Pro Golfers Fine‑Tune Links Prep Ahead of Royal Birkdale Open

154th Open Returns to Royal Birkdale

The 154th edition of golf’s oldest major is officially under way at Royal Birkdale, marking the 11th time the historic course has hosted the event. Fans and players alike know the links’ rolling fairways and fast greens are a true test of skill. Royal Birkdale’s long history adds extra weight to every tee shot this week. As the week progresses, the focus will be on who can best adapt to the coastal challenges.

Top Stars Hit Local Links

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler turned a missed cut at the Genesis Scottish Open into extra practice time at North Berwick Golf Club, where he was joined by his son Bennett. Akshay Bhatia and Rickie Fowler explored the Southport area, paying homage to Tommy Fleetwood’s early days at West Lancs Golf Club while bringing junior George Crompton along for the ride. Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth, the 2017 British Open champion at Royal Birkdale, spent time at Formby Golf Club, prompting the facility’s social media to call it a privilege to see a great champion on their fairways. The footage of Spieth playing quickly went viral among links enthusiasts.

Amateur Achievements and Personal Touches

Golf Digest’s Jamie Kennedy captured the moment of his life, sinking a hole‑in‑one on the par‑4 18th at North Berwick while a bartender was filming the sunset. Even your intrepid reporter managed a few birdies during a pit stop at Walton Heath (Old) near London and has a tee time at historic Hillside, where Arnold Palmer qualified for the 1961 Open. These quieter moments add spice to the usual high‑profile drama of major‑season prep. The scene at North Berwick, with a sunset backdrop, became a highlight on social media.

Why Links Prep Matters

Playing links golf in the UK before the Open has become a tradition unlike any other during major season, according to longtime observers of the game. The variety of conditions encountered—from strong coastal winds to fast greens—forces players to adjust strategies on the fly. This rehearsal period often separates those who merely qualify from those who can truly dominate under pressure. As the field converges on Royal Birkdale, the early prep will be fresh in every golfer’s mind.