A persistent heatwave has left Royal Birkdale Golf Club with dry, yellowed turf ahead of the Open Championship, which begins today. The unusually firm and fast conditions have prompted players to adjust their strategies to cope with the challenging course setup.

Rory McIlroy and other competitors have noted a significant change in the course’s rough since their recent visits, describing it as less penal due to the drought-like conditions. The short, burnt-out rough reduces the penalty for errant tee shots, encouraging some players to take a more aggressive approach off the tee. Many are opting to use drivers to bypass the fairway bunkers, relying on wedge shots from the rough rather than attempting to navigate the tougher hazards.

Defending champion and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who missed the cut at last week’s Scottish Open—the first time in four years—has used the additional day to prepare, though his approach remains under consideration. Scheffler highlighted the unique challenge posed by the firm fairways, noting that the ball is expected to roll extensively. “There’s a lot of thinking off the tee on whether you want to just hit driver up there somewhere, and play from the rough most likely, or start hitting some irons, getting it in some fairways and hitting some longer shots into the greens,” he said. The course’s hardness demands precise ball control and strategic decision-making to avoid trouble.

English golfers aim to break a title drought dating back to Sir Nick Faldo’s win in 1992. The British contingent includes Ryder Cup teammates Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, and Tyrrell Hatton, joined by Aaron Rai, who captured the US PGA Championship earlier this year. Rose, who first gained international attention at Birkdale in 1998 with a memorable final hole, expressed optimism about harnessing home advantage. He emphasized the energizing effect of local support while cautioning against placing excessive pressure on himself. “You can’t force it. You can’t have that weight of expectation being a home player,” Rose said. “The crowd really kick in when you’re on the leaderboard. There’s that real energy they provide. It’s having a bit of an ace up your sleeve.”

As the tournament unfolds, the combination of course conditions and psychological factors among the players is setting the stage for a compelling competition at one of golf’s most storied venues.