The Open will draw a record attendance of 290,000 people at St Andrews in Scotland this year, according to organizers.
The attendance will break the previous record set in 2000 when Tiger Woods won the tournament in front of 239,000 spectators.
“The news that this will be the largest Championship ever staged is a phenomenal feat and reminds us of the enduring appeal of golf,” said First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Organizers said they had received more than 1.3 million applications in the ticket ballot, which led to the highest number of tickets being issued to fans.
When is it?
The 150th edition of The Open will take place from July 10-17 at the Old Course, St Andrews.
What time will it start?
The early starters will be due out around 6am for the first round, although confirmed tee times will be released closer to the event.
What TV channel is it on?
The 150th Open will be shown live on Sky Sports. Alternatively, bookmark this page and follow Telegraph Sport’s live coverage of all four days.
Latest news
Tiger Woods has confirmed he pulled out of the US Open in an effort to be fit for the Open at St Andrews.
He sat out the US Open at Brookline – which was won by Matt Fitzpatrick – but hopes taking a break will allow him to meet his playing commitments at both the JP McManus Pro-Am in Limerick on July 4-5 and at St Andrews, with the Open getting under way on July 10.
“I previously informed the USGA that I will not be competing in the US Open as my body needs more time to get stronger for major championship golf,” Woods posted on Twitter.
What happened last year?
Collin Morikawa held off a late surge from Jordan Spieth to win at Royal St George’s, with the imperious American finishing 15-under.
Telegraph Sport’s golf correspondent James Corrigan described Morikawa as “unbreakable, unmatchable and unbelievable” after he added the Open Championship to the US PGA title he collected in 2020.
If anyone is any doubt about the class of this Californian, then consider that he only turned pro in June 2019 and this was only his eight major – and only Bobby Jones has won two quicker.
What are the latest odds?
Rory McIlroy 10/1
McIlroy shot a nine-under 63 in the first round of the 2010 Open at St Andrews, before being buffeted by high winds on Friday. His length off the tee makes the Old Course a good match, and McIlroy is enjoying a very consistent 2022. The Northern Irishman ranks first for Strokes Gained Tee to Green on the PGA Tour this season, recently won in Canada and has finished in the top eight at all three majors this season. Just one Claret Jug to his name, won at a receptive Hoylake in 2014 where The Open returns next year.
Jon Rahm 11/1
Last year’s US Open champion has had a fairly quiet season despite a victory in Mexico, bristling at suggestions his putting has let him down. His ball-striking numbers remain top of the class, and is warming to The Open with finishes of T-11 and T-3 in his last two outings. Was prominent in the US Open at Brookline before fading slightly on the final day. Will be well aware that Spaniard Seve Ballesteros claimed one of his three Opens at St Andrews.
Justin Thomas 12/1
Has played stellar golf in 2022 with eight top 10 finishes, including winning his second major at the US PGA Championship in May. His iron play is superb, though his putting can be streaky and the odd destructive drive lurks. No great Open form, but is regarded as a good wind player who can flight his approach shots multiple ways.
Scottie Scheffler 14/1
No surprises to see the World No 1 and Masters champion so prominent. Has only made one Open appearance, but that produced a T-8 finish at the quirky Royal St George’s last year which bodes well. No significant weaknesses when on song. Scheffler was understandably quiet in the weeks after Augusta but has recorded runner-up finishes at Colonial and the US Open at Brookline.
Collin Morikawa 18/1
The defending champion after a stunning performance at Sandwich, Morikawa has endured an underwhelming year in which his short game has not been up to scratch. That enviable iron play remains a strength though, with top-five finishes at the Masters and US Open evidence he can be a big danger on the toughest layouts. St Andrews might not be that penal, though.
Matt Fitzpatrick 20/1
His US Open triumph may have been a surprise to casual observers but the Englishman has played superb golf all year, ranking in the top 25 for all Strokes Gained categories on the PGA Tour. Improved distance and running links fairways should not make length a problem, and his chipping and putting is excellent. Like Morikawa, might prefer a more exacting test than a St Andrews course that will yield birdies, weather permitting.
SOURCE: yahoo.com