Open Championship-test

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My first ever Open Championship! It's been so long since I went to see a proper golf tournament… the last I can recall being the '1986 Car Care International' in Leeds. Well obviously being a keen golfer I was excited at the prospect of seeing Tiger, Sergio, Ernie et al ripping that ball down the fairway. The excitement was tainted with some trepidation as I was concerned that what I was to witness would destroy my own ambitions of one day playing to scratch.

After the initial shock of the sheer number of people on a golf course, I had to learn the fine art of golf watching in the flesh. Key point being make sure your one step ahead of the crowd,  my priority was seeing those shots that I have trouble with myself, namely, long irons. As well as all the ripped drives possible. It was a shame Mr. Daly had made a mess of the 18th a couple of days earlier or I would have had the privilege to see him in action… oh well maybe next year!

But back onto the golf watching 101, drives – got to be behind the driver, get in position as they are finishing their putts on the previous hole. I figured putting isn't the most exciting spectator sport in the world so I was willing to miss the odd putt to be in position 'A' when the lads were driving.

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My worries were pretty unfounded on the driving front, I reckon I can drive it as far as most of the pro's on my day, the really impressive thing was the sheer accuracy of these guys. Obviously something I need to work on myself.

Back to the golf, we wandered out to see Tom Watson and the young Norwegion amateur, Marius Thorp, who only looked about 12, but was hitting the ball wonderfully. It was nice to see the wily veteran Watson using the same shaft on his metals as I have on my driver, and the old boy did us proud on the 15th by getting a birdie much to the delight of the crowd.

Tried, the grandstand for a while, but got itchy feet, so went in search of some big drives, eventually found a great spot on the 17th tee, which was a long par 4 into the wind so most of the pros were going with driver. Highlights were probably Ernies and Adam Scotts. Although Tigers driving iron trajectory was something to behold as well, something I can only dream about in the near future.  

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A great day was rounded off with a rather unusual sight, in the picture above you can see ex-open champion Mark Calcevecchia walking home carrying his own clubs! He was looking rather depressed so I didn't bother him, I believe he had a bad round 77, maybe 78 but it was a curious sight seeing this famous golfer lugging his huge bag back to wherever he was living for the week. He was with his wife who had been caddying for him all week, and she didn't look best pleased to be walking home. Poor lad.

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