THE OPEN / Our favourite photos from the practice rounds

We’re just a few hours away from the first ball being hit at the 147th Open Championship at Carnoustie.

The players have had plenty of time to get themselves acquainted with what is not only the toughest golf course on the Open rotation but will most likely be the driest, hardest one they’ve seen for many years.

Here are some of our favourite photos from across the first two or three days of practice. Let the real stuff begin.