Will it be a French revelation?
In just a few days’ time, the mighty and the unknown will gather at Carnoustie in Scotland for the 147th Open Championship which takes place from 19th to 22nd July. Some will be in search of their first Major title, indeed their first tournament victory which may lead them to fame and fortune, while others will be looking to add yet another title to their collection.
Defending Champion from America, Jordan Spieth is all set for the challenge. With or without his A- game, the young Texan is sure to delight the fans with his attacking style of play. It will be a long time before we forget his thrilling comeback on Sunday at Royal Birkdale last year when he snatched his second Open Championship title.
Carnoustie is known as one of the toughest links courses in the world. It’s bound to bring out the best, and the worst, in the world’s best players, especially this year after such a long, dry summer.
Past Champions at Carnoustie during the seven occasions that The Open has been held there include Scotsman Paul Lawrie (1999) and American Tom Watson (1975). Watson won that year after a tense 18-hole play-off. But, wait a moment, I hear you say … Paul Lawrie, 1999? Wasn’t that the year Jean van de Velde had it in the bag but ended up taking his socks and shoes off to play out of the water on the final hole? Yes, that’s right. The Frenchman had led by three on the 72nd hole when an inexplicable course management decision saw his ball plunge into the ‘Barry Burn’. He made a triple bogey 7 and then lost to Paul Lawrie in a play-off with Justin Leonard. It was possibly one of the biggest dramas in modern golf.
My feeling is that a Frenchman is going to do very well at Carnoustie this year. It’s Ryder Cup year and as every lover of golf knows, this year’s biannual spectacle will be held in Paris for the first time in September. Europe is already hyped-up for the occasion. And the French would love nothing more than to be well-represented in the European team. Perhaps Scotland will inspire a Frenchman or two again next week …
Play begins on Thursday, 19th July. For your daily dose of the Open Championship at Carnoustie, right-up until the final putt on Sunday, 22nd July, check out the R&A’s official website: The Open.
Enjoy the thrill of The Open!
Wendy Hoad
PICTURED: Jordan Spieth battling against the storm on his way to victory in the 2017 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.