148th Open Championship

[Davis Love III]

Abraham Lincoln was campaigning to be American President. Florence Nightingale had just opened her Training School and Home for Nurses at King’s College London. Arthur Conan Doyle was a baby, and Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species was a sensation. The year was 1860. But quietly, there was another significant event taking place on the banks of the Firth of Clyde at Prestwick. Eight elite golfers gathered to identify the successor Champion Golfer to the late St Andrews professional Allan Robertson, who had been the undisputed player of his day. The Open Championship was born.

Throughout most of the subsequent 160 years – barring occasional international conflict and the one time they had no trophy to present – the championship has been an indelible part of the ancient game, evolving with the times, but retaining a reverence for those legendary names immortalised on the Claret Jug, that iconic symbol of excellence first awarded when the Open ventured east to the Old Course in 1873.

Musselburgh – then home to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers – completed that original rotation. And it wouldn’t be until the 1890s – reflecting the growing popularity of the sport in England – that the Open headed south of the border at Royal St. George’s. But not since 1977 – when Turnberry made its explosive debut in the dusty sunshine – have we seen a re-injection of freshness quite like that we are witnessing for the 148^th playing of golf’s original major.

For just a second time, the Claret Jug has crossed the Irish Sea. Royal Portrush is the magnificent stage for what is set to be a hugely atmospheric and charged event. For all intents and purposes, this is a new venue for the Open. Commemorating the triumph of Fred Daly at Hoylake in 1947, the R&A brought the championship to the Emerald Isle. England’s Max Faulkner made history by winning in County Antrim in 1951, but 68 long years have passed since the championship was held in Northern Ireland. Only Peter Alliss and Norman Drew remain of that 98 man field.

It’s been a tumultuous and unlikely journey. Like anything related to Northern Ireland, it has been a complicated one. But the extraordinary demand for tickets – this Open has been effectively sold out for months – and widely acclaimed Dunluce Links promises to make for an unforgettable week.

Rory McIlroy is the favourite – both in the local and literal sense – returning to a layout where he shot a remarkable 61 in 2005. He was just 16. It remains the most memorable round of his life. But despite enjoying one of the most consistent seasons of his professional career – including victories in the Players Championship and Canadian Open – he has disappointed in the majors of late. Winning the Open on home soil would be the pinnacle for the lad from Holywood.

Brooks Koepka is the antithesis of McIlroy – he possesses a stunning ability to raise his game for the most critical weeks while simultaneously disappearing in regular events – and is impossible to discount. The American – whose early forays into the paid ranks were in Europe – has either won or finished second in five of the last six major championships. His progression has been an instant teleportation into greatness. Etching his name on the Claret Jug would be a reaffirmation of that.

World number two Dustin Johnson is the archetypal modern golfer – athletic and powerful – but he has perhaps lacked the finesse at times on the seaside courses of the British Isles, his best result coming eight years ago at Sandwich, when Portrush resident Darren Clarke completed an emotional late breakthrough. Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, Justin Thomas and noted links aficionado, Rickie Fowler will be among the other Americans fancied here. Not to forget former winner Jordan Spieth – who has looked a somewhat vulnerable figure in competition, despite the occasional flash of his past brilliance. Matt Kuchar leads the tour in shattered public relations.

Twice winner of the Irish Open, Jon Rahm loves this part of the world – producing a masterclass at nearby Portstewart two years ago – and the Spaniard boasts the requisite tools to succeed, displaying both the imagination and skill set to become an Open champion. European hopes can also be pinned on a much-improved Henrik Stenson and the defending Francesco Molinari, who has lost somewhat of an edge since his loss at the Masters in April.

It has been 27 years since an Englishman won the Open – even the state of Iowa has claimed more Claret Jugs in that time – but there will be optimism that the likes of Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Eddie Pepperell could follow in the footsteps of Nick Faldo. The unfailingly intense Matt Wallace divides opinion – but he has recorded impressive finishes at both the PGA Championship and U.S. Open.

Tiger Woods’ stratospheric triumph at Augusta does seem a long time ago, with the 15-time major champion not building on those breathtaking scenes in the spring, playing a reduced schedule and producing little of note in the months since. But the ultimate strategist retains an affinity for the purest form of the game – as underlined by his performance 12 months ago at Carnoustie – and will expect to play well at Portrush.

The path back to Royal Portrush was a lengthy and bumpy one – it’s a success just being here – though it would be fitting if the ultimate destination on Sunday reflected the enormity of this occasion.

Someone will become Champion Golfer of the Year. But really - it’s forever.  From then to now and beyond. The Open Championship is timeless.

[lichtie23]

Oh Davis you wonderful b*****d. Great to see you back with a beaut of a preview. And I completely agree that the Open in indeed “Timeless”

[Guest Moomintroll]

4 hours ago, Davis Love III said:

Abraham Lincoln was campaigning to be American President. Florence Nightingale had just opened her Training School and Home for Nurses at King’s College London. Arthur Conan Doyle was a baby, and Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species was a sensation. The year was 1860. But quietly, there was another significant event taking place on the banks of the Firth of Clyde at Prestwick. Eight elite golfers gathered to identify the successor Champion Golfer to the late St Andrews professional Allan Robertson, who had been the undisputed player of his day. The Open Championship was born.

