There is a certain warmth to this Pro-Am format and the players are as relaxed as you will ever see them during a competitive week. But Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy are certainly being kept on their toes, as they are playing alongside their respective fathers! For Rahm, it is his first time playing on this hallowed turf and to be joined at the Home of Golf by the man whom, in Jon’s own words, did everything in his power to help his son become one of the world’s best players, was a special moment. Stories aplenty for those of us in the Media and Communications team.

St Andrews is not the only golf course the players play on this week, as the tournament is spread over three different venues in the opening three days – Kingsbarns, Carnoustie and the Old Course itself. The big question at this tournament every year regards which player prefers which course. They are all truly spectacular and unique in their own right and it must be said that Carnoustie – the toughest layout of the three – does not get as much love as it should due its penal nature, while St Andrews tends to be the most popular due to its history. But for me (having never played any of them) Kingsbarns, as you can see in the photo, is the most aesthetically pleasing. It is a true gem and gets my vote!