Saint Andrews takes it turn in hosting The 150th or whatever they are on Open Championship (British Open to us U.S. Americans) on Thursday. Many classify Saint Andrews as “The Home of Golf.” I did not think growing up that the home of golf would be a place that is full of 40 mph cross-winds, dramatic temperature changes, and storms that develop without warning, but that is what golf historians tell me, so I will go with it. To me, golf is supposed to be played in nice, warm weather, with courses that do not look like they have been subject to 25 atomic bombs, but once a year, golf’s best gather overseas to decide who will win the third major golf championship of the year. So, here is a preview of things will transpire in this Open Championship.
-Some Euro will contend for The Open Championship on Sunday, not win, and we will never hear from him again.
Now, this happens at many majors, but it always seems like it happens at The Open Championship. Heck, even Europeans that win the Open (Paul Lawrie) are forgotten. Remember Lawrie? The guy who won the Open because Jean Van De Velde decided he did not want to? Considering most people who follow golf have probably already forgot the name of Gregory Havret (remember him? If not Google him), I do not have a doubt we will hear one name for the first and last time this weekend.
-Phil Mickelson will not win
OK, yeah, I know I said Phil Mickelson would not win The Masters, but at least now I have statistics to back this up. Mickelson has never done that well at The Open Championship. His best finish was 3rd in 2004 when he finished one shot back of Todd Hamilton and Ernie Els (Hamilton won in a playoff). His next best finish was a tie for 11th in 2000 and a tie for 19th in 2008. Last year Mickelson skipped the event to care for his wife, who was battling breast cancer (and still is); however, even if his wife Amy was healthy, I doubt he would have contended.
-Tiger Woods will contend
Tiger has done pretty well in majors this year and not so much else. However, he loves Saint Andrews and dominates the course. I cannot imagine not being in contention on Sunday. The one thing to watch out for is Tiger introducing a new putter for the first time. Most hardcore golf fans know that Tiger’s putting has slipped in recent years, which has prevented him from catching further up to Jack Nicklaus for most career majors.
-I (and a lot of people) will watch The Open Championship on Saturday or Sunday morning or both with a massive hangover.
I cannot really decide how I feel about morning sports events, but they suck if you are recovering for a hangover. I may have to end up DVR and starting from the beginning based on how blasted I get on Friday or Saturday night. Especially now since the city of Omaha has extended the bar time until 2a.m. and that goes into effect tomorrow. This is the one time of the year I wish I lived on the East Coast so I could get that extra hour of sleep.
-TV Cameras will have trouble picking up where the ball is.
Unless something changed from last year, ESPN will broadcast the event but they will not run the cameras. The BBC traditionally has done a poor job with their cameras and I do not expect to change this year. However, one thing you will be able to do is get up at 3a.m. to watch First-Round action. Now if only Augusta National would give us full TV coverage like that.
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