There's room for 103 more

Around the Open

St Andrews has provided the organisers of the Open with a repeat of the headaches they suffered at Birkdale in 1991 and Lytham St Annes in 1988.

The field for this year's final two days of play is 103, only marginally short of the record number of 113 at Birkdale.

The competition rule which states that all players within 10 shots of the leaders play the final two days means an early start of 7.10am for those players on four over par, with the leaders off at 3pm.

In addition to the organisational chaos, the extra large field is likely to cost the R&A an additional pounds 100,000 in prize money; those making the cut qualify for a minimum of pounds 4,000.