The first round of the 152nd Open Championship is nearly upon the golfing world, and there are some must-watch groupings for the first two rounds at Royal Troon.
The world’s best players have descended on the historic Scottish venue, including world number one Scottie Scheffler.
During his practice round on Monday, the American was seen struggling to tackle the infamous ‘Postage Stamp’ – a testing 100-yard par three on Troon’s front nine.
Elsewhere, Tiger Woods is also in town and golf fans have predicted how the 15-time major champion will get on after he looked sharp during practice.
With anticipation building and tee times out, The Golfing Gazette has taken a look at three groups to watch over the first two days.
- READ MORE: Here’s what Tiger Woods did on the eighth hole at Royal Troon ahead of The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy, Max Homa, Tyrrell Hatton – 10:09 am Thursday, 3:10 pm Friday
The first headline group to take the course on Thursday includes Rory McIlroy, Tyrrell Hatton and Max Homa.
After his US Open heartache, McIlroy is once again the centre of attention as he looks to bounce back and land his first major in ten years.
Hatton also provides some intrigue. The Englishman has been in red-hot form of late after landing his first LIV Golf title in Nashville. Still in search of his first major title, he’s certainly one to keep an eye on if the scoring goes low.
The trio will get their second round underway at 3:10 pm on Friday.
Tiger Woods, Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay – 2:37 pm Thursday, 9:25 am Friday
Whether golf fans like it or not, Woods is the main attraction whenever he’s involved. Very few can garner attention in such a way, and the 15-time major winner has been grouped with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay.
The American duo are coming off impressive displays at the US Open and could threaten once more this week.
Woods will be looking to prove his critics wrong and make his first cut since the Masters at the beginning of April. The 48-year-old has fired a brutal dig at Colin Montgomerie after the former Ryder Cup captain suggested Woods should retire.
Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Cameron Young – 3:10 pm Thursday, 9:58 am Friday
World number one Scheffler is back in action for the first time since his sixth PGA Tour victory at the Travelers Championship.
After struggling at Pinehurst, the metronomic American will be looking to finally land a major outside of the Masters and silence any growing critics.
Scheffler will be joined by two players in very different form. Jordan Spieth struggled at the Scottish Open after appearing to play his way back into form at the John Deere Classic.
Cameron Young is the third member of the group and is enjoying a rich vein of form that has included a 59, coming at the Travelers.
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