The Open

Wow, it was closer than I realised. A 4 shot cushion ought to be enough to keep it in the hands of Europe (famous last words).

Mention of Adam Scott reminds me it must be 10 years since his collapse that handed the Claret Jug to Ernie Els.

(17-07-2022 13:32 )Doddle Wrote:  Wow, it was closer than I realised. A 4 shot cushion ought to be enough to keep it in the hands of Europe (famous last words).

Mention of Adam Scott reminds me it must be 10 years since his collapse that handed the Claret Jug to Ernie Els.

You are right Doddle. It is exactly ten years (to the final day of the open). I was in hospital for an op at the time. Couldn't believe that Scott had collapsed like he did!

4 Shots with the way the course is playing (too easy for me) is really nothing, except that you would expect Rory and/or Hovland to go well under the card again today! I think I heard P McGinley say it may take -20 to win. I reckon it might have to be even lower than that - if the winner is to come from the afore mention duo. Maybe someone from the chasing pack??, but they will need some help!

Maybe I am a lone voice in this regard, but it is sad in a way, to see the 'old girl' at St Andrews be tamed in this way! Links golf is the best golf, but unless the weather intervenes, such courses have little defence.

I hope (in vain i guess) that the comms will dial back the hyperbole exaggeration and bs just a bit!!

(17-07-2022 13:41 )hornball Wrote:  

(17-07-2022 13:32 )Doddle Wrote:  Mention of Adam Scott reminds me it must be 10 years since his collapse that handed the Claret Jug to Ernie Els.

You are right Doddle. It is exactly ten years (to the final day of the open). I was in hospital for an op at the time. Couldn't believe that Scott had collapsed like he did!

Oh dear, that's a nasty way to have to remember
I recall watching and Nick Faldo commented something to the effect that Scott had blown it and Els would win. He said this with 4 holes left. It seemed ludicrous.

Think it was also 10 years since Els' previous win, hence making it easier to remember.

& wouldn't you know, a different Aussie came out on top this time - there's your angle. Well done, cobber; bad luck, Rory, but a great effort over the tournament.

Hoylake tomorrow. McIlroy, Rahm and Rose have been put together for Days 1 & 2:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/golf/66233437

Tommy Fleetwood among the joint leaders as Day 1 putts to a close.

Christo Lamprecht may have been co-leader after the 1st round but he soon bumped to earth when he was 8 over for the 2nd round. He made the cut by 1 shot.

The prospect of some relative unknown being massively ahead of the field reminds me of course of the classic antics in 1999 at Carnoustie. Though I doubt this will play out as that did. Tommy Fleetwood still being 2nd (and thus in the last group) is to his credit.

Nah, Harman got it done, becoming one of the endless number of random Americans who win the Open and then do bog all else of interest (cf. Tod Hamilton, Mark Calcavecchia, Justin Leonard, etc)

Justin Rose has qualified for the Open, but Sergio Garcia has missed out.