Liam James, Dubai-based coach

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 was built around last week’s Genesis Scottish Open and The Open.

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.

RELATED: Here’s every player in the field (so far) at Royal Portrush

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.

Royal Portrush. Image by David Cannon/Getty Images

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.

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.

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This article was featured in the July 2025 issue of Golf Digest Middle East. Click here for a digital issue of the full magazine

The post Preparation Portrush: Inside a coach’s build-up to The Open Championship appeared first on Golf Digest Middle East.

This month, all eyes turn to Royal Portrush as we build up to the 153rd Open Championship. From Xander Schauffele’s stunning victory 12 months ago at Royal Troon to Tommy Fleetwood’s unfinished business on Northern Irish soil in 2019, this is your ultimate preview of golf’s oldest major.

We go inside the ropes with Dubai-based coach Liam James, who shares his unique preparation for this year’s championship. We also explore why Portrush stands apart as one of the most distinctive tests in the Open rota. Plus, Edoardo Molinari returns with a breakdown of the key skills needed to lift the Claret Jug.

Elsewhere, we shine a light on the ISPS HANDA Senior Open at Sunningdale, and catch up with Amy Boulden as she explains why the AIG Women’s Open is a milestone moment for both women’s and Welsh golf.

And if you’re thinking about your own game, don’t miss our look at how club-fitting, led by eGolf Megastore, is giving amateurs across the GCC a serious edge.

All this and plenty more in the July 2025 edition of Golf Digest Middle East.

The issue is again free to our loyal audience. You can scroll through the ISSUU link provided here or download it to your favourite device for later. Alternatively, pick up a copy at your favourite golf club. Whatever option you take, we hope you enjoy the read.

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This week is a busy one, but in many ways, it’s a typical week. Seeing all the players again after a break is always enjoyable. The planning, however, is time-consuming. There’s the technical coaching side, of course, but I also like to craft small practice plans for each player based on the challenges the course may present. Stats reports and caddie feedback help shape these plans, and I review them over a coffee before practice begins.

I also spend a lot of time on the course, observing how the players prepare. It’s not just about watching them hit balls – I like to see how they approach the day’s work and review everything afterward. It’s a full schedule, but the excitement and buzz around a Rolex Series event like this make it a fun and rewarding week.

Liam James and Jason Scrivener

This week, I’m working with seven players: Marcus Armitage, Jorge Campillo, Richard Mansell, Thorbjørn Olesen, Jason Scrivener, Johannes Veerman and Fabrizio Zanotti.

I see this week in two ways. On one hand, it’s an incredible opportunity. As a Rolex Series event, there are plenty of points on offer, and it’s a great chance for the players to start the year on a strong note. On the other hand, in our team, we do our best to downplay the significance of any single event. We don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on the players. It’s simply another week in the season mentally.

We’ve had a good offseason, and now it’s about building on that momentum. This week is a continuation of the work we’ve done, and it’s a great opportunity to gauge where the players’ games are after the break.

Coaching at this level requires flexibility. While we try to split the time fairly, each player has different needs, so it’s not always a perfectly balanced schedule. Before the event, each player had a clear plan in place, but sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned.

I’ll schedule time with each player, but the focus can vary. Some might want me to check the basics, while others are working through more performance-related challenges. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach here – it’s tailored to what each player needs at that moment.

Each player has a specific focus based on their game and the challenges of the course. Here’s a breakdown of what each is working on:

Marcus Armitage: Improving his hip movement through the ball and testing new equipment for the year.

Jorge Campillo: Focused on improving his wedge play this offseason.

Richard Mansell: Working on launching the ball higher, using better pivot mechanics and a more effective use of the ground.

Thorbjørn Olesen: Working on technical changes, particularly how he rotates his body in the backswing.

Jason Scrivener: Concentrating on his iron play and overall ball control.

Johannes Veerman: Continuing work on his swing, especially on the line the club moves away from the ball, and keeping his head more centered in the backswing. He’s also made some putting changes with his coach, Jon Karlsson.

Fabrizio Zanotti: Focused on improving balance throughout his swing.

Depending on the player’s needs, some guys like to have me there during their warm-up, while others prefer to keep things more independent. I try not to get too technical before a tournament round. The warm-up should be just that – a chance to get loose and prepare mentally.

During their round, I’ll walk a few holes with the players and watch how they handle the course. We’ll then debrief about it after, discussing what went well and where they can improve.

Liam James and Marcus Armitage

For recovery, we’ll do a quick warm-down, often focusing on the drills they started the week with. Some players also skip hitting balls after the round to maximise rest and recovery – after all, it’s a long week!

Technology plays a huge role in modern coaching. Devices like TrackMan and FlightScope provide invaluable feedback, especially when preparing for an event. They give us precise data on club performance and help ensure that players’ equipment is in optimal condition. Knowing how far the ball is flying and how the clubs are performing week-to-week is essential.

But technology also allows us to engage players with performance-based challenges, which makes practice more task-oriented and fun. That said, it’s all about balance. Technology is a powerful tool, but the goal is always to keep the focus on what will help the players perform at their best.

Having a solid relationship with the players is crucial. They need to know that everything I say is for their benefit and aimed at making them better at the game. We foster a fun yet constructive environment, and that really helps bring out the best in all of us.

I’m always myself with the players, but I do adapt my coaching style to suit each individual. Some players like a lot of feedback, while others prefer a more simplified message. It’s not always about what you say, but when you say it – timing is key.

Main Image: Harry Grimshaw

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