The first two days of the Open Championship have been terrific. I watched round two nearly three times yesterday. There are some very interesting stories, both good and bad.
The Bad
Amazing that several top 10 players have missed the cut. Graeme McDowell, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood and Matt Kuchar all went home early. Very surprising for me that the first three of that list missed the cut, being that they should have tons of experience at links golf, all from the UK. Kuchar wasn’t as big of a surprise, since his game is so “American.”
It was surprising also that FedEx Cup leading Nick Watney missed the cut as well as Padraig Harrington.
Too bad one of my favorite players Angel Cabrera didn’t make it either. Really like that guy.
The Good
Two aces in the first two days. One by Dustin Johnson (who made the cut and is playing fairly well) and the other by the ever amazing Tom Watson. If all four majors were links style, Watson would have racked up about 50 major championships. Watson has made the cut and also is in the clubhouse in round three with one of the lowest rounds of the day. Pretty damn good for 61 years old!
Surprisingly Phil Mickelson came into today only three shots back. Has he finally figured out links golf? The more I analyze Phil’s game, the more I think that perhaps it isn’t his “high ball style” which causes him problems. It is his errant driving and smooth putting stroke. The greens over there are much slower, and I think that gives Phil trouble.
I’m amazed that Darren Clarke managed to put himself in the lead after day two. How cool would it be if he could hold on and win? I have my doubts that he can last, but I’d love to see it.
Both Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler finished round two at even par, only four shots off the lead. They’re right there.
Weather On The Weekend
There are many players within striking distance coming into round three, as there were 30 players between even par and the leading number of -4. With the weather today turning to rain and more wind, anyone could come out of the pack and win this thing.
I’d love to chat more, but the DVR is working on today’s coverage and I’m off to play in my City Amateur. Wish me luck.
HOGWire – Golf Industry News
