British Open set to tee off today
The British Open returns after a two-year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic on Thursday with galleries of up to 32,000 fans allowed in to savour a sight of the world’s best golfers at Royal St George’s.
Ireland’s Shane Lowry will defend the Claret Jug in the 149th Open Championship, but despite the return of play and patrons, COVID-19 still casts a shadow over the final Major of the year.
Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, two-time Major winner Bubba Watson and former British Open winner Zack Johnson have all withdrawn after either testing positive for COVID-19 or being deemed a Covid close contact.
Strict rules
Tournament organisers the R&A recently informed players that the championship will “operate under strict government oversight”, with guidelines which prohibit players from going to bars, restaurants and supermarkets during tournament week.
They also have to stay in either approved hotels or private accommodation, which can be shared with up to four members of their team, but not other players.
Spain’s Jon Rahm is the bookies’ favourite thanks to his scintillating form that saw him claim his first Major at the US Open last month and briefly move to World No. 1 before being deposed by Dustin Johnson.
