Royal Liverpool is proud to be hosting the prestigious British Open for the third time in just 20 years. However, the one factor that can greatly influence the outcome of the tournament is beyond the control of the R&A, golf’s governing body in Britain: the weather. The conditions of the course, and ultimately the winner, can vary greatly depending on whether it is firm and baked out like in 2006 when Tiger Woods won, or wet and lush as it was in 2014 when Rory McIlroy took the victory.
The R&A embraces this variability in recent years, wanting to test the golfers’ skills in a range of conditions. They have developed plans that are adaptable to the weather forecast, determining tee and pin placements based on factors such as wind, rain, heat, and cold. Grant Moir, the R&A’s executive director of governance, acknowledges that they are at the mercy of the weather, and as the conditions changed with recent rainfall, they have adjusted their setup accordingly.
The unpredictability of an Open has become part of its charm. Even with meticulous preparation, golfers must adapt to any changes that may arise. Padraig Harrington, a two-time Open champion, recognizes that decision-making in the wind is crucial at Royal Liverpool, and he doesn’t believe extensive practice rounds are necessary. The setup of the Open is often compared to the United States Open, with criticism towards the USGA for making it too easy. However, Harrington defends the recent US Open, stating that it was the quality of the greens, not the width of the fairways, that contributed to the lower scores.
Stewart Hagestad, a member of Los Angeles Country Club, acknowledges that weather plays a significant role in a major championship. This sentiment is echoed by the R&A, who aim to provide an appropriate challenge based on the weather forecast. They have learned from past experiences, such as the infamously brutal 1999 Open at Carnoustie, where the setup was criticized for being excessively challenging and slow.
Royal Liverpool has undergone changes since its last Open, including the creation of a new par-3 hole, now the 17th, that presents a unique challenge to players. The exposed green on top of the dune, especially susceptible to the elements, will require strategy and skill. The R&A plans to strategically place the pin each day to exploit the prevailing wind direction and challenge players to work against the wind rather than with it.
Overall, the R&A emphasizes the impact of weather on the Open and acknowledges that the course will provide both scoring opportunities and potential difficulties. The tournament is a true test of skill and adaptability, where the best golfer will prevail, regardless of the ever-changing weather.
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