The Open Championship 2009: A week to go

In just over a week’s time the world’s finest golfers will gather at Turnberry for what promises to be one of the most exciting Open Championships in recent years.

It’s the first time The Open has returned to the famous Ayrshire links since 1994. There’s the added excitement of Padraig Harrington going for a hat-trick - even if he is strangely out of form.

Throw in some course alterations, a splash of indifferent weather, some fresh-faced youngsters, a partisan crowd, and Tiger Woods chasing down Roger Federer’s 15-Major haul – yes Roger Federer, not Jack Nicklaus – and you have the recipe for another cracking four days of golf. Longer if you get yourself tickets for the practice days.

Phil Mickelson’s likely absence will obviously be a great loss. Former US Masters champion Trevor Immelman is also missing, as is last season’s European number one Robert Karlsson. We hope to see them all back in action soon.

As ever, the Golf Monthly team will be there to provide you with all the latest news, behind-the-scenes talk, pictures, blogs, and more.

With the week’s itinerary already emailed, and the cars already half packed, spirits in GM Towers are high – even if there’s not a spot for everyone! Where next?

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