Royal Birkdale Conditions and Player Strategy
The initial days of Open Championship week at Royal Birkdale have been characterised by firm and fast conditions, which are expected to present challenges to the competing golfers. These conditions suggest a classic Open Championship, exciting players such as Rory McIlroy. However, McIlroy also noted that the drying of Royal Birkdale will influence strategy for those aiming for the Claret Jug.
McIlroy described the dry weather, sun, and wind as a “double-edged sword.” He observed that the rough, which was more penal a few weeks prior, has since “burnt out a lot.” The primary concern off the tee will be avoiding fairway bunkers. Some players might adopt a more aggressive approach, using a driver to bypass these bunkers, even if it means landing in the less penal rough, from where a wedge shot could be used.
The firm and fast nature of Birkdale’s course is prompting some players, including Justin Rose, to adjust their equipment. Rose, who first gained prominence as an amateur at Birkdale in 1998, plans to include 2-, 3-, and 4-irons in his bag, necessitating the removal of his usual 7-wood and one wedge. Scottie Scheffler will carry a 3-iron but make no other alterations. Scheffler indicated that the “browned out” Birkdale increases the mental demands by offering various options on most holes.
Scheffler explained that the ball will roll extensively, and the tight fairways, combined with crosswinds, will make them difficult to hold due to their speed and firmness. This will require considerable thought off the tee, with players deciding whether to use a driver and potentially play from the rough, or use irons to hit fairways and face longer shots into the greens. He believes the firmness enhances the strategic challenge, creating more decision-making for players in controlling their ball and anticipating its trajectory, as unusual bounces are expected.
Course Alterations and Championship Outlook
Royal Birkdale has undergone several modifications since it last hosted the Open in 2017. The 5th hole has been redesigned into a risk-reward drivable par-4, the green at the par-3 7th has been elevated, and a cluster of holes on the back nine, including the 13th, 14th, and a new par-3 15th, have been changed. McIlroy generally approves of these changes, despite what he described as some “unnatural” greens.
McIlroy noted that some greens might have “unnatural” runoffs and mounding. However, he believes these features create a good challenge and provide options for players who miss the green, such as using a putter, a bump-and-run, or a lob wedge. He suggested that giving professional golfers options and introducing doubt about shot selection makes the game more engaging for viewers, even if it adds complexity for the players. These conditions, along with a forecast of no rain, are expected to contribute to a strong conclusion to the major championship season.
Contenders and Predictions for the Claret Jug
The last 12 editions of The Open have seen a first-time champion, raising questions about whether this trend will continue. Padraig Harrington was the last player to successfully defend his title in 2008, and no player has won the Claret Jug for a second time since Ernie Els‘ victory in 2012. Scottie Scheffler aims to end both these streaks, having won at Royal Portrush the previous year. Scheffler is looking to recover from a missed cut at the Genesis Scottish Open.
Four of the last five Champion Golfers have been American, with US Open champion Wyndham Clark, 2021 Open winner Collin Morikawa, and Chris Gotterup among those hoping to extend this run at Royal Birkdale. Andrew Coltart commented that Royal Birkdale is expected to be “unbelievably firm,” requiring big hitters to be cautious as their golf balls could run through fairways into thick rough. He suggested that a “short and smart” approach off the tee would be effective.
Rory McIlroy, who won at Royal Liverpool in 2014, is also seeking another Claret Jug. He noted that four of the last five Open winners were ranked in the top six of the Official World Golf Rankings. McIlroy expressed a strong desire to win another Claret Jug, having had several opportunities since his 2014 victory. English players Tommy Fleetwood, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Justin Rose are also vying for a major victory in Merseyside, as England seeks its first winner since Sir Nick Faldo in 1992.
Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley believes it would be significant for Fleetwood, a native of Southport, to win a major at his hometown course. While acknowledging Fleetwood is not a “serial winner,” McGinley highlighted his past success on the PGA Tour and the importance of performing in major arenas. McGinley considers Fitzpatrick to be the favourite among the English contingent due to his current form and strong links play, noting his excellent iron play as a key factor. Pundits have offered various predictions for the winner, with several backing Matt Fitzpatrick, and others supporting Scottie Scheffler, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, and Russell Henley. Surprise contender picks include Jacob Bridgeman, Brian Harman, Akshay Bhatia, Min Woo Lee, Si Woo Kim, Alex Fitzpatrick, Patrick Reed, Joaquin Niemann, and Sam Burns. The Open will feature at least 15 hours of action during the first two rounds, with extended coverage beginning at 9 am on Saturday and 8 am on Sunday.
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Source: skysports.com
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Charlie Bradshaw is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with ten years of reporting experience. He covered Merseyside football before going national. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Liverpool John Moores University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Liverpool, he watches non-league sides and collects old match programmes. “The back page is only ever half the story.”