July 17th, 2011

Darren Clarke became one of the most popular Open champions in recent history today with a fine performance at Royal St George’s in Kent.

All week he has dealt with everything thrown at him, from blistering sunshine to driving rain, and as the most consistent golfer over the course of four rounds, Clarke is a thoroughly deserving winner.  His final round of 70 followed two rounds of 68 and a 69, which is remarkable scoring in such variable conditions.

A great sense of anticipation hung over Royal St George’s as spectators looked forward to the leaders teeing off, and people were cautious about predicting the winner.  “I’d love Darren Clarke to win it, but I don’t want to jinx it” said one visitor to the Bollinger tent, and I believe she spoke for many.

July 17th, 2011

Where the sun shone just a few hours previously, the heavens opened at Royal St George’s for the third day of The Open.

Those players teeing off early were faced with strong winds and driving rain that made low scoring almost impossible.  When we saw Rory McIlory and Ricky Fowler at the par-three 6th hole, the wind was in their face and the rain was falling sideways.

The players that set off later enjoyed more favourable conditions, and by the time leader Darren Clarke holed out at the 18th, the sun was shining brightly.

July 15th, 2011

The sun shone brightly over Royal St George’s today as the second round of the 140th Open Championship took place.

The field was very much open at the start of the day, with nobody streaking ahead, and by the end of the day it was largely the same situation on the scoreboard.  The weekend is set up beautifully without  a clear candidate to lift the Claret Jug on Sunday, and with the weather set to turn tomorrow, there is bound to be drama ahead.

July 14th, 2011

The Open Championship got underway today at Royal St George’s in Sandwich, with the eyes of the world on one man: Rory McIlroy.

Since winning his first major at the US Open last month, McIlroy has been elevated to stardom, and was undoubtedly the main draw amongst the thronging crowd in Kent. Supporters were bustling to get close to him as he approached the first tee, and the weight of expectation on the young man’s shoulders didn’t appear to affect the serene 21-year-old. He was the talk of the town, and there was almost a sense that he was the only player in the field.

July 13th, 2011

The oldest of the four golf ‘majors’ gets underway this week at Royal St George’s in Kent, with another field of players hoping to add their name to the history books.

The Open is an event steeped in tradition, with hundreds of tales of drama and sporting brilliance since the first event in October 1860 at Prestwick Golf Club in Ayrshire. Willie Park beat the other seven competitors in that event and walked away with the £10 prize money.

This year, there will be 156 players competing for a £5 million prize fund, which indicates just how far the tournament has come. The global popularity has soared thanks to legendary players such as Walter Hagen, Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson, the late, great Seve Ballesteros, the global superstar Tiger Woods, and latterly the prodigious talent of Rory McIlroy.

July 12th, 2011

For those unfamiliar with the course at Royal St George’s, we have provided an interactive map of the links. Simply hover your mouse over the holes to find out more.
We would be delighted to hear your views, more information about the course or thoughts on your favourite golf courses.