The 152nd Open championship begins from Scotland tomorrow

The GIST: The final men’s golf major of the season tees off from the birthplace of the sport tomorrow, with a record $17M purse and the Claret Jug — golf’s most coveted trophy — on the line. Fore!

The links at Royal Troon will test the game’s best: Golf’s oldest major is always extra special because it’s played on ever-tricky links courses. Mostly treeless and built along the coast, the unpredictable and breezy weather conditions pose an additional challenge for the pros, meaning Scotland’s Royal Troon will pair serious drama with the stunning backdrops.

Rory McIlroy looking to end 10-year major drought: After a tragic collapse at last month’s US Open, all eyes will be on the No. 2 golfer in the world to finish the job and finally win his fifth career major. McIlroy’s quest begins tomorrow at 5:09 a.m. ET, alongside American Max Homa and England’s Tyrrell Hatton.

• Other golfers standing in his way include last week’s Scottish Open winner and hometown hero, Robert MacIntyre. The Scot is on a roll, collecting two PGA Tour wins in the last six weeks.

• And you certainly can’t count out 2024 US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who’s been a contender at every major this year. Nothing is promised at The Open.