It is not just Tiger Woods who will have changed in the eight years since the Open Championship last visited Hoylake, the Royal Liverpool course he tamed in 2006 will be presenting quite a different challenge this time around.

Visitors to the UK often seek out the sites of tradition. Indeed it seems that British pomp and circumstance holds a special appeal – none more apparent than at the country’s leading sporting events, such as the Open Championship, which under the guidance of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews has barely moved away from its traditions over the past century and a half.

Former Open champion Padraig Harrington admits he needs to loosen up as he looks to rediscover his winning touch at Hoylake this week.

Hoylake is a course with a fond record for Irish golf but only those who stay out of the deep rough at a lush, green Royal Liverpool will have any chance of winning The Open next week.

Graeme McDowell achieved a career first and heads into next week’s British Open in the best possible frame of mind after virtually being handed a successful defence of his French Open title in Versailles.

A top-10 finish in the Irish Open may not be much use to a three-time Major winner, but runner-up Edoardo Molinari would strongly disagree with that sentiment as he booked his ticket to next month’s British Open at fota yesterday.

Graeme McDowell headed for Europe last night determined to turn a corner with his driving and putting as he targets a Ryder Cup spot.

American Steve Stricker carded the lowest round ever in an Open Championship at Carnoustie to set a testing clubhouse target today.

Tiger Woods refused to take anything for granted despite treating the Hoylake galleries to a brilliant display of controlled shot making.

It was a story of delays on the first morning of the 135th Open championship at Hoylake today.

David Howell has given a graphic illustration of how hard and bouncy Hoylake has become on the eve of the British Open – and what a difference the wind makes.

Tiger Woods is relishing the challenge of a “hard and fast” Hoylake as he bids to defend his Open title this week.

Fred Couples felt well enough to play Hoylake today, two days after telling close friend Davis Love he feared he might have to fly back to America.

American Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman did his confidence a power of good ahead of next week's British Open with a powerful move through the field at Loch Lomond today.

Irish golfer Padraig Harrington has to wait another day to discover if he is to earn second-place finish in the Booz Allen Classic.