GOLF: Baked Birkdale offers different Open test from 2017

SOUTHPORT, England — The 154th Open Championship begins Thursday at Royal Birkdale under vastly different conditions from the last time the course hosted the tournament in 2017, with prolonged hot and dry weather expected to reshape the challenge for the world's top golfers.

When Jordan Spieth claimed the Claret Jug at Royal Birkdale nine years ago, players battled strong winds, rain, and thick, wet fescue rough. This year, however, Britain’s unusually warm summer has left the course firm and fast after weeks of dry weather.

The 7,223-yard links course along England’s northwest coast features brown fairways, lighter rough, and several layout changes, including a redesigned par-3 15th hole that was not part of the course during the 2017 championship.

Defending champion Scottie Scheffler, who arrived earlier than planned after missing the cut at last week’s Scottish Open, said the firm conditions would create unpredictable bounces and demand careful strategy throughout the tournament.

Although moderate coastal winds are expected during the four-day event, players believe the greatest challenge will come from the lightning-fast fairways, where shots are expected to roll much farther than usual.

Spieth said the strong seaside winds remain a major factor at Royal Birkdale, noting that they have a greater effect on the golf ball than conditions typically found in the United States.

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy described the dry weather as producing ideal links golf conditions, adding that the thinner rough could encourage players to adopt a more aggressive approach off the tee.

Spain’s Jon Rahm also pointed to several course modifications, including changes to the fifth, 14th, and new 15th holes, along with narrower fairways and additional bunkers, saying they have made an already demanding layout even more challenging.

With firm fairways, changing winds, and redesigned holes, players are expected to face a different test at Royal Birkdale as they compete for the Claret Jug at this year's Open Championship. -Reporting by Martyn HermanEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters