TEE ROOM

DOUBLE TAKE BROTHERS DON’T adjust your screens if you start seeing double when following Nicolai Hojgaard. His twin brother Rasmus is here for support. The 17-year-old Danes walked the course together this week to get two pairs of eyes on the challenge ahead. LANGER BOUNCING BACK

BERNHARD LANGER thinks the parched fairways give the elder statesmen a genuine chance. The 60-year-old (right) said: ‘There will be less drivers because it’s really bouncy. There is a lot more strategy involved. If I play well I could be in contention.’

WILL REALITY BITE?

THERE are said to be seven simulators in the Carnoustie Golf Hotel, with players queuing up to take a swing. Carnoustie is the most popular course, with the virtual reality machines enabling players to play in different

weather conditions.

IT’S A RUSH FOR PORTRUSH SPIETH’S NO-SHOW

JORDAN SPIETH was navigating the course and autographhunters yesterday. Asked for his signature as he made his way around the front nine, the Texan said he would put pen to paper on the 18th. But he dipped out before the 10th. Naughty.

BUBBA GETS THE BOOT LYLE TO KICK THINGS OFF

SANDY LYLE will play the first stroke of this Championship at 6.35am because at 60 he may be making his last Open appearance. His exemption as a former winner ends next year and getting through qualifying will be tough. Times have changed since his 1985 victory earned him £65,000. This year’s winner will get £1.42million.