'The most special one'

The penultimate practice day at The 153rd Open saw five players face the media in their pre-Championship press conferences.

As well as reigning Champion Golfer of the Year, Xander Schauffele, and world No.1, Scottie Scheffler, we also heard the thoughts of Jon Rahm, Robert MacIntyre and Bryson DeChambeau.

Here’s the pick of what they had to say…

Rahm: Claret Jug is ‘the most special one’ to win

As an avid golf historian and student of the game, Jon Rahm is more aware than anyone of the significance of The Open – and how long it has been since a Spaniard won it.

The 30-year-old has three top 10 finishes in his last four visits to golf’s oldest major, sharing second at Royal Liverpool two years ago, and has his heart set on going one better this time around.

“In my opinion, The Open Championship is the most prestigious event you can win in golf,” he said. “For my understanding of the game and the history of the game, I think the Claret Jug is the most special one.

“It's the home of golf. Golf started in this part of the world. It's the oldest championship we have, and that's what makes it so special. The type of golf we play, the links courses, the elements, the weather, it's quite unique. I don't think there's a word to describe it, but all together it's what makes it so special.

“My dad was a history major. I've watched a lot of history documentaries growing up, so it's something I enjoy. I like history as well. I don't know if it helps me or not. I just enjoy it, and I think it makes me get a different understanding when we come to courses like this.”

Seve Ballesteros’ triumph at The 117^th Open in 1988 was the last time a Spanish golfer lifted the Claret Jug but Rahm knows he will have to do it his own way if he is to succeed.

“I don't think anybody can play Seve-like golf,” he said. “I think Seve is the only one who could play Seve-like golf. That was it.

“His ability to do what he did in general with a golf ball is unlike any other and due to his upbringing.

“I was very fortunate to grow up with a full set of clubs instead of a 3-iron. So he learned how to play the game in a very different way. If you would guarantee me I could win an Open doing that, then absolutely, I would do it, but there's no way to guarantee.”

MacIntyre not fazed by growing expectation

On the topic of ending droughts, Robert MacIntyre is looking to become Scotland’s first Champion Golfer of the 21^st century this week.

He made his major championship debut last time The Open came to Royal Portrush in 2019 and six years on, he arrives as a highly-fancied contender having come within a whisker of landing last month’s US Open.

Not that he is getting ahead of himself.

“People may have picked me to win it, but to be honest, there are so many guys this week that can win this tournament,” he said.

“I'm going to go out there and enjoy playing Royal Portrush again and give it my absolute best, and that's all I can guarantee.”

The Oban native also gave an insight into how he copes with the inevitable frustration that can come with elite golf.

MacIntyre tells his team to ‘give him an hour’ after rounds to cool off but he hopes his fiery side will help him break his major duck.

“I'll hit the bag, I'll say some harsh things, but that's what gets me going,” he said.

“If I walk around and I'm all happy I just made a double bogey or people are clapping, thanks very much, that's not me.

“I'm needing to smash something up. I want to rip a glove. I do something to get that anger out. It's better out than in for me.

“Some people it's better holding it, but for me it's get it out and then just do not let it affect the next shot. Simple.”

DeChambeau thriving on online fandom

Bryson DeChambeau will play alongside MacIntyre and Justin Rose in the first of Thursday afternoon’s featured groups, with every shot available to watch on R&A TV.

It is likely to receive a bumper online following from the American’s legion of fans. DeChambeau has over two million subscribers on YouTube and hopes to keep them entertained this week.

“People have seen a different side of me on YouTube,” he said.

“I’m still the fiery go-getter I’ve always been but I can have fun, I try to relate to others as much as I can. That has been fun to show.

“I care about the health of the game and I am not going to be here forever, so what footprint do I want to leave?

“It humbles me and it continues to inspire me to film content, create and be the person I know I am.

“Does that bring in other factors of expectation? Yeah, but you have to deal with that. It can be overwhelming but it’s good fun.”

The two-time US Open winner has a best Open finish of T8 in 2022 but feels his game is in a good place coming into his latest attempt.

“In the past over here, my golf swing hasn’t been where it needs to be, but right now it feels as good as it has ever been,” he said.

“I’m hitting it far, as straight as I can, and learning how to putt on these greens.

“I feel I’m in a really good spot right now, where I’m heading with equipment, life in general, my health. I’m just grateful.”