The Open

Once a year I love watching the Open. We in the United States call it the British Open. I lost a lot of sleep from July 17th – 20th. I set the alarm on Thursday and Friday for 4:00 a.m. and on Saturday and Sunday the alarm rang at 6:00 a.m. I know there were other golf fanatics that did the same thing while others streamed it on Peacock, NBC, or the Golf Channel. I even subscribed to Peacock so I could watch the early rounds.

This year the Open was held in Northern Ireland at Royal Portrush. It is the only course outside of Scotland and England to host the Open. The Open courses are so different than the typical courses in the United States. They differ in course type, playing conditions and overall atmosphere.
• Course type – the traditional links courses are coastal, sandy terrains, gorse bushes, with undulating fairways and greens. Moat links courses have many “pot bunkers.” Water doesn’t come into play that often.
• Playing conditions – windy conditions can change several times during the round with rain coming in and out during play.
• Overall atmosphere – the crowds are closer to the players and very loud.

The Open, which started in 1860, has a strong sense of history and tradition being the oldest Major golf tournament. It is usually played on links courses in Scotland and England. It is the only Major held outside the United States.

The winner is named “The Champion Golfer of the Year” and receives the Claret Jug. In 1922, Walter Hagen was the first American – born winner.

The biggest difference I saw this year was in the shot making. Players needed to “flight the ball” down. Many drives had an apex of 50 feet. They did this so the shots wouldn’t be impacted by the wind. Unlike the courses in the United States which are played more in the air, The Open is played more on the ground.

My favorite Open Course is St. Andrews and it is generally played there every five years. The Open tournament will be held again at St. Andrews in 2027.

Many previous champions will choose St. Andrews as their final Open tournament. It has become a tradition to come down the fairway on hole #18 and pose on the Swilken Bridge. When I visited St. Andrews, I had to take pictures on the bridge.

Dr. Jean Harris is an LPGA Master Professional and teaches at local golf courses.