Heatwave reshapes The Open at Royal Birkdale
England’s record heat wave is reshaping The Open at Royal Birkdale, with record temperatures and unusual winds drying the links into a firm, fast, and unpredictable test. Course staff are watering sparingly to protect turf while preserving a linksy feel, and even quirky features like the donut-shaped bunker near the 7th become tougher in the heat. With no rain forecast for days, the setup favors patient, strategic play, as Jackson Suber opened with a 65 to lead after Round 1 and the field adapts to the hot, wind-influenced conditions.