptional golf, and unforgettable moments. The countdown has begun, and the world waits with bated breath to see who will lift the Claret Jug this year.
