The Open's "Fun Grouping"... Geobuki vs Tokki

‘Neukjang’ Cantlay and ‘Soksapo’ Kepka Play Together
McIlroy and Rahm Clash Over Top Spot
‘Newlywed’ Kim Siwoo and ‘Hulk’ DeChambeau Long Drive Duel

It is an interesting group formation.

This is about the 151st Open Championship (total prize money $16.5 million), the "oldest major," held on the 20th (local time) at Royal Liverpool Golf Club (par 71, 7,383 yards) in Hoylake, Wirral, England. According to the groupings announced by the tournament organizing committee on the 18th, world No. 4 Patrick Cantlay, notorious for slow play, will play alongside the "major hunter" Brooks Koepka (both from the USA), who dislikes slow play, during the 1st and 2nd rounds.

Brooks Koepka listens to questions from the press at the official press conference of the 151st Open Championship. [Hoylake, England=Photo by Reuters and Yonhap News]

Cantlay is infamous for his slow pace, while Koepka plays very quickly. The two clashed over slow play at the Masters in April. Koepka, who played behind Cantlay, criticized him, saying, "The group ahead was really slow. My playing partner Jon Rahm (Spain) went to the restroom seven times, yet we still had to wait." Cantlay defended himself, saying, "We were also waiting for the group ahead to finish," but their feelings had already soured.

World No. 2 Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland) will engage in a pride battle with No. 3 Rahm for the 'Number 1' spot. Cameron Smith (Australia), who is part of LIV Golf and aiming for a second consecutive win, will tee off with US Open champion Wyndham Clark (USA). Newlywed Kim Si-woo will have a long-drive showdown with "The Hulk" Bryson DeChambeau (USA). Kim Joo-hyung will play alongside Abraham Ancer (Mexico), and Im Sung-jae will be paired with Keegan Bradley (USA).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.