Coming (back) to America

U.S. Open champion Rory McIlroy is “leaning towards” taking up PGA Tour membership again next year. What’s that sound you hear? Champagne bottles uncorking from PGA Tour headquarters in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida! Heck, the media room is buzzing with excitement from the news.  (continue reading…)

Despite the unpredictable weather and hassle of international travel and finding unconventional accommodations, I’ve quickly grown to love the British Open. In fact, it’s my favorite week of the year (maybe with the exception of Hawaii). It’s not the easiest to cover, but it’s the experience that makes it so special. There’s the history and tradition, along with the intrigue of links golf. Oh, and I can’t forget Pimm’s! (continue reading…)

Americans falter at the Open on Sunday

Dustin Johnson was in striking distance once again in the final round of a major championship. Playing in the last group at the British Open with eventual champion Darren Clarke, Johnson survived the daunting tee shot on the par-5 14th and safely reached the fairway. When he pulled his two-iron from the bag, he was two strokes off the lead. It was critical for Johnson to give himself an opportunity for birdie or possibly eagle. (continue reading…)

When Irish eyes are smiling...

Congrats to Darren Clarke for capturing the Claret Jug by two shots over Americans Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson.  (continue reading…)

Give me some sun, please!

Rory McIlroy didn’t have his best at Royal St. George’s. He struggled a bit in the bad weather over the weekend. While he wasn’t out of the hunt completely going into Sunday, he wasn’t in striking position. It simply wasn’t Rory’s week. He finished in a ho-hum tie for 25th. Which in the grand scheme of things really isn’t so terrible.

Amazingly, McIlroy admitted he doesn’t like playing in bad weather. (continue reading…)

Surge cut short

Sergio Garcia kicked off the final round of the Open Championship with four birdies in the first seven holes at Royal St. George’s, making an early charge that was stifled by a double-bogey on the 8th. (continue reading…)

The British love them some golf!

Quote of the day comes from Paul Lawrie, who teed off early on Saturday and bore the brunt of the terrible conditions: “I said to the crowd at the 15th, there was about 40 or 50 walking around, ‘You’re just mental. Just mental.’ I just don’t understand that at all. I’m getting paid. I’ve got to be there, but it’s part of the game.” (continue reading…)

Bad weather isn't stopping fans from coming to the Open

As expected, high winds and heavy rain have battered Royal St. George’s, along with fans, players and the several members of the media. Not surprisingly, the few players who have finished shot over par.

Gary Woodland was off to a fantastic start, but conditions worsened as his round progressed. Woodland was playing some mighty impressive golf until he reached the 14th, where the cross wind was so strong that he aimed roughly 50 yards left of the fairway, but a bad swing put him out of bounds. (continue reading…)

Aw, the kids! Rory and Rickie are playing together again tomorrow!

Only seven strokes separate the leaders and the guys who made the cut on the number. Which is absolutely insane and should result in a compelling weekend! The tournament is up for grabs, especially with the bad weather coming in tomorrow. Depending on the conditions, I still think the winning score will be around level par. Hey, we’re getting the Open that we didn’t get at Congressional last month! (continue reading…)

Barnes before his back-nine meltdown

Interesting article in the Wall Street Journal on Ricky Barnes’ performance in majors. Barnes, who officially found out he was in the field two hours before his tee time, averages better finishes on the grand stage: (continue reading…)