The 145th Open Championship at the Royal Troon Golf Club is set to get underway later tonight. Players vying to claim the Claret Jug will need to do so battling a tough golf course and stern weather conditions.
Join The Roar for live scores, action and commentary from 6pm (AEST).
The golfing world and attention will be centred on the Scottish coast as play in the 145h Open Championship commences tonight. With Tiger Woods still not fit enough to appear, it will be up the the kids he inspired to take the show once again. Rory Mcllroy, Jason Day, Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler (inspired by Tiger Woods) are all expected to have a big week on the links. Who am I to predict though, The Open Championship is one of the most unpredictable sporting events to forecast.
Weather conditions
On Day 1 of the Open Championship, is predicted to be a nice clear day with possible overcast conditions, with an average temperature of 17 degrees.
Fortunately for the competitors, the average windspeed for day one is predicted to be 15mph. Perhaps a better sign for players is the predicted 0 per cent chance of precipitation occurring.
There is no doubt that players on Day 1, especially the early starters, will have the best conditions of the week. It will be key for all players starting early on Thursday to start strongly.
My predictions for Round 1 leaders
I believe all the leaders from Round 1 will come from the early part of the day.
Patrick Reed – With a solid top ten finish last week at the Scottish Open, Reed will be primed to carry his good form over and start strongly. The front nine offers a few stern par fours that Reed can take advantage of with his piercing trajectory from his iron shots. Prediction: – -4
Louis Oosthuizen – The man with perhaps the most elegant and rhythmic swing in golf will definitely look to capitalise on the early conditions of an Open Championship. Although only 33 years old, Oosthuizen is an experienced competitor and won’t look to pass up the opportunity of an early morning start at the Open Championship. Oosthuizen will take advantage of the long par fives and par fours into the wind. Prediction: – -4
Jason Day – There is no doubt that Day will be firing on Day 1. After a disappointing US Open campaign at the Oakmont Country Club, Day is primed to take charge of the Royal Troon Golf Club. Although possessing great length and power I believe it will be his short game and finesse around the greens that will allow him to score well and lead after the opening day. Prediction – -6
It is not a day for…
Danny Willett – Although having his best finish last year (tied sixth), Willett has missed four cuts from his six starts in the Open Championship. With two missed cuts coming into this week, there is no doubt that he will be shaky coming into his round. Willet hasn’t been driving the ball well, and on Day 1 will struggle with the putter. Prediction – +3
Luke Donald – Didn’t even know he was playing in the Open Championship this week. Once dubbed ‘Mr Consistency’, over the past year Donald has produced a cluster of missed cuts and poor finishes to drop all the way to 85th in the world rankings. Already struggling with his game and swing, Donald unfortunately will be exposed around the links of the Royal Troon Golf Club. A shade of his former self, I hope this don’t get ugly for Mr Donald. Prediction – +5 or above.
Important question of the day
Will Adam Scott break par? Personally I don’t think so.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
That's enough for one day, hoped you guys really enjoyed the commentary particularly the quick, clear and concise sentences. The leaderboard and notables is also something I hope you enjoyed too. See you guys next time. Leaderboard P, Reed -5 F J, Thomas -4 F S, Stricker -4 F B, Horschel -4 F P, Mickelson -4 J, Leonard -4 S, Lee -3 F R, Sterne -3 F J, Rose -3 F Z, Johnson -3 T, Finau -3 S, Imahira -3 F S, Kjeldsen -3 Notables N, Holman +1 F A, Scott Ev D, Johnson Ev H, Stenson Ev Z, Johnson -3 R, Mcllroy -2 F J, Day +2 F R, Fowler -2 F J, Spieth Ev F S, Garica -1
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Justin Leonard makes another birdie at the par 4 11th to move to -4.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Kaymer makes his birdie putt on the par 5 6th to move to -1. Consistent and reliable.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Dustin Johnson holes his birdie putt not he par 5 6th to return back to Ev. Confident stroke. Perhaps this can ignite something?
dylgolf
Roar Guru
D, Johnson hits an excellent wedge shot as his 3rd shot into the par 5 6th hole. Around 8 Feet left for birdie. Currently at +1
dylgolf
Roar Guru
A, Scott just skims his birdie putt on the par 3 5th hole past the hole. Will tap in for par and remain at Ev. Nothing dropping for him.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Stenson hits a marvellous chip shot form the rough on the par 3 5th hole to around 2 feet. Should tap in for par and remain at Ev.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Dustin Johnson hits his approach into the par 5 6th into the left side of the fairway. Ok position for his wedge shot when playing his 3rd shit. Currently at +1
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Kaymer hits his second shot in the par 5 6th into the centre of the fairway just before the green. Currently at Ev.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Phil Mickelson nails his approach into the par 3 8th hole. This kick in birdie will see him gain yet another birdie on the front nine.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
H, Stenson hits his tee shot on the par 3 5th into the right rough. Tough chip shot coming up for his second.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
A, Scott hits his tee short on the par 3 5th 25 feet left of the pin. Long birdie chance.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Zach Johnson hits his approach on the par 3 5th just short of the hole. Around 15 feet left for an uphill birdie chance. Currently at -3.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
S, Garcia birdies number 2 to currently sit -1.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Thats four birdies on the front nine for Ernie Els as he brides the 7th. Currently at -3. Adam Scott had an identical putt to Stenson and missed it on the opposite side. Should clean up for par. Currently at Ev. Zach Johnson makes birdie on the par 5 4th to go to -3.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Stenson pushes his birdie attempt on the par 5 4th hole. A little bit left for his par putt coming back. Currently at Ev.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Zach Johnson lags his eagle putt up on the par 5 4th hole. Around 3 feet left to go to -3.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Excellent wedge shot by Adam Scott for his 3rd shot into the par 5 4th hole. Around 18 feet for birdie left. Will have to make one drop soon.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Good grinders round for Richard Sterne. Finished -3 with a great par on 18.
dylgolf
Roar Guru
Good grinders round for South African Richard Sterne. Finished -3 with a great par on 18.