Wednesday at The Open Championship: On The Range
By Sam Morgan
Wednesday marked the last practice day at the 2023 Open Championship and the players were keen to make the most of their last-minute preparations on the driving range.
Jordan Spieth set up in the middle of the bays and was constantly surrounded by his entourage and engaging in constant discussion with his caddy Michael Greller, much like when he is on the course.
Spieth largely focused on his wedges and mid-irons before slowly working through the bag to the longer clubs, whilst taking tips and pointers from his swing coach between almost every shot.
Zach Johnson proved to be a popular figure on Tour as he struck up a number of conversations with players and caddies whilst making his way to his practice round with Danny Willett.
When ZJ made his way over to the Sky Sports shot centre at this year’s Open Championship he received a jovial “Are you nervous?!” from compatriot Spieth.
Bryson DeChambeau unsurprisingly cut a lone figure on the range as he pounded through range balls without a team around him. The former U.S. Open champion’s only feedback was his launch monitor and music he was playing through his in-ears throughout.
Bryson twice pushed back his practice round tee time on Wednesday at the 2023 Open Championship, before eventually making his way over to the course; perhaps a sign that he was trying to find something on the range before the last major of the year starts tomorrow.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Bryson largely pummelled driver and woods during his session.
Good friends Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton set up in adjacent bays and looked at ease as they each worked through the bag and engaged in conversation.
Next to the two Englishmen were Brian Harman and 2021 Masters winner Hideki Matsuyama, the latter showing a slight reminiscent pause at the top of the back swing which he had recently been working to fade out.
Max Homa also made an appearance on Wednesday at the Open Championship
Max was largely isolated in his practice as he hit mid to long-range irons without interruption from any of his team.
Justin Rose went out in an early practice round with Henrik Stenson, Billy Horschel, and Wyndham Clark. Even after that, Rose returned to the range to get in even more preparation ahead of his marquee pairing with Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm tomorrow afternoon (2:59 BST).
McIlroy received the warmest welcome of the day at the eighteenth green grandstand which only strengthens the feeling that the local crowd are willing him to win his fifth career major this weekend.
Next. On the ground at Royal Liverpool. dark
Irrespective of the practice undertaken this week, all of the players will start with a blank canvas tomorrow and make their chance at winning the 151st Open Championship at Royal Liverpool.