The 146th Open Championship gets underway today at Royal Birkdale in Liverpool as Henrik Stenson looks to defend his title.The eyes of the world will be on the Southport course as the planets best golfers tussle it out for one of the grandest prizes in golf.Such is the excitement surrounding this year's Open, that even the practice sessions drew in decent crowds.Of course, it helps when you have Kevin Na stepping up to the tee.The American was the toast of the town after the Wednesday practice session, draining a perfect hole in one on the 14th.The world number 70 struck an absolute gem and knew it too, saying "oohh baby" just seconds after it left the club.The ball then pitched on the green and arrowed straight into the bottom of the cup as if it was being drawn in by some unseen force.An ecstatic Na was then mobbed by his playing partners James Hahn and Tony Finau, who could not believe how sweetly Na had hit it. There were hugs and high fives a plenty as the trio made their way down the fairway and Na retrieved his ball from the hole.

Local fans will be hoping for a British challenge this year, but will remember that, after nine occasions, a Brit has never won The Open at Royal Birkdale.

Rory McIlroy, who is ranked fourth in the world has had a difficult year, hampered by back and rib injuries and does not look to be in good enough form to challenge.

Perhaps Britains best hope comes in the shape of Tommy Fleetwood, who has soared up the ranks from 188th in September last year, to 14th ahead of the Open.

Fleetwood lived only minutes away from Royal Birkdale growing up and knows the course like the back of his hand.