McIlroy Faces Tough Test at Scorched Birkdale

Rory McIlroy faces a challenging test at Royal Birkdale as the heatwave has transformed the traditional links course into a demanding playing field. The 50th anniversary of Seve Ballesteros's emergence as a golfing star in 1976 adds historical significance to this year's tournament. afsport.lat

With the grass parched and firm, players must adapt to the unpredictable nature of the course, described as less "green and pleasant land" and more "yellow brick road". The tournament promises to be a sporting feast over four days on the Sefton coast.