There are only a couple causes golfers will happily wake up before dawn for, namely a tee time and to watch the British Open. In the coming days, it will be the latter that gets everyone’s attention. That’s right, it’s already the final leg of the major championship season, with the oldest and arguably most storied of the four tournaments heading to the illustrious Royal St. George’s Golf Club from July 15-18. As the only major cancelled last year due to the pandemic, it will be doubly refreshing to sit back with a cup of coffee and watch the action. Prepare for wind, rain, hot, cold, sun and clouds, because it’s summer in the United Kingdom so expect the unexpected. Speaking of unexpected outcomes, the last time the British Open was held at Royal St. George’s Darren Clarke claimed victory, an improbable champion to say the least. But isn’t that the beauty of golf, it’s ability to always surprise us? Anyway, enough philosophizing. Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of what to you need to know as we commence the festivities.

The Venue

 With 14 Open Championships under its belt, Royal St. George’s in Kent, England, is a staple in the tournament’s “rota,” which is an abbreviation golf aficionados use for the not particularly long word “rotation.” As mentioned, the last time St. George’s held the event the affable Northern Irishman Darren Clarke prevailed with a score of five-under. The par-70 links layout dates back to 1887 and in 1894 was the first course outside of Scotland to hold The Open. In terms of conditions, who knows? If it’s hot and dry, as links golf is ideally played, it will play more challenging as trundling balls find deep bunkers and thick fescue. But if it’s soft and gettable the leaders may reach double-digits below par on the 7,204-yard course—a petite track by modern standards.

The Favourites

 Links golf, especially the kind played at the highest levels, places a huge primacy on exacting precision. Players who have complete control off the tee and with their approach shots will most frequently find themselves in playable positions to plot their way around the course. You might say, “well, d’uh,” but you simply can’t fake your way to a good score with so many penal hazards looming to derail a round. In 2006, Tiger Woods didn’t find a single bunker and won the event. In 1999, Jean van de Velde tripled the 72nd hole to lose in a playoff after one errant swing. The margins at The Open are as thin as the roads.

So, who do we got? Colin Morikawa hits it straight off the tee and has proven he can compose himself over four rounds of major championship golf, so let’s put him on the list of faves. And of course, what about England’s own Paul Casey, a man who grew up playing links golf and has shown time and again he is one the world’s preeminent ball strikers. Lastly, let’s not count out Dustin Johnson, whose runner up finish in 2011 may be the extra motivation he needs to seal the victory this time around.

The Canadians

 Adam Hadwin, Mackenzie Hughes, and Corey Conners are representing the red and white overseas. Hughes was tied for the lead heading into the final round of the U.S. Open a few weeks back but faltered on Sunday shooting 77 and finishing T-15. Hadwin was the other Canadian to make the cut that week, so both are showing some form as of late. But let’s not dig too deep in past results and look forward to what’s to come.

Quick Hits

Course: Royal St. George’s Golf Club

Where: Kent, England

When: July 15-18

Defending Champion: Shane Lowry

Par: 70

Yardage: 7,204

Playing: 149th

Limited Edition Gear

Season Closer

The Limited Edition RADSPEED Season Closer Driver features a rich orange color scheme, the Limited Edition RADSPEED Season Closer Driver takes design inspiration from the spectacular orange sunsets over the sand dunes on Sandwich Bay at the Royal St. George’s Golf Club, the home of the season’s final Major Championship. Equipped with a premium Tensei AV Raw Orange shaft and a custom black & orange Lamkin Crossline CONNECT grip, this driver will have you showing up to the tee feeling like a royal.

British Open Staff Bag & Headcovers

British Open Staff Bag The 149th playing of this grand championship returns to the only Southern England course in its rotation, located on the quaint coastline of Sandwich. The venue’s historic starters hut, a wooden structure with a straw roof, is the core inspiration for TaylorMade’s commemorative British Open Staff Bag. Debossed planks on the side paneling represent the wood, while a brown textured upper denotes straw. The weathervane and clock signify the starter hut’s marquee fixtures, and clock hands are set to 8 p.m. to represent the centuries-old curfew bell that rings daily from St. Peter’s Church.

Details
• Inspired by Sandwich, England
• Detailed Features Reflect Historic Venue
• Embossed Side Panels

Hugo Boss

The BOSS range of golf clothing proves that fashion doesn’t have to compromise for the sake of high performance. With a firm focus on innovative design and intelligent features that offer classic and forward-thinking style, The Open’s selection of BOSS clothing will meet the demands of an active lifestyle on and off the fairway.

Limited Edition Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2 NRG Spiked Golf Shoe

One of our favourite post-round traditions includes a pit stop at the 19th hole.You know the one—It has dart boards, pool tables and perfectly broken-in bar stools.It’s a place where successes become legendary and lost balls are laughed over.Featuring cork details, the Nike Air Zoom Victory Tour 2 NRG lets you take a piece of the after-party to the course.