In another attempt by Europeans to remind us that the world does not revolve around Americans, what we have always called the British Open is now the Open Championship.
This has actually always been the official name of the event, it has only been emphasized in recent years. From the time Old Tom Morris' only real competition was his son Young Tom Morris until today, it has been open to the world.
Interestingly, the PGA Tour websites and publications still refer to it as the British Open. I'll spare you the rest of the "tweed knickers growing mold in the locker room while sheep grazed the fairways" history of the event.
Today, it has indisputably become one the top three golf events worldwide, and in my eyes it's No. 1. There are several reasons why it's challenge and appeal surpass the U.S. Open and even the Masters.
First, it is the oldest of all the professional events still being held. History may mean nothing to you, but tell that to Jean Van De Veld while he collapses on the final hole attempting to become the first Frenchman to win the Open.
Yes, of course the other events also have a storied history, adding pressure to every shot. But this event goes back to when Ben Hogan's parents were just four twinkles in their parents' eyes.
Second, local qualifiers have to play courses named Gog Gagog or Berwick upon Tweed (Goswick) to earn a spot. Many of them are still laughing at end of the first round.
Even the Open Championship itself is usually played at a course designed more in the spirit of a sheep ranch than the sterilized faux-finishes of Walt Disney World (as is the inspiration of many American golf courses).
Conditions look like they are closer to the local muni-course that 99 percent of average golfers play on Saturday morning. Unlike Augusta National, there will be some patches of yellow and brown turf on television.
This is a charming tradition that the Royal and Ancient feels strongly about and the USGA has recently attempted to emulate. This year it is back to Royal Birkdale, the most Americanized course in the Open Championship rotation, where Americans have dominated the event. Palmer, Trevino, Miller, Watson and O'Meara have all won here.
To continue my list without numbering, the inherent risk of inclement weather is always an extra dash of dill weed on the haggis, so to speak (I have no idea what dill weed or haggis is, they are just fun to say). Inclement weather has been one of the great tests for players at the Open Championship. That and the horrible food gives European players an additional advantage that they rarely capitalize on.
Generally the Untied States golf governing bodies work very hard to schedule around such inconveniences. Tiger with pit stains or a goofy golf sweater just kills ratings. Of course, Great Britain only has one forecast...overcast, dank, musty, can't wear enough layers to block the wind, cold with a chance of almost anything.
The Open Championship also has a great field of players, not the strongest field, but an entertaining one. Many of these chaps have a pint at the turn and are arrested by a bobby Friday night for disorderly conduct if they miss the cut.
Even David Duval, the former No. 1 player in the world and last best hope to compete with Tiger Woods will be playing this week. It is probably the only exemption he still gets. My money is on a couple of 82s. Also, Davis Love III, Matt Kuchar and Rich Beem had to pass a Michigan qualifier to get in.
The real news is who may not play. Besides Tiger Woods being out to knee surgery, the list includes: Jesper Parnevik, Jose Maria Olazabal, Darren Clarke, and Paul McGinley who all failed to qualify.
The list of participants is not final yet. They still have this week to either win an event or a spot may open because John Daly can't avoid a divorce proceeding or the longshot hope that David Duval slips in the shower while polishing his old Claret Jug.
So set your DVR to record all 60 hours of potential coverage next weekend July 17-20 starting at 1:00 a.m. on the west coast, and don't forget change the closed captioning language translation on your TV to either "Uppity Intellectual English" or "Shakespearean Drunk."
Otherwise, you might miss the underhanded compliments and jealousy-bred insults directed at American fans that are inevitably enmeshed in a post-round, pre-pub chat with Colin Montgomerie.
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3 months ago
As much as I like everything America, I think the Open Championship IS the best golf tournament year after year. This years US Open will be hard to beat and 9 out of 10 golf fans will not watch because of Tigers absence but every time I watch I feel like this is what golf was meant to be.
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