British Open hopefuls strengthen links before Lytham test

Irish golf fans are keeping a close eye on our links courses this week to see if any of the game’s finest pay a visit ahead of next week’s British Open.

Legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Mark O’Meara, Payne Stewart and many others came here on a regular basis to finalise their preparations.

The trend isn’t as popular now, although the likelihood is that many Americans will reacquaint themselves with links golf on these shores before making their way to Royal Lytham & St Annes.