ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – There are a lot of things one can learn spending the day – and the evening – in this ancient seaside village.
Three of the four seasons can come for a visit. Hearing the sounds of golf spikes hitting concrete throughout the city puts a smile on your face. If you can’t find a suitable pub or restaurant, you’re in the wrong city.
And the Old Course in the middle of the Auld Grey Toun is a never-ending puzzle that has stood the test of time and continues to baffle the best players in the world. This week in the 150th Open Championship is just the latest example proving that.
Here are some things to consider heading into Sunday’s final round in the chase for the Claret Jug.
BRITISH OPEN: Scores
Rory McIlroy is king
The former Boy Wonder from Holywood, Northern Ireland, is the undisputed fan favorite among the massive galleries rimming the Old Course. From children to seniors, the encouraging chants follow him from the practice ground and then around all 18 holes of St. Andrews. When he holed out from a pot bunker from 30 yards for eagle on the 12th in the third round, the roars could be heard far out into the North Sea.
The spectators understand McIlroy hasn’t added to his collection of four major triumphs for eight years now. They understand he was clearly the best player in the world in 2015 but he was denied a chance to prove it in The Open at St. Andrews when he wrecked his ankle playing futbol and couldn’t play.
They understand he is a thoughtful, likeable, approachable player who deserves their loudest approval. And they see he’s tied for the lead with the final round to go, sharing it with Viktor Hovland, one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet but will be the “nice” villain on Sunday.
The Road Hole will be Sunday’s biggest hazard
Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy plays his ball from close to the wall on the 17th hole during his third round on day 3 of The 150th British Open Golf Championship on The Old Course at St Andrews in Scotland on July 16, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
The tee shot has to go over a hotel, a deep bunker pot greenside must be avoided and by all means do not go over the thin green or you will have to tangle with a road and a brick wall. Other than that, the par-4, 495-yard 17th is a piece of cake. Joking aside, the hole – as it was in 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015 when The Open was held on the…
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