How will history view the 137th Open Championship?
Probably not on the same level as some previous famous editions, but that would be unfortunate.
Tiger's brilliant victory at the 2000 Open, where he became the youngest man to win the career slam by avoiding every one of St. Andrews' 112 bunkers, is the stuff of legend. So is the Duel in the Sun, the 1977 tussle at Turnberry between Nicklaus and Watson. There are dozens more. Of course, in a sporting event that has run for almost a century and a half, the odds are that you are bound to have some gems, along with some stinkers. (Last year's finale at Carnoustie could be nominated for the latter.)
The 2008 version, contrary to the widespread hand-wringing prior to the event, had delicious drama and luscious story lines. It will be recalled as the one where an enigmatic, snake-bit golfer with aging marquee-idol looks almost had the last laugh on a game that owes him more than one. But in the end it was Padraig Harrington who came through in the clutch, becoming the 16th repeat winner of the Claret Jug, and perhaps the most unlikely defender since Bob Ferguson in 1882. (I should know. I was there.)
As it has been since 1860, when a hardy band of golfers flailed three times around Prestwick's 12 holes in the first Open, the weather and the course were, shall we say, topics of daily conversation and debate.
But before anyone jumps to the conclusion that either factor makes this best of all tournaments unfair, remember that the locals have been playing under those very same conditions for centuries. And loving it. There is no question that Royal Birkdale or any other links course is no pushover. As Peter Dawson, head of the R&A, said after being queried about the winds, rain, and course setup, "That's links golf ... a tough day at the seaside." As golf in its purest form should be.
We should also look at this Open and its 136 forerunners (well, maybe not Carnoustie in 1999) as an indictment of the dumbing down of professional golf by the masters of homogenization at the PGA Tour. By ensuring that, week in and week out, the green speeds, bunker sand, fairway height, rough and every other variable is as close to identical as humanly possible, they have turned pro golf into something resembling lawn bowling. Shame.
I watched the final round of this major in the clubhouse of my golf club, where I love to listen to the kibitzing of my friends. Actually, I should leave my voice recorder going, as I am sure condensing their insights and barbs would make for better reading than my usual contribution.
"I hope Harrington wins," said one yesterday morning, "but I wish he would quit sticking his front teeth out every time he hits a drive or makes a put. I swear, he looks like Secretariat coming down the back stretch."
Horses for courses, they say, and also that majors are won on the back nine on Sunday. Harrington was a stud yesterday in defending his crown, and the 250-yard 5-wood he carved into the par-5 17th for eagle was one of the best shots I've ever seen any player make under pressure.
Any player. Including the guy who wasn't here and who, in my opinion, would have shot a million in that wind, even with two good knees.
But now it's over, and the only consolation is that I get to go to Glen Abbey, one of my favourite courses, and cover the RBC Canadian Open in person. Although heavy rainstorms unfortunately caused the cancellation of all pre-tournament activities today, including the pro-am, the forecast is excellent for the week and the new RCGA under Scott Simmons has a terrific lineup of activities planned. I'll be blogging and broadcasting (with colleague Gerry Dobson) starting Wednesday.
And, before you blow off the Canadian Open for who's not there, rather than who is there (much the same way a lot of people discounted this year's British), the field is solid. It includes two-time defending champ Jim Furyk, Anthony Kim, Retief Goosen, Camilo Villegas, Fred Couples and Mark Calcavecchia. The 14 Canadians are led by Mike Weir and Stephen Ames, as usual. For the complete list and other details on the tournament, check in with the Royal Canadian Golf Association.