DeChambeau's drive causing a stir while R&A alert for McIlroy repeat

SANDWICH BITES: Bryson DeChambeau’s big drive is causing a stir while R&A on alert for a Rory McIlroy repeat after Northern Irishman’s club was stolen by a spectator in Scotland

  • After 720 days, The Open returns in Sandwich, Kent with a big four days ahead 
  • Bryson DeChambeau’s big drive on the 12th hole is causing some concern  
  • Phil Mickelson’s has observed a curious media silence so far this week
  • Officials are confident there will be no security issue with Rory McIlroy 

After 720 days, the Open finally returns with golf’s biggest names preparing for an enthralling four days in Sandwich, Kent. 

Spain’s Jon Rahm enters as favourite while the likes of Rory McIlroy will be looking for a confidence boost following a a fairly wretched few showings.

Here, Sportsmail’s MIKE DICKSON looks ahead to a handful of talking points heading into the start of the major on Thursday morning. 

After 720 days, The Open returns on Thursday with an enthralling four days up ahead

BRYSON’S BIG DRIVE CAUSING A STIR 

Course officials are said to be concerned about Bryson DeChambeau driving the 12th hole which, at 379 yards, is the shortest par four at St George’s. 

In his practice round on Sunday, the American smacked his drive over the 12th’s right-hand bunker on to the bank above the green. 

However, that was with a helpful wind and the blow over the next four days is expected to come from the North East, so will be less conducive.

Course officials are understood to be concerned about Bryson DeChambeau’s big drive

MICKELSON’S CURIOUS MEDIA SILENCE  

No press conference so far this week for Phil Mickelson, despite being the biggest story of the year with his win, at 50, in the US PGA Championship. 

No reason was given for his silence but he left his last tournament, in Detroit, in a huff. 

He said he would not return after a newspaper dug up court papers relating to gambling debts he was owed.

Phil Mickelson has observed a curious media silence so far this week in Sandwich, Kent

NO HEROIC RETURN FOR LEWIS  

The last time The Open was played at Sandwich, in 2011, young English qualifier Tom Lewis caused a sensation by shooting 65 on the opening day to share the lead. 

He went on to win the Silver Medal as best amateur. 10 years on, Lewis tees up this week at the Barbasol Championships in Kentucky on the PGA Tour, the circuit that never stops. 

Lewis, now 30, did not make The Open field and is fighting to try to keep his US tour card.

ARMY ON ALERT FOR A RORY REPEAT  

Despite this month’s incident on the tee at the Scottish Open, where a spectator took a club from Rory McIlroy’s bag, there will be no change to security arrangements when players start their rounds. 

‘As a spectator you can’t get on the tee,’ said R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers. ‘We have enough marshals around our tees to stop that, including a number of Army marshals.’

R&A officials are confident there will be no repeat of security issues for Rory McIlroy this week

SOUTHGATE’S NOT THE ONE  

Disappointingly cutting off a potential storyline this year is the non-appearance of Essex professional Matthew Southgate. 

He has played The Open four times, but despite qualifying for last month’s US Open and coming second in the European Open, he failed to make this week’s field. And no, Matthew is no relation to Gareth.




Share this article

Source: Read Full Article