Welcome to GOLF.com’s “Seen & Heard” video series, where we’ll endeavor to give you an inside look at golf’s biggest events through the eyes and ears of our onsite crew. On deck this week: The 2023 Open Championship from Royal Liverpool Golf Club. Let’s go!
ICYMI: John Lennon’s house and a round at West Lancashire | Inside Day 1 at the Open Championship
ICYMI: Nick Faldo, Mike Tirico and an odd local rule | Inside Day 2 at the Open Championship
ICYMI: The new ‘Tiger’, players’ final prep and fan predictions | Inside Day 3 at the Open Championship
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On Thursday at Royal Liverpool, the action finally began, and all the hype — especially for tournament favorite Rory McIlroy, who has expectations soaring after a rousing victory at last week’s Scottish Open — could finally be put to the test.
Max Homa has a not-so-secret message written on his glove
As always, multiple storylines abound. GOLF staffer James Colgan shared that he was looking for something surprising. Could it be Liverpool local Matthew Jordan? The young amateur posted an impressive round of two under on Thursday, while another local hero, Tommy Fleetwood, launched himself to the first page of the leaderboard with an opening five-under 66.
Reigning Masters champ Jon Rahm is another favorite this week, grouped alongside McIlroy and Justin Rose. The star-studded trio was understandably in demand throughout their first round, followed by fans, cameras and mics aplenty. Rahm, who posted a first round of three-over 74, aired his frustration with the crowd during his post-round press conference.
“I’m trying to walk, and there’s way too many people on my way and I can’t go forward at my pace,” he said. “It’s just kind of a disregard that I existed.”
Proof that there’s a lot more that players must contend with at the Open than simply the course itself.
Check out the entire video above to catch up on the GOLF staff’s day at Royal Liverpool on Thursday, and follow along every day this week for more behind-the-scenes action from the 2023 Open Championship.