Abundant Story Lines as Golf’s Oldest Championship Hits Milestone
The eyes of the golf world are set squarely on St. Andrews this week for the 150th Open Championship. The storylines are abundant, and one of which, that we have been forced to endure at nauseum in recent months, I’ll stay away from. I would prefer to focus on the golf as the games oldest and most revered championship takes place at the home of golf.
Rory posed for another Major?
Whether you are on #TeamRory or not, its hard to argue that he is likely among the favorites coming into The Open. Will this be the week that four-time major champ McIlroy finally ends his lengthy majorless drought that dates back to 2014? Many oddsmakers see him as the favorite this week. Rory has two wins in the 2021-22 season, The CJ Cup back in October, and more recently at the RBC Canadian Open. He has a 2nd at the Masters, 8th at the PGA and a T5 at the US Open. The number 2 player in the world seems to be poised for a great week…could it be Claret Jug great? We shall soon see…
A Red Hot Xander Schauffele…
The hottest player coming into the Open Championship is Xander Schauffele. With back-to-back wins at the Travelers Championship and Genesis Scottish Open (and actually 3 wins if you count the JP McManus Pro-Am.), Xander is red hot. Despite a MC at Augusta, Schauffele has had some respectable finishes at the PGA (T13) and US Open (T14). Beyond that, he knows how to win big events…take the Olympics for example.
A Host of other Contenders…
All of the following I will put on my “Can make a strong case” list for being the potential Champion Golfer of the Year… Jordan Spieth, Jon Rahm, Matt Fitzpatrick, Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Cameron Smith, and Will Zalatoris. None of these would surprise me at all as the person lifting the Claret Jug come Sunday.
Big Cat is Back…
As my plans going forward are to provide content here on eSouthernGOLF, haters will have to suck it up…I am a huge Tiger fan. The GOAT will be making his return this week, and although I will be watching every possible stroke I can, and cheering him on, I have no delusions of grandeur…he wont win. However, he may just be in the mix come Sunday. Heading into 2022, when a return was likely, this week was earmarked as the best shot, he had all year…and that was the thought before he made the cut at both Augusta and Southern Hills. Taking the US Open off was a necessity, and hopefully, these past few weeks have been fruitful in his journey to getting stronger, and more tournament ready. I predict we will see him on Sunday and perhaps with something in the top 25.
Little Linksters Majors Challenge Pool…Open Championship Edition!
Since this year’s Masters back in April, The Little Linksters Association for Junior Golf Development, a 501c3 youth golf nonprofit based in Central Florida, has been partnering with Majors Challenge, to host fundraiser Major Championship pools.
With the field now set for this year’s Open Championship, would like to invite you to take part! Go to the following link: www.majorschallenge.com/club/littlelinksters to get set up and pick your team when you are ready! But don’t miss out! You need to get your team in by 2:00 a.m. eastern on Thursday July 14th. A minimum $10 donation gets you into the fun!
The link above is where you go to get registered and brush up on the rules of the pool.
At this past May’s PGA Championship, Little Linksters started a season-long contest in addition to the individual events. During a full year, Little Linksters, in partnership with Majors Challenge, will run the following events…
· The PLAYERS Championship
· The Masters
· The PGA Championship
· U.S. Open
· The Open
· The TOUR Championship
This year’s CUP, yearlong contest, will consist of the PGA, US Open, Open Championship, and TOUR Championship.
