THE world’s top golfers flew into Manston airport on Sunday and Monday ahead of this week’s 132nd Open at Sandwich.

They included the world number one player Tiger Wood, his closest challenger South African Ernie Els, golf’s enduring superstar Greg Norman, Sergio Garcia and Mark Omeara.

Tony Knight, airport business development manager, said on Monday: “There has been a steady flow of executive jets bringing the golfing superstars into Manston in the last few days and we are expecting more in the run up to the competition."

The four-day championship begins at Royal St George’s Golf Club on Thursday with organisers predicting a total attendance of more than 150,000 spectators.