Can Padraig Harrington Three-peat?
Can Padraig Harrington win his third consecutive British Open title? Is Sergio Garcia poised to earn his first major title? Will Greg Norman or Colin Montgomerie come from yesterday for one more hurrah? These storylines and more begin playing out tomorrow when the 138th British Open tees off at Turnberry’s Ailsa Course.
Located on the west coast of Scotland which almost guarantees windy conditions, the 7,204 yard par 70 course will host its fourth British Open, the first was held in 1977 and the most recent fifteen years ago.
There have been a few changes to the course for this year’s event which includes four par threes and two par fives. New tees will be introduced at holes 3, 5, 7, 8, 14, and 18, extending the course to the aforementioned 7204 yards, which is 247 yards or 3.5% longer than the British Open of 1994.
Like most links courses in England, bunkers play a pivotal role. For this year’s event, 23 bunkers have been added on holes 1, 3, 5, 8, 14 and 18, with two removed at the 3rd and 14th, making players think more about their course management strategy. Though many Open Championship courses have over 100 bunkers, Turnberry still only has 65, which is really a testament to the natural test that the landscape provides.
Besides bunkers and tee changes, the biggest overall change to a specific hole has been to the 10th which has been redesigned to bring the coastline into play and now requires at least a 200-yard carry over the rocks from a tee perched on an outcrop by the lighthouse. The fairway has been moved closer to the beach to tempt longer players to cut off more of the corner. Of course bunkers will play a role here too as three new fairway bunkers force a decision to be made between a safer tee-shot with a longer approach or a riskier, braver and more aggressive drive.
Another key change has been to the 16th. Now, instead of being a 410-yard more or less straight hole, one faces a 455-yard dogleg right around newly constructed dunes and hollows, making the burn in front of the green much more of a challenge. All of the changes have been designed to emphasize more precise shot-making.
So who does the course favor and outside the aforementioned, what players are likely to make a serious run at the Claret Jug?
Certainly Tiger Woods has got to be there, but interestingly this is the first time since 2004 that he does not hold any of the major titles. Some veterans that may surprise are two former British Open champions. David Duval had a tremendous result in returning to competitive golf at the recent U.S. Open at Bethpage hitting fairways and greens with familiar regularity and John Daly, coming off his suspension, dare I say, looks hungry and has the driving skills and iron game for this course. The course also sets up well for lefty Mike Weir. Speaking of lefties, Mr. Mickelson will skip this event to be with his cancer-stricken wife. Among the leading Englishman likely to contend is Paul Casey whose strength of driving accuracy and the confidence that comes from having won several events earlier this year certainly makes him a strong candidate.
| Thursday-Friday | 4am – 4pm | TNT |
| Saturday | 4am – 6am | TNT |
| Saturday | 6am – 11:30am | ABC |
| Sunday | 3 am – 5am | TNT |
| Sunday | 5 am – 10:30am | ABC |
British Open Champions at Turnberry
| Tom Watson | 1977 |
| Greg Norman | 1986 |
| Nick Price | 1994 |
I’m thinking this would be a good time for Ernie Els to turn it all around.
We’ll see how Woods plays on an unfamiliar course. Should be a good test.
I dont think Padraig wins his third straight Open but I do think one has to look out for a good result from another past champion- Ernie Els.
I agree with Lawrence and Ken, Els has had a decent season, is flying under the radar now and knows how to play these link courses and knows what it takes to win a major.
I see Tiger getting back into the majors winning circle here even though he has not played this course. I also feel John Daly will surprise with a good result here as well.
Don’t count out Greg Norman, he continues to play well in the British Open.
No old timers will beat Tiger Woods this weekend.
Talk about old names, who would have thought Tom Watson would roll a 65 and lead the first round!
Watson would be great so see duel on Sunday with Tiger.
Don’t count Tiger out.
Tiger off to a slow start, but not familiar with the course he’ll adjust quickly and become a factor.
Boy old champ Greg Norman bombed today. Can Watson stay in it with a shaky putter? I hope so. What a story that would be.
Retief Goosen rolls a 70 today. He’s flying under the radar and looking good at the turn.
Tiger must turn it around on the back nine or he will miss the cut for only his 2nd major as a pro
Tiger in trouble at a major? that is rare.
Forget Tiger’s woes, the story is Tom Watson! A 59 year-old banging against the youngsters and vying for the lead.
Can you believe it! Deja Vu all over, yes it is only halfway through but Tom Watson leading the British Open.
my gosh who would’ve thougth Tiger out and Watson leading?
Watson looking good in the third round while others give back strokes, he leads by 2 near the turn. shades of ’77?
Can history repeat itself? Watson knows the course, he knows how to finish- I hope his putter does not fail him today.
No one is talking about Retief Goosen. He has a major title under his belt. I think he is someone to look for in this final round.
Lee Westwood will win it today!
Wow, leaving it uncharacteristically short on his final putt in regulation, Watson sure gave it a great run nevertheless. What a fun tournament to watch. Even John Daly did himself proud..and loud with those pants.
The Brits were right up there, but Cink certainly deserved the win though a guy almost 60 winning a major would’ve been monumental.
Hey as good as Watson was, let’s give ALOT of credit to Stewart Cink. He finished with a flurry and certainly earned the title.
Jerry is right, so much coverage went into Watson’s great effort, but Cink played even better.