Throughout most of the subsequent 160 years – barring occasional international conflict and the one time they had no trophy to present – the championship has been an indelible part of the ancient game, evolving with the times, but retaining a reverence for those legendary names immortalised on the Claret Jug, that iconic symbol of excellence first awarded when the Open ventured east to the Old Course in 1873.

Musselburgh – then home to the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers – completed that original rotation. And it wouldn’t be until the 1890s – reflecting the growing popularity of the sport in England – that the Open headed south of the border at Royal St. George’s. But not since 1977 – when Turnberry made its explosive debut in the dusty sunshine – have we seen a re-injection of freshness quite like that we are witnessing for the 148^th playing of golf’s original major.

For just a second time, the Claret Jug has crossed the Irish Sea. Royal Portrush is the magnificent stage for what is set to be a hugely atmospheric and charged event. For all intents and purposes, this is a new venue for the Open. Commemorating the triumph of Fred Daly at Hoylake in 1947, the R&A brought the championship to the Emerald Isle. England’s Max Faulkner made history by winning in County Antrim in 1951, but 68 long years have passed since the championship was held in Northern Ireland. Only Peter Alliss and Norman Drew remain of that 98 man field.

It’s been a tumultuous and unlikely journey. Like anything related to Northern Ireland, it has been a complicated one. But the extraordinary demand for tickets – this Open has been effectively sold out for months – and widely acclaimed Dunluce Links promises to make for an unforgettable week.

Rory McIlroy is the favourite – both in the local and literal sense – returning to a layout where he shot a remarkable 61 in 2005. He was just 16. It remains the most memorable round of his life. But despite enjoying one of the most consistent seasons of his professional career – including victories in the Players Championship and Canadian Open – he has disappointed in the majors of late. Winning the Open on home soil would be the pinnacle for the lad from Holywood.

Brooks Koepka is the antithesis of McIlroy – he possesses a stunning ability to raise his game for the most critical weeks while simultaneously disappearing in regular events – and is impossible to discount. The American – whose early forays into the paid ranks were in Europe – has either won or finished second in five of the last six major championships. His progression has been an instant teleportation into greatness. Etching his name on the Claret Jug would be a reaffirmation of that.

World number two Dustin Johnson is the archetypal modern golfer – athletic and powerful – but he has perhaps lacked the finesse at times on the seaside courses of the British Isles, his best result coming eight years ago at Sandwich, when Portrush resident Darren Clarke completed an emotional late breakthrough. Xander Schauffele, Patrick Cantlay, Justin Thomas and noted links aficionado, Rickie Fowler will be among the other Americans fancied here. Not to forget former winner Jordan Spieth – who has looked a somewhat vulnerable figure in competition, despite the occasional flash of his past brilliance. Matt Kuchar leads the tour in shattered public relations.

Twice winner of the Irish Open, Jon Rahm loves this part of the world – producing a masterclass at nearby Portstewart two years ago – and the Spaniard boasts the requisite tools to succeed, displaying both the imagination and skill set to become an Open champion. European hopes can also be pinned on a much-improved Henrik Stenson and the defending Francesco Molinari, who has lost somewhat of an edge since his loss at the Masters in April.

It has been 27 years since an Englishman won the Open – even the state of Iowa has claimed more Claret Jugs in that time – but there will be optimism that the likes of Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood and Eddie Pepperell could follow in the footsteps of Nick Faldo. The unfailingly intense Matt Wallace divides opinion – but he has recorded impressive finishes at both the PGA Championship and U.S. Open.

Tiger Woods’ stratospheric triumph at Augusta does seem a long time ago, with the 15-time major champion not building on those breathtaking scenes in the spring, playing a reduced schedule and producing little of note in the months since. But the ultimate strategist retains an affinity for the purest form of the game – as underlined by his performance 12 months ago at Carnoustie – and will expect to play well at Portrush.

The path back to Royal Portrush was a lengthy and bumpy one – it’s a success just being here – though it would be fitting if the ultimate destination on Sunday reflected the enormity of this occasion.

Someone will become Champion Golfer of the Year. But really - it’s forever.  From then to now and beyond. The Open Championship is timeless.

Excellent preview as always DL3 & good to see you back. My money is on Jon Rahm but keeping a very close eye on the weather over the first two rounds as at the moment a favourable pair of tee times could come into play.

[Jacksgranda]

5 hours ago, Davis Love III said:

 

 

For just a second time, the Claret Jug has crossed the Irish Sea. Royal Portrush is the magnificent stage for what is set to be a hugely atmospheric and charged event. For all intents and purposes, this is a new venue for the Open. Commemorating the triumph of Fred Daly at Hoylake in 1947, the R&A brought the championship to the Emerald Isle. England’s Max Faulkner made history by winning in County Antrim in 1951, but 68 long years have passed since the championship was held in Northern Ireland. Only Peter Alliss and Norman Drew remain of that 98 man field.

