Image source, Getty Images

A fresh-faced Northern Irishman bidding for a major victory?

We've read that story before.

Step forward, Tom McKibbin, a talented 21-year-old who cut his teeth playing at Rory McIlroy's golf club in Holywood, Belfast.

He already has a win on the DP World Tour and is making his Open debut here at Troon.

Alongside him is 20-year-old Scottish amateur Calum Scott - another who could have a big golfing future.

It's bright and dry at the moment but what do we want from the weather at the Open?

At the very least, that it'll give these gentlemen a fair challenge.

There's plenty of rain on the forecast and no doubt there will be a steady breeze accompanying it when it comes.

Welcome to the UK in July.

BBC Sounds

While you're waking up, why not stick an ear on a special episode of The Chipping Forecast podcast, previewing the 152nd Open, on BBC Sounds.

Each week, commentator Andrew Cotter, BBC golf correspondent Iain Carter and former British Masters champion Eddie Pepperell dissect all that's occurring in golf - and plenty more besides.

Click here to listen now

It's 27 years since Justin Leonard produced an outstanding final round of 65 to overhaul Darren Clarke and Jesper Parnevik to win the 126th Open here.

No doubt his heart is racing as he steps up to get this championship going and, long iron in hand, he cleans it down the fairway.

We're off!

Peter Scrivener
BBC Sport at Royal Troon

Image source, BBC Sport

Out there in the distance, across the Firth of Clyde, if you squint enough, you can just about make out the Isle of Arran.

It’s the view the players have as they emerge on to the first tee.

It’s a daunting opening shot with a sandy out of bounds fate for anything remotely right.

To the left is the whole of Scotland.

There is a tickle of a breeze, into the face, as Royal Troon’s 1997 winner Justin Leonard gets the 152nd Open Championship under way.

Image source, Reuters

Two Americans who have previously won The Open at Royal Troon, Justin Leonard and Todd Hamilton, are in the first three-ball to begin their rounds on day one.

Leonard, who triumphed in 1997, has been given the honour of hitting the first tee shot of the championship at 06:35 BST.

It is 20 years since Hamilton stunned South Africa's Ernie Els in a play-off to claim his only major title.

Joining them is Scotland's Jack McDonald, who hails from near Troon and came through qualifying. He is one of 37 debutants in the field.

Image source, PA Media

It really is an immensely busy summer of sport and this attention turns to the South Ayrshire coast.

Over the next four days, 157 players will attempt to conquer the links of Royal Troon to get their hands on the Claret Jug on Sunday evening.

Thank you for joining us for the start of our extensive coverage of the tournament - the first tee shot will be struck at 06:35 BST...

Image source, Getty Images

Still mourning the end of the Euros?

A week to go until the Olympics?

We've got you covered as the world's best golfers descend on western Scotland to fight for the Claret Jug.

Welcome to the 152nd Open.

Let's do this.