Golf enthusiasts and onlookers are advised to have an umbrella or poncho ready as the final major tournament begins on Thursday and runs through Sunday in Northern Ireland. Here are some key details about The Open Championship at Royal Portrush Golf Club:
– The tournament is the 153rd edition and is taking place on the Northern Ireland coast, approximately a 60-mile drive northwest of Belfast.
– Royal Portrush has previously hosted the event in 2019 and 1951, with Shane Lowry emerging as the 2019 champion.
– A total of 156 professional and amateur golfers will compete in the tournament, culminating in the presentation of the prestigious Claret Jug to the winner on Sunday.
Weather conditions for the event are typical for Northern Ireland, with showers and breezy conditions expected on each day:
– Thursday: Showers and thunderstorms are likely as a weak frontal system moves in, prompting a yellow alert for thunderstorms in the western part of Northern Ireland. Lightning delays may occur, with temperatures in the upper 60s to low 70s and winds at 10 to 20 mph.
– Friday: Lingering moisture will bring more showers, with temperatures remaining in the 60s and lighter winds compared to Thursday.
– Saturday: Showers expected at times, with temperatures in the mid to upper 60s and generally lighter winds.
– Sunday: Another low-pressure system may bring steadier rain and breezy conditions, with temperatures in the 60s.
Chris Dolce, a senior digital meteorologist with weather.com, has been part of The Weather Channel since the early 2000s, providing weather updates for over 15 years.