It’s been a tumultuous and unlikely journey. Like anything related to Northern Ireland, it has been a complicated one. But the extraordinary demand for tickets – this Open has been effectively sold out for months – and widely acclaimed Dunluce Links promises to make for an unforgettable week.

Rory McIlroy is the favourite – both in the local and literal sense – returning to a layout where he shot a remarkable 61 in 2005. He was just 16. It remains the most memorable round of his life. But despite enjoying one of the most consistent seasons of his professional career – including victories in the Players Championship and Canadian Open – he has disappointed in the majors of late. Winning the Open on home soil would be the pinnacle for the lad from Holywood.

 

 

 

Even the practice rounds are sold out, which is apparently unprecedented. Just heard a former boss of mine being interviewed on Radio Ulster, he's a steward. Getting saturation coverage over here - much to the annoyance of curmudgeons, phoning in complaining about the coverage. Me? I'm not interested tbh, but I certainly don't object to the coverage, it's a massive event for Northern Ireland, it will only be here now and again, I'm not particularly interested in tennis or motor racing either, but I don't phone in complaining about the exposure for those sports.

Some folk just like girning, I suppose.

Edited July 16, 2019 by Jacksgranda
sllepnig

[peasy23]

Excellent preview as always DL3 & good to see you back. My money is on Jon Rahm but keeping a very close eye on the weather over the first two rounds as at the moment a favourable pair of tee times could come into play.

Forecast at the moment is for a fairly steady breeze all day on Thursday, bit less on Friday morning but picking up again in the afternoon.

[TheScarf]

Big Brooksey K to win yet another major on his way to becoming the GOAT IMO.

[lichtie23]

I think this is Rory’s week. Il put a few quid on Lowry as well

[Guest Moomintroll]

31 minutes ago, peasy23 said:

1 hour ago, Moomintroll said:

Excellent preview as always DL3 & good to see you back. My money is on Jon Rahm but keeping a very close eye on the weather over the first two rounds as at the moment a favourable pair of tee times could come into play.

Forecast at the moment is for a fairly steady breeze all day on Thursday, bit less on Friday morning but picking up again in the afternoon.

A lot of rain about which can result in some squally, gusty periods. I Wonder if the remnants of Storm Barry could make it over by the weekend or if it will fizzle out in the U.S. If you get some luck teeing off in the calm periods then it can make all the difference on moving day.

[KnightswoodBear]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!

[doulikefish]

Fowler and Kuchar for me

[Mark Connolly]

Thinking about a pound or so on GMac in the top 10

[Distant Doonhamer]

Brilliant preview DL111 

Decent hole by hole guide on BBC with descriptions from the head pro at Royal Portrush. Link below.

Hole by hole guide

[peasy23]

Nice of the R&A to finally get the mobile app updated 2 days before the tourney starts.

[peasy23]

Just watching last year's best of the openzone from Carnoustie, and the first thing that strikes you is how brown Carnoustie was this time last year, compared to how green Portrush looks.

[Benjamin_Nevis]

7 hours ago, peasy23 said:

Just watching last year's best of the openzone from Carnoustie, and the first thing that strikes you is how brown Carnoustie was this time last year, compared to how green Portrush looks.

Last summer in Angus felt like a non-stop heatwave. It only rained about twice in June 

[lichtie23]

The worst thing about the Open build up?

Graeme McDowells fucking accent in all the preview/Open Films episodes that are on

[peasy23]

The worst thing about the Open build up?

 

Graeme McDowells fucking accent in all the preview/Open Films episodes that are on

 

Just wait til you watch the The Road to Open at Royal Portrush documentary on iPlayer and hear how his name should be pronounced, or at least how James Nesbitt pronounces it. Mind blown.

 

[lichtie23]

 
Just wait til you watch the The Road to Open at Royal Portrush documentary on iPlayer and hear how his name should be pronounced, or at least how James Nesbitt pronounces it. Mind blown.
 

f**k! Iv got that downloaded for this afternoon before I fire off to the Arbroath game in Stirling.

[lichtie23]

Just watched the 2012 Open Film. I forgot how bad Adam Scott blew winning the Open. Catastrophic stuff over the final 3 holes

[peasy23]

Just watched the 2012 Open Film. I forgot how bad Adam Scott blew winning the Open. Catastrophic stuff over the final 3 holes

 

 

Watched a few in the last couple of days like that. Azinger finished 6-5 to hand Faldo a win, while David Graham and Bernhard Langer both hit 75s in the final round when Sandy Lyle won.

 

Had also completely forgot that Craig Parry was leading at Carnoustie in 99 with a handful of holes left. He didn't even get as far as the 18th before his card was shredded.