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Inside a coach’s build-up to The Open Championship
As the final men’s major of the year approaches, preparations are in full swing — and while I’ve been racking up the air miles between the PGA and DP World Tours, our base here at JA The Resort in Dubai has played a big role in keeping things consistent this summer. With a few of the players I look after also living out here, we’ve been able to put in some really solid work during the off weeks.
That balance is important. Players are constantly on the move — different continents, courses, and time zones — so having a familiar place to train and reset has been invaluable. Everything we’ve done in the lead-up has been built around the upcoming Genesis Scottish Open and The Open, and for those still trying to qualify, the next few weeks are absolutely crucial.
Thorbjørn Olesen. Image by Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Thorbjørn Olesen is the only player I work with who’s currently exempt for The Open, having qualified through last season’s DP World Tour Race to Dubai Rankings.
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When it comes to The Open, it’s always a special week — not just for the players, but for us coaches too. Growing up watching The Open, it’s the kind of event you dream about being part of in any capacity. The history, the atmosphere, the way it captures the full personality of the game — there’s nothing quite like it. Even now, I always make a conscious effort to take it all in. These are the moments you feel genuinely grateful for.
Royal Portrush 5th hole. Image by David Cannon/Getty Images
This year’s venue, Royal Portrush, brings back some brilliant memories. I was there in 2019, working with Matt Wallace during the week Shane Lowry went on to lift the Claret Jug. Matt was paired with Tiger Woods for the first two rounds, which — as you can imagine — was something pretty unforgettable to witness firsthand. You never quite forget the roar of a Tiger crowd, especially at an Open.
When it comes to Portrush itself, it’s a spectacular venue. It’s not just a great test of golf; it’s one of the most stunning places The Open visits. The design, the natural layout, the atmosphere — it all adds up to a very unique challenge. And like any Open venue, the real defences come from the course and the conditions working together. You’ve got the wind, the rough, the rain — and often all three in the space of a few holes.
There are several standout holes at Portrush. The 5th, for instance, runs along the coast and becomes a completely different beast in a crosswind. The 14th has a tough blind tee shot that requires real trust, and the 16th — a par 5 — has a well-protected green that can make or break momentum. What I love about this place is that no hole feels easy. Every shot asks a question, and every mistake can cost you. That’s the essence of The Open.
Royal Portrush. Image by David Cannon/Getty Images
In terms of preparation, I tend to leave the detailed course strategy to the player and their caddie — that’s their team dynamic. But I always walk the course in practice rounds to understand the layout and get a feel for where the real challenges lie. From a coaching perspective, it’s about preparing the player with the tools and confidence to adapt. If a player isn’t fully comfortable on a certain tee shot or with a particular shape in the wind, that’s where we come in — finding solutions, simplifying decision-making, and building belief in the plan.
One of the most overlooked aspects of links golf is patience. You can hit a perfect shot and end up in trouble, or get a lucky bounce from a poor one. That randomness is part of the charm, but it also requires a certain mindset. The ability to absorb frustration and stick to your game plan is often what separates the contenders from the rest. That’s something we talk about a lot during prep.
So as The Open draws near, there’s plenty of hard work still to be done — but also a real sense of excitement, it’s infectious! It’s a privilege to be part of that environment, and I’ll never take that for granted.
Liam James, professional golf coach based out of JA The Resort, Dubai, UAE.
Main image: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
This article was featured in the July 2025 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine
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