British Open Round 1: McIlroy Tames The Old Lady
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2 years ago, we almost had the spectacular story the British Open craved when Greg Norman came down the final stretch in contention, only to be foiled in the end by the excellence of Harrington. Last year, again we all but witnessed the most spectacular story of major golf when Tom Watson led the Open with a single hole to go, only to be denied by a bit of misfortune and an attack of nerves it has to be said. This year, after only one day of the 2010 British Open at St.Andrews, a potentially phenomenal story looks like it could play out before our very eyes.
21 Year old Irish sensation, Rory McIlroy tore into St.Andrews today with the ruthlessness that could only be expected from someone so young and unconcerned by reputations. Despite only being -1 after 8 holes, an eagle two at the ninth kick started his round and his back nine of -6 was simply magical as he signed for a major record equalling 63. It was strikingly similar to that of his performance in Quail Hollow a few months ago, which is something for the others to sleep on and shudder at the mere though of it being repeated so soon.
Despite this incredible start though, it is still early days at the 2010 British Open and there are 3 long rounds ahead for Rory, especially when he sees the array of talent right behind him. Louis Oosthuizen is only a shot further back on -7 while Bradley Dredge, John Daly, Peter Hanson, ANdrew Coltart, Steve Tiley and Marcel Siem are all on -6. Daly was particularly impressive and only for some misfortune on the greens, he could have easily equalled McIlroy’s 63. On four separate occasions over the final 6 holes, Daly hit puts from within 15 feet that looked sure to drop, only to slip by the edge. I am a huge fan of Daly for his cavalier style approach on the golf course. Should he lift the Claret Jug come Sunday, he will be one of the most popular winners among the fans. If only he had some sort of dress sense to match his golf talents!
Tiger Woods sits ominously at -5 after a solid opening round. He actually got it to -6 before a short missed putt on 17 cost him bogey. Overall, Tiger was swinging it okay but he still looks vulnerable to the occasional snap hook. Todays conditions were perfect so mistakes were minimal out there during the morning session. Should the adverse weather roll into St Andrews, I still fear Woods could struggle a little. Needless to say, he will be there or thereabouts come Sunday but with the talent around him, I don’t think he can afford any mistakes, something he is still prone to and this early stage of his comeback.
Notably joining Woods on -5 are Lucas Glover, Nick Watney and Lee Westwood. I don’t think there is anyone in the World of golf who would begrudge Westwood his first major this week, such is the effort he has put in over recent seasons. Not to mention the fact he is one of the best ball strikers in the game today. Whats more, my English mate Paul always backs Westwood in the majors….and I mean always….but in a text I received from him today, he told me he remained loyal to the other English boys but chose not to back Westwood this time around. My, how costly will that prove come Sunday.
All in all, it was a reasonably entertaining opening round to the 2010 Open. I will confess that I am one of these people who would like to see the wind and rain move in for a few days and watch the pro’s really earn their keep. Forget the 63’s and 64’s, I want to see them grinding it out for 71’s and 72’s. Makes them seem human as I watch from the comfort of the armchair!!!
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