Everything you missed from Monday at the 2024 British Open

Tiger Woods drawing the crowds on Monday at The Open

We’re on the ground at the British Open this week, and we’re bringing you all of the action you missed from Monday at Royal Troon.

The first practice day of the week brought us sunshine and surprisingly large crowds. Here’s a rundown of the action from practice day one at the 2024 British Open.

Super Scottie 

If you weren’t already planning to back World No.1 and overwhelming favorite Scottie Scheffler to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday then you probably haven’t watched much golf this year. The new Dad and dominant force in the men’s game skipped the Scottish Open but got his prep for Troon in just down the road at Turnberry, playing another Open course, the Ailsa. He shot a casual 8-under-par 64 from the Championship tees and could easily have gone a couple better according to our sources at the famous venue. Looks like the other 155 players in the field will need to step things up if they’re to stop him winning a second Major in 2024. 

The rich get richer 

The R&A announced a record prize fund for the 2024 British Open, with the purse increasing by $500,000 on last year to a total of $17million. The winner will take home $3.1million, which is a $100,000 increase on the share Brian Harman received for his win in 2023. 

But it means nothing to Harman 

Defending champion Brian Harman was asked if he would still play in The British Open Championship, even if there was no prize fund. “Yeah, I would personally,” he said. “I’m not sure everyone would, but I would. Some people care more about money than I do, I suppose. I play golf for me.” 

Beery eyed 

Plenty of Scots had reason to down beers on Sunday night as they celebrated England’s Euros defeat as though their own team had lifted the trophy, but one man who had even more reason to celebrate was Bob MacIntyre, and he clearly went big. 

The Scottish Open champ was due to face the media at Troon at 3pm, but his presser was suddenly pushed back by 48 hours. That’s quite the hangover. 

Wild for Woods 

Tiger Woods was already drawing a crowd, three people deep in places, during his practice round. I waited at the side of the 18^th to catch a glimpse of him hitting into the green. I was wondering how long he would take to appear when I was suddenly surrounded by kids wanting their Open flags signed, and I knew he was on his way from the tee. 

Looking the part 

Adidas joined forces with Sky Sports to become their official clothing supplier in a multi-year deal. The partnership will see Sky Sports Golf presenters wear their apparel during all live golf coverage, with both brands aiming to elevate the golf experience for fans through engaging and entertaining content.

Good omens for Collin 

Collin Morikawa will be hoping lightning does strike twice as he bids for a second Claret Jug. The two-time Major champion switched his irons ahead of the Scottish Open in 2021 and went on to win at Royal St George’s. The American rarely tinkers with his gear, but he’s gone down the same route again, switching into the new TaylorMade P7CB irons ahead of last week’s tournament at Renaissance and keeping them in his bag for his practice round at Troon on Monday. Like St George’s, it was the first time he’d seen the course. 

Plane pain?

Jon Rahm showed his displeasure at the drones being used at a recent LIV Golf event, blaming them for some poor shots. Well, he’ll be even less happy when he arrives at Troon with countless jets heading in and out over the course from nearby Glasgow Prestwick airport. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, I’m not sure the pilots will be as quick to ground their planes if he has a moan…

About the author

Sarah Pyett – Deputy Digital Editor

Sarah Pyett is the Deputy Digital Editor of todays-golfer.com. She specializes in ladies’ equipment reviews, including drivers, irons, and golf balls.

After a career in a golf professional shop, and earning a qualification in golf club management, Sarah joined Bauer in 2014 as a Web Producer for Today’s Golfer. She has since worked across multiple brands in a mixture of digital marketing and paid media roles, before returning to focus on golf full-time as Deputy Digital Editor in 2024.