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5 early Open observations from on the ground at Royal Birkdale

From unusual course conditions to an unexpected course landmark, Royal Birkdale is already loaded with surprises at the 2026 Open Championship.

By: James Colgan

July 14, 2026

'It is FIRM out here': Pro warns of tough conditions at Open Championship

PGA Tour pro Michael Kim warned of "firm" and difficult conditions at Royal Birkdale ahead of the 2026 Open Championship on Monday.

This pro bet on himself. Now he’s in The Open

Johnny Keefer could have stayed home instead of traveling across the world for the Scottish Open. He learned the bet was totally worth it.

Tom Kim's drought-snapping Scottish Open win ended with Tiger Woods text

At the Genesis Scottish Open, Tom Kim returned to the precision play that made him one of the game's brightest young stars.

Tour Confidential: What Scottie Scheffler's missed cut means for The Open

A wayward shot stopped Rory McIlroy's Scottish Open charge. Then came 5 words

An ace, tears and a playoff: How Haeran Ryu survived chaotic Sunday to win Evian

The Scottish Open is special. How long can it stay that way?

Tommy Fleetwood's home Open Championship video promo

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Birkdale Open: The biggest event of Tommy Fleetwood's life

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What working on a PGA Tour truck is actually like | Fully Equipped

Three views of a Clicgear Model 4.5 foldable push cart: folded, unfolded with a golf bag, and a close-up showing storage compartments and a red Clicgear water bottle attached. Trees and grass fill the background.

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This foldable push cart includes every useful feature you can imagine

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