While catching the Tuesday press conferences from the world’s #1 and #2 I heard a few comments worthy of noting. First, the common theme this golf course is an absolute titan, where par feels like a 63 and one sleeve of balls is a very good day at the office. During the later half of phi’s press conference he commented that this golf course was going to be won/lost between 7-10, so the inward three and leading hole out. Most are thinking, how can that be with dramatic 18th, the putting (green on 9) and the church pews either set but notoriously the stretch that grabs even soft draws off three and four. Let’s take a closer look at these 4 holes and understand why the tournament will in fact be won/lost right here.
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The pre shot outing is an aspect of the game I am a very firm believer in, however there have been times in my own play where I will not go through mine. Our group is being pushed by those behind us, I get the idea in my head that I can clear that corner and get home in two, im hungry/tired or “whatever.” No matter the circumstance, this lapse in mental toughness has lead to many wayward shots, mishits and bad decisions
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While folding laundry and putting, yes it is possible I turned on the TV to settle into my Sunday afternoon ritual, watching Sunday rounds of the weeks PGA tournament. I was unsure of the airtime this past week and tuned into CBS to find out, much to my surprise a very intriguing show had just begun. My interest was peaked and I sat down to watch PGA tour’s “Science of Golf.”
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Say what you will... the course was too short, the grass was too brown, the winds didn't come up and fairways were like cement, sounds like links golf to me. The Open Championship is as unpredictable as they come and the names engraved on the bands of the Claret Jug is all the evidence one needs, amidst the games finest are names like Paul Lawrie and Todd Hamilton of recent years. The courses on the Open circuit usually have three major defenses: pot bunkers, undulating fairways/greens and ever-changing swirling winds. This years contest only displayed two of the three until the final day of the tournament. For much of Thursday, Friday and into the weekend the winds were not existent and the lack of rain in the area had hardened the course enough for players to gain 30+ yards of roll. All things accounted for, scoring conditions were perfect for world's finest golfers and those who qualified.
Everyone has their "own golf tips and most want to demonstrate the "right" way to you while on the course usually about the third tee. After watching you do it all wrong on the first two holes, he feels compelled. So as opposed to messing with you swing on the course I am going to give you a couple of tips that have helped my game tremendously, and whether you're a 3 or 24 handicapper they always apply.
I absolutely love the game. There's no place I'd rather be than on a golf course. I can play the worst round in my life, yet when I stand on the tee of the 18th hole and look out at the lushness of a well maintained fairway I feel an inner peace I get no where else in the world.
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