When you shoot 63, as Northern Ireland’s Rory McIlroy, 21, did today in the opening round of The Open Championship at St. Andrews, experts trip over themselves waxing about your potential. Everyone was quite happy to point out that McIlroy shot three times his age. But, be forewarned Rory, golf is more fickle than any other sport. The stark reminder comes when looking at the first-round Open Championship leaderboard. Two-time major champion John Daly shot an opening-round 66. Great for John. And Ian Baker-Finch, the 1991 Open Champion, is nowhere to be found. That’s because he’s not in the field. And that’s one of the saddest stories in golf. (more…)
On July 15, 2010, In Golf, By Big Mouth
On July 14, 2010, In Golf, By Big Mouth

Stewart Cink cradles claret jug as the 2009 Open Champion. It's a moment he will never, ever forget.
Tomorrow, before most North Americans are out of bed, The Open Championship begins at the home of golf – St. Andrews Golf Links in Scotland. It is the 150th anniversary of golf’s oldest – and best – tournament. In 1860 (before Canada was even a country), The Open Championship was first contested at Prestwick, on Scotland’s west coast. Willie Park Sr. walked away with the Challenge Belt. Last year, Stewart Cink became the open champion by vanquishing ageless Tom Watson in a playoff. Here are five reasons why The Open Championship is the greatest event in the game. (more…)