One factor that could catapult the Open to a new place in the affections of English fans would be the emergence of a new homegrown star. More than a decade has passed since Nick Faldo regularly dominated the leader board. The three victories by Tiger Woods have been greeted with warm approval, but when lesser-known players like Todd Hamilton and Ben Curtis carry off the Claret Jug, interest tends to wane.

None of this detracts from the Open’s status for golf lovers, who take great pride in the fact that the best players in the world feel obliged to leave the United States to play, thanks to Arnold Palmer, who elevated the Open’s stature in the early ’60s.

Indeed, it’s hard to think of any other event that involves such an exodus of American competitors to Europe as the Open. As a regular attendee of all these events, I am delighted that most spectators at the Open are there to watch golf rather than entertain clients or show off their clothes. Although I’ve never played tennis on Wimbledon’s hallowed turf or walked out to bat at Lord’s, I have played the Open courses, which are accessible to visitors. I don’t believe any other international sporting competition offers that opportunity. Long may it continue.

Tim Yeo is a member of both the R&A and Parliament.