The Open needs overdue fireworks to stave off summer sport overload

Viewers will expect compelling battles and a big finish at Royal Troon, not a repeat of Harman’s casual victory

Rory McIlroy on the 16th green during a practice day ahead of The Open at Royal Troon

The Open Championship can encounter problems in years such as this. Even dedicated sports fans suffer exhaustion when a European Championship and Olympic Games bookend the summer. The Open – like Wimbledon or Test matches – can feel as if it is jammed somewhere in the middle of frenzy.

Against this backdrop, Royal Troon comes under pressure to provide something special. A repeat of last year, when Brian Harman coasted to victory under ugly skies at Hoylake, will not do. History is on this wonderful Ayrshire venue’s side; Henrik Stenson’s epic joust with Phil Mickelson here, eight years ago, was on the last properly compelling Open Sunday.