With Royal Troon (Scotland) in place for 2024 and Royal Portrush (Northern Ireland) set to host in 2025, the return to Birkdale for what will be the 154th Open was predictable.
Three weeks after the pair played together in a midweek medal at the Kendleshire club in their home city (first prize a £30 pro-shop voucher), Joe Long and Joe Harvey went head-to-head for a decided more significant prize.
This is getting to be a habit – and not in a good way. For the third time in Rory McIlroy’s past four starts, the Irishman’s golf will not be on public display on a tournament weekend.