Ireland's amateur golfer David Howard walks across a green during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Ireland's amateur golfer David Howard walks across a green during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Thailand's amateur golfer Fifa Laopakdee waits to putt during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Thailand's amateur golfer Fifa Laopakdee chips from the fairway during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Open Championship Claret Jug flags flutter in the breeze ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

A groundsman waters the 15th green ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

A groundsman waters the 15th green ahead of the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Denmark's Nicolai Hojgaard aided by his caddie Christian Baech, putts during practice for the 154th Open Golf championship at Royal Birkdale Golf Club near Southport in north-west England on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE