The town of Southport is abuzz with excitement as The Open Championship returns to the famed Royal Birkdale links, with local favorite Tommy Fleetwood carrying the hopes of a passionate home crowd. Bars and restaurants were crowded late Tuesday evening, with many residents sporting T-shirts bearing Fleetwood's face, and a large mural of him adorns the Southport and Birkdale Sports Club. Fleetwood, who once caddied at the course with his father, expressed his deep connection to the venue and the unique opportunity to compete in an Open Championship in his hometown.
"It's obviously very, very special, I think, for anybody that was lucky enough to grow up in the town of Southport," Fleetwood said. "It’s such a golfing town, and The Open at Birkdale holds such a special place in the area. Yeah, it’s a dream just to be competing in an Open here, so I feel very, very lucky."
If Fleetwood were to win, he would be the first English champion to lift the Claret Jug on home soil since Tony Jacklin in 1969. The tournament is being played under intense heat, with temperatures soaring and the course running fast and firm. Fairways are described as parched, with some drives already exceeding 400 yards due to the roll. These conditions are reminiscent of the 2006 Open at Hoylake, where Tiger Woods triumphed amid similar dry heat. The R&A faces the challenge of maintaining the greens amidst the heatwave.
The challenging links test is expected to suit Fleetwood's game, honed on courses like Birkdale during his junior years. The alignment of the venue, the conditions, and the fervent local support creates an atmosphere that many believe embodies the true spirit of The Open Championship. Royal Birkdale is considered one of the finest courses on the Open rota, offering excellent spectator vantage points due to its natural undulations.
Crowds have been significant even during practice days, with long queues observed outside the merchandise shop. Spectators are seeking refuge from the sun, with one father holding an umbrella for his son enjoying an ice cream. The 2017 Open at Birkdale, which saw Jordan Spieth's dramatic victory over Matt Kuchar, drew 235,000 attendees, a figure expected to be surpassed this year.
Reigning champion Scottie Scheffler is among the other top contenders. Despite a rare missed cut in a recent event, Scheffler's overall form remains strong, and he aims to become the first player since Padraig Harrington in 2008 to win back-to-back Opens. However, Fleetwood is anticipated to draw the largest galleries, particularly in the opening rounds, as he seeks to contend for the championship.
The tournament promises a week of dramatic play on the sun-drenched Lancashire coast.
