A message from the editor, Neil Tappin:
My first Open Championship as a reporter for Golf Monthly was back in 2007 at Carnoustie. I walked the final round with Sergio Garcia and was just to the left of the final green as his putt to win kissed the lip and stayed above ground.
When top-level golf is exciting and the key moment plays out to a deafening silence, there’s nothing quite like it. Sadly, last year’s Open was at the other end of the excitement spectrum. Brian Harman won by a whopping six shots in the torrential rain and the destination of the Claret Jug hardly looked in doubt throughout that final day. It was hugely impressive but, for the neutral at least, it was disappointingly anti-climactic.
If, like me, this is your abiding memory of the 2023 Open, then I urge you to read David Facey’s superb interview with Harman in this issue. The American speaks with great candour and humour about becoming a first-time Major winner aged 36 and being dubbed ‘The Butcher of Hoylake’ in the aftermath of last year’s victory. That Harman is an interesting character, well worth engaging with, comes through loud and clear.
Our interview with Harman is part of a 22-page Open preview section which also includes exclusives with Tommy Fleetwood and Henrik Stenson, plus Monty's guide to Royal Troon. And, as you can see below, there's plenty more to get your teeth into this month...
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Tommy Fleetwood Exclusive
David Facey sits down with Tommy Fleetwood to discuss this year’s Open Championship at Royal Troon, his Major record, the Ryder Cup and more…
Bumper Instruction Section
Our comprehensive instruction section offers you tips on every facet of the game from our Top 50 Coaches, including a guide to the five essential tee shots all golfers need. This month we also have a bonus 8-page wedge masterclass from PGA Tour coach James Ridyard.
Brian Harman Exclusive
Brian Harman produced some brilliant golf at Royal Liverpool last year to surge clear of the field and land his first Major title. Here, he talks about that week at Hoylake, the response to his victory, appreciating his success and more…
Monty's Guide To Royal Troon
Eight-time European Tour Order of Merit winner and Royal Troon member Colin Montgomerie gives his take on how the pros will try to navigate the famous old links this summer.
Rules Of Golf
Our regular rules section is there to make sure you don't get caught out on the course this season.
The Best New Gear
We feature 23 pages of the best new equipment to hit the market this month, including the Cobra Limit3d iron, the Scotty Cameron Phantom 9 putter and much more.
The Best Courses You Can Play
Our team of course experts travel the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland to bring you a mix of well-known clubs and hidden gems to add to your wish list.
Henrik Stenson Exclusive
Henrik Stenson reflects on his epic shootout with Phil Mickelson in 2016, a duel which will always be remembered as one of the greatest in Open history.
