The Open introduces course changes and new qualifier at Royal Birkdale

The Open returns to Royal Birkdale with significant course modifications and a new Last-Chance Qualifier awaiting a record-breaking crowd of over 300,000 fans in Merseyside.

Scottie Scheffler arrives as the defending champion following his victory in Northern Ireland last year.

The world number one could become the first back-to-back winner of the Claret Jug since Padraig Harrington achieved the feat at this very venue in 2008.

Rory McIlroy is also among the leading contenders as the Northern Irishman targets a second major victory of the current season.

Meanwhile, hometown favourite Tommy Fleetwood carries the hopes of the host nation as he attempts to end England’s 34-year wait for an Open champion.

Major course alterations

Royal Birkdale has undergone substantial redesigns since it last hosted the championship in 2017.

The famous practice area spot where Jordan Spieth took a crucial penalty drop en route to his title is no longer a playable area.

Organisers have completely removed the previous par-three 14th hole from the traditional layout.

The old 15th now serves as a long par-five 14th, leading into a brand new 240-yard par-three 15th hole.

McIlroy has already described the challenging new par-three as a major talking point for the upcoming week.

Strategic adjustments

Further tactical tweaks include shortening the fifth hole to create a risk-and-reward driveable par-four.

A smaller green awaits players on the par-three seventh, while the 18th tee box has been repositioned to create a more demanding finish.

Inaugural Last-Chance Qualifier

A late addition to the tournament schedule offers an unprecedented opportunity for one final competitor to join the field.

The newly established Last-Chance Qualifier will take place on Monday morning.

A dozen hopefuls will compete in a shootout to secure the ultimate vacant spot in the final men’s major of the year.