The 151st Open - Royal Liverpool

[The Hung Juror]

Starts on Thursday.

Taking my lad tomorrow to the Practice Day. Last and only time I've been before was when my Dad took me to Royal Lytham & St Annes when Tony Jacklin won, 1969 I think.

At a bit of a loss to know how to get the best out of the day, anybody been to the practice day before? Any serious/sensible tips much appreciated?

[Cheshireclaret]

Starts on Thursday.

Taking my lad tomorrow to the Practice Day. Last and only time I've been before was when my Dad took me to Royal Lytham & St Annes when Tony Jacklin won, 1969 I think.

At a bit of a loss to know how to get the best out of the day, anybody been to the practice day before? Any serious/sensible tips much appreciated?

I’ll be there too tomorrow - Wednesday practice day is the best day for me, the players are usually more relaxed and willing to stop for a chat, the crowds are less and it’s a good way to see the golfers playing a variety of different shots. Looking forward to it - beers on the train at 8:30am

Sorry not that sensible. I’d suggest stationing yourself in a stand by the green of a Par 3 for a while. Then have a wander around the practice putting green where you may get a signature or a selfie. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrities too and The Open Zone which SS run by the practice range can be great fun! Take a ruck sack with waterproofs and some sturdy shoes in just in case, plus water and snacks for you and the lad - on the course you can find yourselves a march away from the refreshment stands.

[turfmoortony]

I went to the practice day yesterday, it was a fantastic day. Went early and made a full day of it - some players like Rahm were out first thing, most of the guys that played in Scotland were out later on in the day. Rory and co were all out on the back 9 when I left after 6pm.

We found a good viewing spot near the 5th green / 6th (par 3) and 7th tee, which gives you 9, 12th green, 13 and 14th tee all in close proximity, I didn't head out past the 9th really so missed 10 - 12. 14th green and 15th tee was another decent vantage point, close to 17th green too. I chose a few groups to walk with for a hole or 2 then wait for other groups to come through for some of the day depending who was out and coming up.

The app has tee times which constantly changes as the players decide to go out so keep checking this and the scoreboards then gave holes as to where players are out on the course - not 100% accurate but it gave a good indication.

Food and drink wasn't cheap but also wasn't a rip-off. £7.50 for a pint, £5 for a bacon butty. If you go in to the shop then I'd recommend a 2nd mortgage!!! A backpack with waterproofs, sun cream and food/drink isn't the worst idea either.

Hope you enjoy it and the weather is good to you

[The Hung Juror]

I went to the practice day yesterday, it was a fantastic day. Went early and made a full day of it - some players like Rahm were out first thing, most of the guys that played in Scotland were out later on in the day. Rory and co were all out on the back 9 when I left after 6pm.

We found a good viewing spot near the 5th green / 6th (par 3) and 7th tee, which gives you 9, 12th green, 13 and 14th tee all in close proximity, I didn't head out past the 9th really so missed 10 - 12. 14th green and 15th tee was another decent vantage point, close to 17th green too. I chose a few groups to walk with for a hole or 2 then wait for other groups to come through for some of the day depending who was out and coming up.

The app has tee times which constantly changes as the players decide to go out so keep checking this and the scoreboards then gave holes as to where players are out on the course - not 100% accurate but it gave a good indication.

Food and drink wasn't cheap but also wasn't a rip-off. £7.50 for a pint, £5 for a bacon butty. If you go in to the shop then I'd recommend a 2nd mortgage!!! A backpack with waterproofs, sun cream and food/drink isn't the worst idea either.

Hope you enjoy it and the weather is good to you

Brilliant, thank you.

[jrgbfc]

I'm going tomorrow as well. Weather looks decent fortunately. Went to Hoylake in 2006 when Tiger won and the course was all going brown, no danger of that this year!

[martin_p]

I'm going tomorrow as well. Weather looks decent fortunately. Went to Hoylake in 2006 when Tiger won and the course was all going brown, no danger of that this year!

I’m just picking up my son from Hoylake, it’s freezing!

[The Hung Juror]

Brilliant day yesterday, lucky with the weather and as posted above not too many there so you could find good vantage points to watch and the players were really relaxed.

Looking forward to watching it for the next 4 days, puts a different perspective on it having walked round the course. I think Rory as a great chance, especially since he’s won there before.

If we go in the future it will definitely be the practice days. Thanks for the advice Cheshireclaret and turfmoortony.

[claretonthecoast1882]

Backed

each way
Rahm 14/1
Morikawa 30/1
Hovland 20/1

Match bet @ 7/1
Spieth to beat Fitzpartick
Fleetwood to beat Hatton
Morikawa to beat D Johnson
Rory to beat Rahm

Rory & Scheffler top 30 - Fleetwood Hovland Lowry Rahm Smith top 40 @ 15/2

[Newcastleclaret93]

Backed

each way
Rahm 14/1
Morikawa 30/1
Hovland 20/1

Match bet @ 7/1
Spieth to beat Fitzpartick
Fleetwood to beat Hatton
Morikawa to beat D Johnson
Rory to beat Rahm

Rory & Scheffler top 30 - Fleetwood Hovland Lowry Rahm Smith top 40 @ 15/2

I’ve gone a bit out there this weekend.

I fancy Fitzpatrick and Straka

[jos]

So Ricky Fowler pulled out of investing in Leeds FC when they got relegated (Speith and Thomas have invested in Leeds), I wonder if he’d be interested in Burnley?

[jrgbfc]

Rory is incredibly frustrating to watch. Started to roll some putts in now it's too late. Hopefully Harman drops a few shots to make it interesting and someone can come with a charge.

[jos]

Yes, Harman is ruining this!
It would be a nice and tight competition otherwise.

[Claretforever]

I went on Wednesday and Thursday. Had a brilliant time but the best day was the practice day. Got to chat with players, get pics etc. On tournament days they are laser focused and won’t entertain you, plus it’s a little busier.

[kentonclaret]

Yes, Harman is ruining this!
It would be a nice and tight competition otherwise.

“Rahm Raid” upcoming

[CrosspoolClarets]

Rory Missleroy has missed 23 putts inside 20ft this week, Harman has missed 10. Harman has holed 5 between 20ft and 40ft, Rory 2.

That is a 15 shot swing, and he is 6 ahead of Rory.

Really does tell the entire story this week. I think Rory needs a caddie to read his short putts on these tricky major greens. He needs to bag off his bag man if he wants another major.

[jos]

Well you have to hand it to Harman, he has plotted his way around the course very well.

[Belgianclaret]

Harman well deserved winner - a cut above the rest the last few days

[jrgbfc]

At the top level it so often comes down to putting. One thing for sure the Yanks will definitely want Harman on their Ryder cup team after that display.

[Newcastleclaret93]

At the top level it so often comes down to putting. One thing for sure the Yanks will definitely want Harman on their Ryder cup team after that display.

I suspect we will want Straka as well

[CrosspoolClarets]

Interestingly Harman was 11th off the tee in strokes gained and 34th in approach shots. It came down to his putting, which I mentioned above. Pundits talked about his strategy, but someone like McIlroy plotted it around better, with close average proximity inside 125 yds, 125-150, 175-225 and 225+.

It was a one club win. The club that as ever makes all the difference.

[Andreshotboots]

A few tee times available this week if anybody fancies playing the course close to Open conditions?

Just over £1000 for a 4 ball.