Lytham is a course that favours the strategic, says Dawson. "There’s always disaster lurking (at Lytham) with over 200 bunkers. You’re not going to win this Open from the bunkers, that’s for sure." And like at all Open venues, players face the prospect of fluctuating weather conditions, such is the unpredictability of the British summer.
Lytham, the work of numerous architects over the years including the brilliant Harry Colt, is routed so that few holes play in the same direction, while shifting winds means the very real likelihood of holes playing differently from the morning to the afternoon sessions.
Getting through the tough opening six holes without calamity should allow for opportunities to pick up shots over the more middle of the round, before Lytham bears its teeth again with a difficult finishing run of par fours from the 14th onwards.
But what of the contenders?
Defending champion Darren Clarke, who finished third here in 2001, has relished his 12 months as the Open champion, getting married to his girlfriend Alison in a beachside ceremony in the Bahamas the week after the Masters and proudly touring the Claret Jug to tournaments throughout the world. Sadly, he has endured a difficult year on the course but links golf clearly brings out the best in him and, while he won't start as one of the favourites, it will take a brave man to bet against the likeable Ulsterman.
Despite Americans winning the last three majors, the chance of another European victory must be seen as good. Luke Donald and Rory McIlroy, fresh off extremely disappointing US Open performances, will be determined to underline their world ranking positions with strong showings, while Lee Westwood, the most consistent performer in major tournaments over the past three years, has to believe he'll be in the reckoning come Sunday. Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell and Justin Rose all have the games to take home the Claret Jug.
