THE CRUCIAL QUARTET

Jeremy Ellwood picks out four keyholes at Royal St George’s that could define the 149th Open Championship

- Jeremy Ellwood

Royal St George’s in Sandwich stands out in several ways. It was the first course outside Scotland to host The Open in 1894; it is the only current Open rota venue in the south of England, and it plays over the most rumpled fairways of any links on which the worlds best compete for the Claret Jug.

It’s true to say it probably provides the most scope for unlucky bounces, something that has not always sat well with some of the biggest names in golf, with some quite loud anti-voices to be heard both before and after the 2003’s surprise winner, Ben Curtis, had been crowned.

Yes, a couple of blind shots remain off the 4th and 7th tees. And yes, it has thrown up other unexpected champions in Bill Rogers (1981) and Darren Clarke, whose last Major top-ten had come a decade before his 2011 victory. But these ‘anomalies’ are countered by J.H. Taylor, Harry Vardon (twice), Walter Hagen (twice), Henry Cotton and Greg Norman.

Those who have played here know it does pose a slightly different test that demands pinpoint accuracy into several greens, many of which are larger this time round, and a degree of patience to accept the rough with the smooth. It is also a link that constantly twists and turns through the dunes. No two consecutive holes ever play in exactly the same direction.

Recent history suggests that if ever there were a venue on which to back an outsider, this would be it, but equally, it could well be one of golf’s current big hitters who prevails.