What better way to end the men’s Major season than with a trip to the Home of Golf?
And with firm, fast and dry conditions, combined with the history that the world’s oldest golf course brings (this will be the 30th Open Championship played at St. Andrews!), the 150th Anniversary event is shaping up to be an exciting one.
Like any week on Tour, our team gathered from across the pond and Europe to join #TeamTitleist inside the ropes to help them prepare for the fourth and final major of 2022. And while the Tour team has been grinding wedges, re-gripping clubs, and more to make sure players are dialed in – we were on-site to document the action to give you all an exclusive look inside the ropes at St. Andrews!
The Calm Before… The Open
The best part of Scotland in July? Over 17 hours of daylight. To kick off the week, we met up with Brand Ambassador Justin Thomas for an 8:30 PM tee time on Saturday evening– yes you read that right- for what some would call a twilight nine.
And on Monday, we got to join his caddie, Jim ‘Bones’ Mackay (like we did at the U.S. Open: ICYMI) to get his take on the infamous Road Hole at St. Andrews.
One key to playing the Road Hole, as Bones noted, is to choose a specific letter on the side of the hotel to hit over that will ensure the best spot in the fairway.
But what appears to be an intimidating shot for most of us golfers proved to be no issue when we joined Brand Ambassador Cameron Young the following day, as he took one of the more ambitious lines off the tee that you’ll see all week. 
One of the longer hitters on TOUR, Cam recently made the switch to a NEW TSR3 driver and fairway metal (16.5°) which he’ll have in play this week.
Also making the switch to a new TSR3 Driver is Brand Ambassador Max Homa, who, in his first event with the new model in play, bested the field in SG: Off the Tee.
Fun fact: New TSR models have bested the field in SG: Off the Tee in all three weeks since the NEW TSR metalwoods debuted on the PGA TOUR:
- Max Homa (Scottish Open – TSR3)
- Cameron Davis (John Deere Classic – TSR3)
- Davis Riley (Travelers Championship – TSR3)
It’s safe to say the Tour Validation process of new TSR Drivers is off to a strong start and only continues as more players make the move to the new models this week at St. Andrews.
DIALING IN FOR LINKS GOLF
Like most Open Championships, St. Andrews is playing firm and fast, with a high possibility of some gusty winds. For most players this week, this means adjusting their setup and their game to make sure they’ve got the best tools and shots in the bag.
First off? The long game. Several players have swapped out their trusted fairway metals and hybrids for utility irons and long irons as they look for something they can keep low and controlled in the wind.
Next up, a visit to see Vokey Wedge Rep Aaron Dill, who has been helping players adjust their wedge setups – particularly their lob wedges – to find the right grind and bounce for the concrete-like turf this week.
And while most players are not switching their golf ball models this week, one thing is crucial to playing good golf at St. Andrews – being able to control your golf ball in the wind.
We caught up with Brand Ambassador Brian Harman and his coach, Titleist Staff Member Justin Parsons to learn more on how to flight your wedges, and your golf ball, when someone turns on the fan.
Fun fact: Prior to 2017, Brian played a competitor golf ball. It was the 2017 Open Championship that made Brian want to switch back to a Titleist golf ball.
“To flight the ball and not have to worry about it getting up [in the wind] and getting out of hand was a big deal,” said Harman.
Among Harman and the majority of the field teeing up a Titleist golf ball this week is 2015 champion Zach Johnson, who earned his title of Champion Golfer of The Year the last time The Open Championship was hosted at St. Andrews.
While seven years have passed, one thing has stayed the same for Zach – his trust in his Pro V1x, which he used to win in extra holes back in 2015. Hear more on why he plays a Titleist golf ball and relive the moments that led to his second Major title.
That's a wrap on prep work - it's time for the 150th Open Championship, Team Titleist. Make sure to stay tuned into our social channels all week for more in-the-moment content!