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Newsweek

The Open Makes Brutal Changes to End Old Tactics Used by Players

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Royal Portrush proved to be a true test of grit and adaptability as the 153rd Open Championship entered its third round on Saturday. With Ryder Cup captains watching closely ahead of the Bethpage Black showdown in September, players are not only chasing the major title but also fighting for a captain's pick. However, the R&A is not handing out easy routes to the top. And we say that for a reason. In an effort to eliminate outdated tactics used by golfers, The Open officials have introduced some of the most unforgiving drop zones this year, targeting a controversial strategy known as "backboarding." A claret jug flag flutters in the stiff breeze during practice ahead of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 14, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)... A claret jug flag flutters in the stiff breeze during practice ahead of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush golf club in Northern Ireland on July 14, 2025. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images) More Getty Images Traditionally, players who hit their ball into grandstands or behind leaderboards were granted free relief, often from those manicured areas that offered a clean line to the pin. This led to a cheeky workaround, where shots were intentionally fired long into temporary structures to avoid hazards and earn a favorable drop. But this time the tables were turned. The R&A's new drop zones are tucked into awkward lies, sometimes in thick rough or uneven terrain, making players think twice before aiming for the grandstands. the Open seems to be dialing up its nastiest set of drop zones yet. ohh you want a free drop from the grandstand? for sure man. toss one down in the bushes over there — Dylan Dethier (@dylan_dethier) July 16, 2025 "The dropping zones provide an additional free relief option to the standard free relief under the Local Rule for temporary immovable obstructions," the R&A told "We don't want hitting the ball toward a grandstand to be a bail-out option and therefore, where possible, we ensure that the dropping zones are not overly generous," the statement read. "It is worth emphasizing that taking relief into the dropping zone is not mandatory. The player will always have an alternative relief option under the TIO (temporary immovable obstructions) Local Rule." This isn't the first time The Open has taken a hard stance At Royal Troon last year, similar drop zone placements were used when Xander Schauffele won the Claret Jug with a final score of 275 (-9), edging out Justin Rose and Billy Horschel by two strokes. US golfer Xander Schauffele kisses the Claret Jug, the trophy for the Champion golfer of the year after winning the 152nd British Open Golf Championship at Royal Troon on the south west coast of Scotland... US golfer Xander Schauffele kisses the Claret Jug, the trophy for the Champion golfer of the year after winning the 152nd British Open Golf Championship at Royal Troon on the south west coast of Scotland on July 21, 2024. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images) More Getty Images Speaking to Golf Digest, former R&A chief referee David Rickman explained the philosophy behind the setup, saying, "We've certainly seen comments that the infrastructure that can be built around a golf course can provide something of a backstop, a bailout, however you want to describe that. "We're always trying to maintain the integrity of the event when we're trying to, I suppose, make arrangement so if somebody does hit it into the grandstands where drop zones are marked, we give them a fair shot that is a reasonable approximation of what they would have." As Round 3 unfolds under gusty Portrush winds, tension is high and the leaderboard remains tight. Big names like Scottie Scheffler, Jon Rahm, and Shane Lowry are battling not just the course, but the unforgiving relief rules that have reshaped strategy across the field. And the new drop zones certainly haven't made their life any easier. More Golf: Bryson DeChambeau comes clean about nearly giving up after brutal round