People of the British Open (Part Two)

Here are more People of the British Open…Part Two.

Cheers from the United Kingdom.

More specifically from Scotland in Turnberry at the site of this week's British Open.

Here are some of the nice people on the grounds I met during practice rounds.

I found the people I met very interesting and enjoyed our little conversations and the chance to get to know them.

Here are 15 more pictures direct from the British Open to you.

Father & Son II

Another father and son act enjoying the Open together. Father Jim Stalker on the left, son Tom on the right. I first noticed this trend at the U.S. Open which of course ends of Father's Day. Maybe Sunday is Father's Day in the UK?

When I told them I was staying in a nearby town called Maybole the father said that "the last cannibal in Scotland was traced back to Maybole." I am not sure if the story is true or they just want to keep the English out?

Lady Marshals with the Polis

Coincidentally the next folks I met where these four lady marshals from where else- the Maybole Golf course Ladies Association. They were going for a "wee" cup of tea on their break.

First though they had a little "blether" (chat) with the "Polis" (police). They were allegedly golfers with the names from left to right of Lyn, Mary, Ruth and Stella.

Sam Coulter of Maybole

The lady marshals from Maybole pointed out this young man of 87 years to me. His name is Sam Coulter and he is president of the Maybole Golf Club. He started junior golf in Maybole in 1965.

Mom with Baby Backpack

What's odd in this picture? Mom is the one with the heavy baby backpack.

A family Affair

This is the White family. When I pointed out my concern with the mother shouldering the burden here the older gentle man replied "yeah she carries the baby three miles and then he carries for one mile." The guy was the father of the baby's father.

Good thing his mother in law wasn't around?

The Future of Scottish Golf

Here are five kids in the junior golf program at the Poltpatrick Golf Club, which is located about 45 miles south of Turnberry.

A Technicality

Not a person but an interesting sign nonetheless. No alcohol on the stands. My interpretation would be its okay to have alcohol IN the stands, just don't spill it on the stands. Probably not what the R&A intended though.

Turnberry Member Ready to Play in the Open

Harold Dykes in the scooter came ready to play with his golf clubs in tow. He lives across the street and has been a member at Turnberry for the last 45 years. Interestingly, his birthday is Oct. 15 (same as this author's) and he is 90 years young. Nice gig if you can get it.

His friend William is also a member. He commented that at the member's summer tournament a few weeks ago on Turnberry's Alisa course where the Open is being played about 160 golfers lost about 480 golf balls.

They have been fertilizing and watering the rough too, so even the pros better bring an extra sleeve of golf balls.

Coca-Cola Couple

This is the Coca-Cola Couple that told me (or at least she did) that they are not a couple. She seems to be sitting a little left of center if you ask me.

Bus Stop Jackie and Des

Here are my friends from the bus stop. Jackie is from Boston and went up to St. Andrews for a tour of the Old Course while it was closed on Sunday. Des is from Dublin, Ireland and a friend of Damien McGrane, who is playing in the Open this year.

It's Nice to Be Nice

Speaking of bus stops, this guy Jim McCullogh from Maybole stopped and offered me a ride to the golf course this morning as I waited for the bus to come. Not only that, he had a great parking pass near the TV Compound. His motto is life is "it's nice to be nice." I agree- he is my new friend that I owe a Guinness!

Hi Secuity

Here are my friends Jackie and Ray Flack. They are the security force that guards the entrance to the TV Compound. Don't let the friendly appearance fool you they are tough cops! They work 24X7 and have motor home (not called RV in the UK) onsite. No getting by these folks without the proper credentials.

High Standards

Okay here is something the USGA does not have at the US Open as far as I know—an onsite Equipment Standards Office. This is Dr. Steve Otto the Director of Research and Testing for the R&A.

He has a PhD in Mathematics and prior NASA aerodynamics work experience so equipment manufacturers and players can't sneak anything by this guy. New groove standards starting Jan. 1, 2010.

Special Olive Shafted Putters

The man holding the putter is entrepreneur Rafael Lozano from Granada, Spain. The shafts of his unique putters are made with the wood from olive trees. He makes two identical special putters for each player in the hopes that they will autograph one for his collection and accept the other as a gift.

The ones he made for Tiger Woods has the logo and year won of all his Major victories. So far he has not been able to deal with Tiger but has with Padraig Harrington, Sergio Garcia, Kenny Perry, and Geoff Ogilvy.

His son Emilio is on the right while the two guys on the left are his hosts at Turnberry.

John Daly and New Girlfriend Anna Cladakis

Oh and last but not least a picture of John Daly and his new girlfriend Anna Cladakis on the first tee Sunday. She seems really nice. It is good to see John back playing golf in Memphis. Nothing but the best for John Daly. Maybe he will find the magic this week at Turnberry?