Another week, another memorable event on the ever-exciting 2012 golfing calendar. Now in its 141st year, the historic British Open will take place from 19th – 22nd July at the Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s Golf Club in Lancashire, England.

After last year’s fairy tale ending which saw Darren Clarke finally achieve Major Championship glory, the European Tour stalwart will no doubt be hoping to retain his title. Stiff competition will come in the form of Lee Westwood, Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

The hopefuls will battle it out for the coveted Claret Jug across the 18 strategically-placed holes of the Lancashire course. The Championship organizers say of the Royal Lytham & St. Anne’s Course:

‘Royal Lytham & St Annes may not be a typical Open Championship venue. It’s the only course on the rota which begins with a par-3, the only Open course to have three par-3s on the front nine, and the only Championship venue to be surrounded by houses on three sides.

Put succinctly, Lytham is a terrific test of golf. Right from the first hole, a dangerous 205-yard par-3 featuring the first nine of the course’s 200-plus bunkers, it demands accuracy and strategy in equal measures. You cannot over-power Lytham, you need to plot your way round it carefully, ever mindful of the dangers that await any errant shot.’

A challenging course makes for a Championship ripe with anticipation… Let’s hope that the English weather doesn’t dampen proceedings next week.

Let us know if you’re heading to the British Open, we’d love to hear from you.