GolfLoopz Episode 10 – The Open Preview: Golf Loopz Goes to Royal Birkdale!

GolfLoopz is heading to The Open Championship!

In Episode 10, we look ahead to golf’s oldest major as it returns to Royal Birkdale. We explore the history of The Open, explain what makes links golf so different and take a closer look at Royal Birkdale’s dunes, deep bunkers and hard, burned-out fairways.

We also preview some of the leading contenders—including Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Southport’s own Tommy Fleetwood.

Most importantly, GolfLoopz will be at Royal Birkdale throughout the week, sharing the sights and sounds of The Open: the navy-blue grandstands, giant yellow scoreboards, flags cracking in the wind and the world’s best golfers trying to control the ball on a fast-running links course.

In this episode

• The story of the first Open Championship in 1860
• Why links fairways can become hard, brown and incredibly fast
• About Royal Birkdale and previous winners
• Predictions and local favourite Tommy Fleetwood
• What GolfLoopz will be looking and listening for at Royal Birkdale

Jordan Spieth’s driving-range escape in 2017

• Jordan Spieth wins The Open from the driving range – official R&A video

Pádraig Harrington’s famous shot in 2008

• Pádraig Harrington’s incredible 5-wood on the 17th – official R&A video
• Harrington explains the shot that helped him win

Hard & Fast Links

Carnoustie in 2018 is a brilliant example of a links course becoming dry, brown and extremely fast.

• The Open: what was needed to win at hard and fast Carnoustie
• Tiger Woods discusses firm and fast Carnoustie

Royal Birkdale & The 154th Open

• The 154th Open at Royal Birkdale – official championship page
• Royal Birkdale hole-by-hole course guide

History of The Open

• The story of the first Open Championship
• The history of the Claret Jug and Challenge Bel
• Explore the complete journey of The Open
• The Open’s official website