Hello golfers,

 

Here at last...

So, Open week is here at last, one of, if not the most anticipated four days on the golfing calendar - certainly on this side of the Pond. 

The 145th Open at Royal Troon is shaping up to be a classic, with so many players looking capable of mastering this famous links. We see you've been voting on our website for who you think will win the Claret Jug. 

With the much-fancied Dustin Johnson claiming his first Major at the US Open last month, it led us to ask whether you thought you could picture a winner coming from outside golf's new 'Big Four' - we're talking Jason Day (pictured), Johnson, Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy. 

Thanks for registering your vote, the feeling here at Brancepeth Castle is that another player outside the 'Big Four' will indeed triumph this week. Who could it be?

We shall see, of course, but there are plenty of other big names worthy of a mention. The likes of Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson and Branden Grace are just three players to watch out for, then there are up-and-coming stars such as Andy Sullivan and Matt Fitzpatrick who have made frightening progress in recent times. And, let's not forget, a certain Colin Montgomerie will be teeing it up at his home course. How will Monty fair against the young guns? 

There's so much to look forward to this weekend and we hope you enjoy a spot of golf yourself. If you see some shots being hit that you might like to add to your repertoire on the course please get in touch here and we would be happy to help.

If this week's action doesn't inspire you to get out and play, nothing will.