A battle begins at Royal Troon for The Open Golf Championship 2024

The much-anticipated 152nd Open Championship tees off today at the historic Royal Troon Golf Club in South Ayrshire, Scotland.
Alexander Jung/ Shutterstock

This prestigious event, one of golf’s four major championships, returns to Royal Troon for the tenth time, commemorating the centenary of the course’s first hosting in 1923. Over the next four days, the world’s best golfers will compete for the coveted Claret Jug and a share of the $16.5 million prize purse, with the winner set to take home $3 million​

Top Contenders for the Claret Jug

As the tournament kicks off, several players stand out as favorites to claim victory:

Gary Yee/ Shutterstock

Rory McIlroy: The Northern Irishman, a former Open champion, comes into the tournament with a string of strong performances this season. Known for his powerful drives and precision, McIlroy is always a formidable contender in major championships.

World Pictures / Shutterstock

Scottie Scheffler: The world number one has been in excellent form, consistently finishing in the top ranks in recent tournaments. Scheffler’s all-around game and mental toughness make him a serious threat at Royal Troon.

World Pictures / Shutterstock

Jon Rahm: The Spanish star, who has already secured major titles, is known for his aggressive play and fiery competitiveness. Rahm’s ability to handle the challenging links conditions will be crucial in his pursuit of the title.

The Dark Horse: Tom Kim

Altopix/ Shutterstock

Among the field, one outsider who could surprise the golfing world is Tom Kim. Although not widely tipped to win, Kim has shown flashes of brilliance on the PGA Tour and has the skill set to navigate the tricky conditions of links golf. His calm demeanor and precise iron play could see him contend if he gets off to a strong start.

What to Watch For

The Open Championship is known for its unpredictable weather and challenging course setups, which can level the playing field and create dramatic shifts on the leaderboard. Royal Troon’s famous par-3 8th hole, known as the “Postage Stamp,” is just one of the many tests that will challenge the field.

With live coverage on NBC, USA Network, and Peacock in the U.S., and Sky Sports in the UK, fans around the world will be glued to their screens to witness the unfolding drama. As the action gets underway, all eyes will be on the players as they strive to etch their names into golfing history.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating four days of top-class golf at the 2024 Open Championship​

Harry Parker

Harry Parker

Harry is a sports enthusiast with a keen eye for detail that makes him both a discerning spectator and an insightful writer on all sorts of topics.

Articles: 44