The 154th Open Championship begins Thursday at Royal Birkdale in Southport, England. The historic links course hosts the event for the 11th time after undergoing renovations since Jordan Spieth's 2017 victory.
Royal Birkdale first hosted the Open in 1954. The club earned its royal designation in 1951.
Jordan Spieth returns to the site of his Claret Jug triumph. He recalled walking the 18th hole and noted several holes from his 2017 win no longer exist due to course changes.
PGA Tour pro Michael Kim reported firm conditions after a Monday practice round. He hit a 4-iron 290 yards downwind multiple times and advised players to avoid fairway pot bunkers.
The tournament starts Thursday, July 16, with players facing hard fairways and ocean winds.
