The (British) Open

Call it what you will. The Open, British Open, whatever takes your fancy. Personally, I like the Open because it really is just that. The most ‘open’ tournament in the world... or at least it feels that way. History shows it throws up random champions once in a while, Todd Hamilton and Ben Curtis coming to mind. It also has a habit of turning back time. 59-year-old Tom Watson came a bounce away at Turnberry in 2009 from adding to his tally of five Claret Jugs, while the year prior Greg Norman wound back the clock leading everyone for 54 holes at Royal Birkdale.

That 2008 Open was a brutal test. Rain and wind swept the northwest coast of England and Royal Birkdale showed all its teeth. Irishman Padraig Harrington was victorious at three over par for 72 holes, a Sunday back nine 32 lifting him to his second Claret Jug in as many years. I shot 75-74 (+9) the first two days squeezing into the weekend by making the cut right on the number. 74-72 followed for a T32 finish but it was an enjoyable week, nonetheless. The Open has always been my favourite tournament after I played my first one at St Andrews in 2000. Walking up the final hole with the massive grandstands and giant yellow scoreboards overseeing everything is one of the most exhilarating feelings in golf.

I never got to play this year’s venue, Royal Portrush, but from what I saw of Shane Lowry’s win there six years ago, it checks all the boxes of a true Open test. Local hero Rory McIlroy will be desperate to avenge his missed cut last time. An opening drive out of bounds had him on the back foot from the start. Much water has flowed under the bridge since, and after an emotional win at Augusta in April, wouldn’t it be special if he bookended his year with major titles. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler will have something to say though coming in as the hot betting favourite. He’ll want to prove he can win at this style of golf too, T7 last year at Royal Troon his best effort to date in four Open attempts.

Lowry’s obviously a sentimental favourite, but no one would begrudge his runner up in 2019, Tommy Fleetwood, from lifting the Claret Jug. His near miss at the Travellers Championship a few weeks ago shows he’s in form, however his inability to close on the big stage in recent years may loom large if in contention. Tyrell Hatton and Jon Rahm are two from LIV Golf I’d pay close attention to. Hatton had chances at Oakmont while Rahm was right there at the PGA. Both are fiery characters, love the battle, and adept at this style of play having won before on links courses. Hatton's a 3-time winner at the Dunhill Links, Rahm twice the Irish Open champion.

In any case our TV will be on all evening (and most of the early mornings) here in Melbourne next week to see who will be crowned the 'Champion Golfer of the Year'.

Cheers,

Nick