The flat bunkers at Royal Liverpool are causing players problems during the British Open

The 151st Open Championship is underway at Royal Liverpool and players are struggling to determine where to place their tee shot and approach.

The grounds crews flattened bunkers ahead of the tournament. This move prevented wayward shots from landing comfortably in the center.

It has resulted in a variety of difficult lies, with some players confined to fairway bunkers while others are positioned close to the greens.

Shane Lowry who ended his first round with a score of 1-over-72 was among those who thought the prospect were daunting.

You stand on each tee, and every bunker comes into play. Lowry explained that you are standing there trying to decide what to do, because if one lays back and plays a long shot, it is quite difficult and you will only be playing for pars. If you hit a bad ball and land in a bunker after taking it on, that’s basically a penalty shot.

This golf course is the best bunkered course we have ever played. “They’re everywhere and very penal.”

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Lucas Herbert learned this the hard way when he reached the new hole 17 at 3 under par. However, he had a tough time with the par 3, as he ended up in a greenside bunker. He finished the hole with a 6, and lost his brief lead.

What can happen at the 17th?

Lucas Herbert shared the lead at the tee.

He walked away from the green with triple-bogey. pic.twitter.com/8mte7POa5p

The Open (@TheOpen July 20, 2020

Matthew Jordan, a golfer who played in the middle of the pack with a score of 69 on a Thursday, described the hazards as unfamiliar.

“I’ve never seen bunkers quite like these.” They’re flat and penal. I don’t even know the greenkeeper’s name. You can’t even hit the ball in any bunkers.

Even the greenside bunkers can be a problem this week. You could easily drop two shots.

Richie Ramsay, the Scottish star of the event, went into greater detail about the bunkers. He said that they would add one full stroke to the total score for each player over the course the tournament.

Ramsay stated that the difference was “hugely, hugely underrated.” “If the golf ball is up, you get loft right off the back. But when it comes down, the ball will go more in the middle of your bunker.

I got caught on one leg today, with my knee on the side. Links golf is a part of life. You have to accept it. You’re wary about hitting a bunker, knowing that it could be a foot away from your face and seven feet in the front.

“I think you’ll see some guys hitting it hard, right up against their face. Matt did very well today to get out. It just popped with a little forward spin, and got over the lip. But he was not far from playing it out sideways.

I think it is worth it to add an extra shot in a tournament. “I would say absolutely.”