Before I get started I have to say a big congratulations to Darren Clarke -a worthy winner whose shot-making taking into account the wind and rain was very impressive, and was unmatched by his peers. Certainly his background playing on the links in Northern Ireland was a massive factor in Darren's victory as he seemed to take the changeable conditions in his stride.
I could go on and do an in depth analysis of the tournament, but I won't. What I will say, is that I love The Open - it is my favourite Major, simply because it tests aspects of the pros' game which no other tournament in the world comes even close to testing. Have you the mental strength to accept that good shots may get an uneven, unlucky bounce? Good drives ending up in the rough? Good approaches rolling through the green? Can you play shots below the 30mph wind? Can you land your ball off the green so it rolls up to the hole at the back of the green? Can you cope with the on and off rain? Putting on and taking off your rain gear? Keeping your equipment as dry as possible?
I love it - possibly because it reminds me of what we amateurs encounter on a golf course on a rainy day - a regular occurrence in good old England. Me and my mates' drives end up in the rough, OUR approaches roll off the green, WE can't play shots in the wind, WE can't play on hard greens and WE have difficulty keeping dry and maintaining concentration in the rain.
The Open (when the wind is blowing and the rain falling) puts the professionals through the crap that we - mere weekend players - go through, and it is enjoyable to watch. Certainly more enjoyable that the 'been there before, seen it before' of the Masters at Augusta, and the PGA Championship which generally allows generous 'below par' scores. I would say only the set-up of the US Open is a comparison to the Open - and Rory McIlroy battered Congressional in June with a -16 total.
Speaking of McIlroy, did anyone catch the BBC interview with him just after his final round today? I cannot say that I am impressed. Rory claimed that he didn't like The Open when the wind was blowing and the rain falling, and then he stated that he wouldn't seek to change his game to facilitate an improved performance in future Opens, as they (the players) 'only play links golf once a year'. Firstly, let me acknowledge that Rory had a frustrating Open Championship, including dropping a penalty shot today after the wind moved his ball on the green after he grounded his putter at address, but the mere notion that Rory would like The Open better if there was no wind or rain, shows that there is no acknowledgement from him of what make The Open, The Open. Secondly I suggest Rory study his compatriot Darren Clarke's play over the 4 days and realise that they is nothing better than a links masterclass. I would suggest that Rory take some time out and do some work on his game at links courses as surely this would make him a better all round player.
Now don't get me wrong, as it was me that bigged Rory up after tearing up Congressional just 4 weeks ago. He played like a trojan and I saw plenty more majors in this young man. After his interview today however, perhaps he won't win a major on the British shores, which would be a shame. Perhaps his game is better suited to the 'target golf' of America.
So I've congratulated Darren Clarke, and reprimanded Rory McIlroy - who else deserves a mention from this weekend?
Tom Lewis - A brilliant first round and won the silver medal as top amateur. And he's from Welwyn Garden City, which isn't too far away from where I live
Tom Watson - showing age is nothing but a number when it comes to links golf - his experience worked wonders at Royal St Georges
Phil Mickleson - his front nine on the final day put him into contention, before he faded away on the back nine
Dustin Johnson - booming drives and steady play, before a shanked 2nd out of bounds on the back nine end his chances
Rickie Fowler - played all four rounds in the worst weather and showed an amazing variety of shots. His putter went cold on the last day, but we saw a future Open winner this week
The wind and the rain - without it, the course would have got battered. Without it, The Open isn't The Open.
Jim Nantz - smoothest commentator I've heard on the BBC - nice cameo performance
Sergio Garcia - he showed enough this weekend, combined with the last few months to suggest he's back and has a major in him. Certainly we saw a lot more smiles from him this weekend.
So what's next? The PGA Championship is at Atlanta Athletic Club and commences on 11th August 2011. I haven't studied the course but certainly I'll be looking at the odds of McIlroy, Johnson, Fowler and Garcia.
Who are you going to back?
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