Golfers and spectators in Hoylake for practice round of The Open

Golfers from across the world are getting ready as the 151st Open Championship kicks off tomorrow (Thursday, July 20).

Players have been taking part in a practice round at the Royal Liverpool today (Wednesday, July 19) with spectators lending their support.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, who won the last of his four majors at Hoylake in 2014, was captured on the chipping green during today's practice round.

Rory McIlroy (Image: PA)

Young fans have also been spotted holding out replica 18th hole flags.

The flag were being pointed towards Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy (Image: PA)

Retired professional golfer Sir Nick Faldo MBE was signing autographs for spectators at the Hoylake golf course.

Sir Nick Faldo signing autographs (Image: PA)

42-year-old English golfer, Justin Rose, who finished fourth place at the 1998 Open Championship as an amateur, was also captured during the practice round in Hoylake today.

Justin Rose (Image: PA)

Lots of spectators watched during the practice round ahead of tomorrow's tournament.

Spectators at The Open (Image: PA)

Rory McIlroy, England's Tommy Fleetwood and England's Tyrrell Hatton wait at the 10th tee.

Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton (Image: PA)

This shot shows a general view of the 17th during todays' practice round.

Shot from the 17th at The Open (Image: PA)

Australia's Cameron Smith, who is the competitions reigning champion and South Africa's Christo Lamprecht were shot on the 10th fairway.

Australia's Cameron Smith (right) and South Africa's Christo Lamprecht (Image: PA)

Hong Kong's Taichi Kho tees off the 3rd during the practice round.

Hong Kong's Taichi Kho (Image: PA)

Dozens of police officers were present making their way around the course today.

Officers at the tournament (Image: PA)

England's Marco Penge tees off the 6th during today's practice round.

Marco Penge (Image: PA)