152nd Open Golf Tournament at Royal Troon

16.07.2024

Top golfers worldwide converge at Royal Troon for the final Major of the year

This week's eagerly awaited golf tournament is the 152nd Open, held at the picturesque South Ayrshire coast in Scotland, specifically at Royal Troon. This marks the 10th occasion Royal Troon has been the host, and the third time this century. All eyes will be on the weather predictions for the week, with longer-term forecasts hinting at possible showers without severe winds or extreme conditions. However, past inaccuracies in weather predictions remind us that unexpected micro-climates can emerge in this region.

The world's top golfers will gather for the final Major of the year, though it feels somewhat premature to conclude the golf Major season. While we understand the rationale, golf should assert its unique appeal among all sports, a discussion for another day. The competition will feature 12 amateurs and 18 LIV Golfers starting from Thursday at 6:35 am local time. The course boasts the longest hole in Major history, a par-5 623-yard 6th hole, followed by the renowned 'Postage Stamp' at just 99 yards. The front nine is typically wind-assisted, while the back nine ranks among the toughest in golf.

The prize fund for 2024 has risen by $500,000 to $17 million, with the winner receiving $3.1 million. Notably, the 2016 Open at Royal Troon had a purse of £6.5 million, won by Henrik Stenson, equivalent to about $8.4 million today. This doubling of prize money in eight years reflects the evolving landscape of golf. Golf tours around the world use different currencies for their purses, a decision they make independently.

This week will be transformative for the year's champion golfer. Brian Harman is the defending champion. Additionally, the Barracuda Championship, co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and DP World Tour, will occur in the US for players not eligible for The Open. Included in this group are Sam Bairstow, Adri Arnaus, Erik Van Rooyen, Alex Fitzpatrick, Rafa Cabrera Bello, and Andy Sullivan.

Schedule for Majors:

Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st July, 2024

The 152nd Open

Venue: Royal Troon GC, Scotland

Purse: $17 million

PGA Tour and DP World Tour

Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st July, 2024

Barracuda Championship

Venue: Tahoe Mt. Club, Truckee, Ca, US

Purse: $4 million

Challenge Tour

Thursday 18th – Sunday 21st July, 2024