[The Open] "Playground of the Gods" Royal St George's "What is the Biggest Challenge?"

Par 70, 7,159 Yards "Notorious Difficult Course," Firm Fairways, Rough Terrain, Pot Bunkers, and Sea Breeze Added

The fearsome fairway of the 12th hole at Royal St George's Golf Club, the 'The Open' battleground.

[Asia Economy Golf Specialist Reporter Kim Hyunjun] "After 10 years."

This year's Open Championship (total prize money $11.5 million) battleground is the Royal St George's Golf Club in Sandwich, England (par 70, 7,189 yards). Established in 1860, with a history spanning an impressive 161 years, it is known as the world's oldest major and is famous for its challenging course. In fact, Ben Curtis (USA) won in 2003 with 1-under 283 (par 71 at the time), and Darren Clarke (Northern Ireland) won in 2011 with 5-under 275. The tournament was canceled 13 times due to World Wars I and II and last year's COVID-19 impact, and this time the 149th champion will be crowned.

The key to conquering the course is truly a 'battle with nature.' Although it is a par 70, the length of 7,189 yards is comparable to a par 72. The course features hard fairways, rough terrain, and tall pot bunkers lurking everywhere. Adding to the challenge is the sea breeze, which changes direction and strength constantly, making club selection difficult. During the four rounds, at least one or two days will have rain and wind. Long drives, accurate shots, and patience are all required.

The test begins immediately at the first hole, Hole 1 (par 4, 445 yards). Tiger Woods (USA) suffered a critical blow in 2003 when his tee shot was lost, resulting in a triple bogey. Hole 3 (par 3, 239 yards) is intimidating due to its distance. Hole 4 (par 4, 495 yards) is especially a 'hole to watch.' It was set as a par 5 in 2003 and a par 4 in 2011. Securing the fairway's right IP point off the tee is essential to attack the green.

The jar bunker at the final 18th hole of Royal St. George's Golf Club.

Hole 5 (par 4, 422 yards) has a wasteland-like left side of the fairway. Hole 6 (par 3, 174 yards) is relatively straightforward. Hole 12 (par 4, 379 yards) is short but has a bumpy fairway. The last four holes are the highlight. Hole 15 (par 4) is 496 yards, and Hole 16 (par 3, 162 yards) is heavily guarded by seven pot bunkers surrounding the green. After Hole 17 (par 4, 426 yards), the final Hole 18 (par 4, 450 yards) concludes the epic journey.

It is important to note that all greens are tricky. This is why players use various skill shots outside the green, including wedges, 3-woods, and putters, to advance toward victory. Experts have named world No. 2 Jon Rahm (Spain) as the 'top favorite' to win. The impressive combination of a long hitter averaging 307.60 yards (21st on the PGA Tour) and a green hit rate of 71.04% (5th) is remarkable. European warriors such as 2019 champion Shane Lowry (Ireland) and Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) have declared an all-out battle.