Introduction to the Open Championship
The eyes of the golfing world will be on Northern Ireland this weekend as Royal Portrush Golf Club, County Antrim, hosts the 153rd Open Championship. The Dunluce Course, an ancient links situated on the North Antrim Causeway Coast, hosted the 1951 Open, won by Max Faulkner, but it’s better known for being the scene of Shane Lowry’s emotional victory in 2019 – the Irishman’s sole Major triumph.
Understanding the Venue
The venue is a typical links course in that it’s not overly penal off the tee, for all that there are trouble spots which must be avoided. Finding the right spots on large greens, and getting up and down when you miss them, is the route to success. This challenging yet rewarding course will test the skills of all competitors.
Player Expectations
Lowry’s close pal Rory McIlroy opened up with a quadruple-bogey eight in the last Open at Portrush before missing the cut and he will be desperate to give a better account of himself having realised his dream of winning the career Grand Slam at the Masters in April. He takes high rank in the betting, but it’s ultra-consistent US PGA champion Scottie Scheffler who is the favourite to prevail at Portrush.
Top Picks for the Championship
Some top contenders for the Open Championship include:
- Xander Schauffele to win & each-way at 25/1
- Tyrrell Hatton to win & each-way at 28/1
- Matt Fitzpatrick to win & each-way at 45/1
Xander Schauffele: A Leading Contender
Xander Schauffele won a first Claret Jug at Royal Troon last year, producing a nerveless final-round display to become an Open champion and lightning could strike twice in Northern Ireland this week. It has not been a vintage year for the Californian, who struggled to shake off a rib injury earlier in the campaign, but he’s steadily been finding top form and led the field in strokes-gained approach when eighth in the Scottish Open last week.
Tyrrell Hatton: Poised for Victory
Two Englishmen catch the eye, the first of whom is Tyrrell Hatton, who was in with a huge chance at the US Open last month before finishing fourth behind surprise champion JJ Spaun. Hatton performed admirably well at Portrush in 2019, finishing sixth, and he also has three Dunhill Links titles to his name, so he’s perfectly comfortable playing this style of golf.
Matt Fitzpatrick: A Resurgent Force
Sheffield ace Matt Fitzpatrick has needed time to get back to his best following a split with caddie Billy Foster, but recent signs have been hugely positive, suggesting that Fitzpatrick is capable of becoming an Open champion. While he’s not always been seen to best effect on a links course, the 2022 US Open champion has won the Dunhill Links, while he demonstrated his Open Championship credentials when fourth at last week’s Scottish Open.
Responsible Gambling Reminder
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
Conclusion
The 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club promises to be an exciting event, with top golfers competing for the prestigious title. With contenders like Xander Schauffele, Tyrrell Hatton, and Matt Fitzpatrick in the running, it’s anyone’s game. Remember to gamble responsibly and enjoy the championship.
