The Open 2022: When does it start, how to watch and what to expect in St Andrews
World No 2 Rory McIlroy says winning an Open Championship at St Andrews is golf's "Holy Grail".
Three-time Open champion Bobby Jones famously said an elite player's career would not be complete without lifting the Claret Jug on the Old Course.
"I don't know if a golfer's career isn't complete if you don't, but I think it's the Holy Grail of our sport," replied McIlroy, as he was asked about the quote.
McIlroy is well aware of the significance of playing at the so-called Home of Golf as he looks to end an eight-year drought. The 33-year-old last won the US PGA in 2014, a month after lifting the Claret Jug in 2014.
"Not a lot of people are going to get that opportunity to achieve that, but that's what winning an Open at St Andrews is - it's one of the highest achievements that you can have in golf," McIlroy added. "There are a lot of great players that have won Opens and maybe not won Opens at St Andrews, so I think it's unfair to say that a golfer's career isn't complete without that. But it's certainly up there with one of the greatest things you can do in our game."
When is it?
The 150th edition of The Open takes place from July 14-17 at the Old Course, St Andrews. So, Thursday to Sunday this week.
What time will it start?
For the opening two rounds, the early starters go out at 6.35am. The final group gets underway at 4.16pm.
What TV channel is it on?
The 150th Open will be shown live on Sky Sports. Alternatively, bookmark this page and follow Telegraph Sport's live coverage of all four days.
Latest news
LIV Golf rebel Ian Poulter was booed on the first tee and Justin Rose pulled out with a back injury as the 150th Open Championship got underway on Thursday.
The 46-year-old Poulter was the first of the 24 players in the field who have signed up to the controversial Saudi-backed breakaway series to start at St Andrews and he was greeted with some jeers.
He, at least, made the first tee. Rose pulled out just before his scheduled 8.14am tee time.
The 41-year-old had ended Wednesday's practice round prematurely, leading to speculation he may have sustained a problem, and when he did not arrive for his scheduled slot Rikuya Hoshino took his place alongside the Ryder Cup dream-team pairing of Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari, the 2018 Open champion.
First reserve had been Alex Noren but he chose to go to the PGA Tour's Barracuda Championship in California.
What happened last year?
Collin Morikawa held off a late surge from Jordan Spieth to win at Royal St George's, with the imperious American finishing 15-under.
Telegraph Sport's golf correspondent James Corrigan described Morikawa as "unbreakable, unmatchable and unbelievable" after he added the Open Championship to the US PGA title he collected in 2020.
If anyone is any doubt about the class of this Californian then consider that he only turned pro in June 2019 and this was only his eight major - and only Bobby Jones has won two quicker.
What are the latest odds?
Rory McIlroy 10/1
McIlroy shot a nine-under 63 in the first round of the 2010 Open at St Andrews, before being buffeted by high winds on Friday. His length off the tee makes the Old Course a good match, and McIlroy is enjoying a very consistent 2022. The Northern Irishman ranks first for Strokes Gained Tee to Green on the PGA Tour this season, recently won in Canada and has finished in the top eight at all three majors this season. Just one Claret Jug to his name, won at a receptive Hoylake in 2014 where The Open returns next year.
Jon Rahm 11/1
Last year's US Open champion has had a fairly quiet season despite a victory in Mexico, bristling at suggestions his putting has let him down. His ball-striking numbers remain top of the class, and is warming to The Open with finishes of T-11 and T-3 in his last two outings. Was prominent in the US Open at Brookline before fading slightly on the final day. Will be well aware that Spaniard Seve Ballesteros claimed one of his three Opens at St Andrews.
Justin Thomas 12/1
Has played stellar golf in 2022 with eight top 10 finishes, including winning his second major at the US PGA Championship in May. His iron play is superb, though his putting can be streaky and the odd destructive drive lurks. No great Open form, but is regarded as a good wind player who can flight his approach shots multiple ways.
Scottie Scheffler 14/1
No surprises to see the World No 1 and Masters champion so prominent. Has only made one Open appearance, but that produced a T-8 finish at the quirky Royal St George's last year which bodes well. No significant weaknesses when on song. Scheffler was understandably quiet in the weeks after Augusta but has recorded runner-up finishes at Colonial and the US Open at Brookline.
Collin Morikawa 18/1
The defending champion after a stunning performance at Sandwich, Morikawa has endured an underwhelming year in which his short game has not been up to scratch. That enviable iron play remains a strength though, with top-five finishes at the Masters and US Open evidence he can be a big danger on the toughest layouts. St Andrews might not be that penal, though.
Matt Fitzpatrick 20/1
His US Open triumph may have been a surprise to casual observers but the Englishman has played superb golf all year, ranking in the top 25 for all Strokes Gained categories on the PGA Tour. Improved distance and running links fairways should not make length a problem, and his chipping and putting is excellent. Like Morikawa, might prefer a more exacting test than a St Andrews course that will yield birdies, weather permitting.
