More than half the field could win Open at Carnoustie, says McIlroy

FILE PHOTO: Jul 18, 2018; Carnoustie, Angus, SCT; Rory McIlroy talks to the media after his practice round for The Open Championship golf tournament at Carnoustie Golf Links. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

CARNOUSTIE, Scotland (Reuters) - More than half of the 156-man field have a realistic chance of winning the British Open, Rory McIlroy said on Wednesday as players prepared for probably the firmest major championship conditions in a generation.

An invariably compelling championship, the only major played outside the United States has taken on added intrigue after a dry summer that has left the links course parched and brown, the watered greens providing a stark contrast to the remainder of the layout.