Collin Morikawa to lead new four-hole challenge at the 150th Open Championship

Defending champion Collin Morikawa will take part in a star-studded four-hole challenge ahead of the 150th Open Championship at St Andrews.

Morikawa will be joined by the likes of five-time winner Tom Watson, women’s major champions, top amateurs and leading players with a disability in a 48-strong field competing over the first, second, 17th and 18th holes of the Old Course on Monday, July 11.

R&A chief executive Martin Slumbers said: ‘We are bringing together golf’s greatest names with current and future stars of the sport for a unique and very fitting exhibition over the Old Course.

Collin Morikawa will take part in afour-hole challenge ahead of the 150th Open Championship

‘They represent the past, present and future of this wonderful sport and reflect our purpose to ensure that golf is inclusive and accessible to everyone.

‘We are very much looking forward to welcoming fans from all over the world to St Andrews for The 150th Open and The R&A Celebration of Champions will be a real highlight in what already promises to be a very special week and a momentous occasion for sport.’

Morikawa, who won his second major title at Royal St George’s last year, added: ‘It’s going to be very special to come to St Andrews for The 150th Open as defending champion and it will be a real honour to play alongside legends of our game in The R&A Celebration of Champions.’

The R&A will also stage a ‘Celebration of Light’ with a light and sound projection show which will be beamed on to the clubhouse of The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews in late March.