The stage is set for a thrilling showdown at Royal Birkdale this week as the world's top golfers tee off in the 154th Open Championship. But make no mistake, this is more than just another major – it's an opportunity for England to put years of heartache behind them and finally claim victory on home turf.
It's a drought that's been going on for nearly six decades: Tony Jacklin's triumph at Royal Lytham in 1969 remains the last English winner on their own soil, predating even the iconic 1966 World Cup win by just three years. Since then, only Sir Nick Faldo has secured The Open title for England – and that was on Scottish soil.
But this year's strong contenders are breathing fresh life into the old adage 'it's now or never'. Among them is world number nine Tommy Fleetwood, who grew up just a short distance from Royal Birkdale. For him, winning his first major title on home turf would be the ultimate achievement – like scaling the mighty Mount Everest.
Fleetwood has been in scintillating form this year and boasts an impressive track record at The Open, including a runner-up finish in 2019 and a joint fourth place in 2022. He's got history on his side too: he successfully made the cut for the first time at Birkdale back in 2017.
Another English challenger with huge ambitions is Matt Fitzpatrick from Sheffield – currently ranked as the world number three, according to Data Golf. His stellar year has seen him win three times on the PGA Tour and a shared third-place finish last week's Scottish Open has only added fuel to his fire. Both Fleetwood and Fitzpatrick know that this week offers them a once-in-a-lifetime chance to rewrite history.
As thousands of spectators flock to Royal Birkdale from 16-19 July, they'll be hoping to witness something truly special – an English winner lifting the coveted Claret Jug on home soil. With Justin Rose making a triumphant return to where his career began and Wolverhampton's Aaron Rai already demonstrating major-winning form this year, the pressure is mounting on England's golfers to deliver.