The storylines to follow at the Open

HOYLAKE: With attention returning to action on the golf course, rather than anything happening outside, the Royal Liverpool Golf Club is buzzing with excitement ahead of the 151st edition of the Open Championship.

The agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has calmed down a lot of frayed nerves. Unlike the past few months, the golf tournament has become a talking point this week.

Here are some of the interesting storylines and lead characters to follow as the action unfolds over the next four days…

Rory McIlroy’s silent quest

Silence is sometimes more powerful than having the last word. That’s the mantra Rory McIlroy is trying to follow this week.

The Northern Irishman world No2 is the overwhelming favorite this week, with both history and form supporting him. He won the championship when it was last played here in 2014, and was spectacular in his triumph at the Genesis Scottish Open last Sunday.

In 2014, McIlroy was in imperious form with his driver and brought the golf course to its knees by playing the par-5s to 12-under par for the four days, making nine birdies and two eagles en route to a 17-under par total.

The course will play a lot more difficult this year with the 10th hole being reduced to a par-4, but even then it will be to his advantage.

McIlroy was scheduled to speak to the media ahead of the championship on Tuesday, but declined to be a part of the press conferences to possibly avoid questions on the proposed agreement between the PGA Tour and Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and LIV Golf backers, PIF.

Cam Smith’s title defence

Along with McIlroy, Cameron Smith is also going for back-to-back wins on the UK soil. Less than a fortnight ago, the