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If it was drama you were looking for at the final round of this years British Open, you were most likely disappointed. Thats because South African Louis Oosthuizen strolled to a 7 shot victory in what seemed like one of the most comfortable British Open successes we have seen in a while. In fact probably not since Tiger Woods back here in 2005 have we witnessed such a procession. However, no one had it in the script that Oosthuizen could maintain such calmness and quality of playing for 3 days following on from his opening 64, except Louis himself of course.

The manner in which he won was simply sensational. If you are a golf purist, you have to admire the courage it takes lead a major from early Friday morning and maintain that lead until Sunday afternoon. When he three putted the opening hole on Saturday, there was a feeling that perhaps his slide had started. Oh how we couldn’t have been more wrong. On Sunday, as Casey fought hard and closed the gap to just 4 shots after a bogey from the South African on the 8th, you again thought perhaps now Louis would really feel the pressure and inevitably start coming back towards the rest of the field. Yet again, he dispelled such notions by driving the green on the 9th and rolling in the putt for an eagle two. A triple bogey on the 12th from Casey and it was all over. Perhaps not officially over until the fat lady sings but at this stage, the lungs were filled and she was ready to blast out the tune.

What followed for the remaining 6 holes was a lesson from Oosthuizen on how to close out a major. The game plan remained the same, he continued to swing with a freedom and each booming drive was greeted with a fairway. The crisp iron shots were finding their targets, the putting stroke was smooth and above all else, he remained perfectly calm and in control of his emotions.

It may have seemed like a one man show but there were other people out there who played and can be satisfied by the performances. Lee Westwood finished second at -9 in what was another strong showing from the Englishman (or will we call him British?) and surely it is only a matter of time before he wins a major. Of course, the longer he goes without winning one, the more doubt creeps into the mind and the task becomes that little bit harder…just ask Monty and Garcia!

Back in third place were Rory McIlroy, Paul Casey and Henrik Stenson. McIlroy in particular will look back on this week with mixed emotions. Having shot that fantastic opening 63 on Thursday, the manner in which he slumped to an 80 on Friday was disappointing. It was upsetting for me as an Irishman to watch because it was clear his head began to drop and instead of grinding out a 75, he was compounding his errors with further silly mistakes. It is something which McIlroy will reflect upon with regret but he is young and he is still learning his trade. To have gotten such an important lesson at such an early stage of his career is invaluable and he remains the greatest hope golf has of somehow matching at least some of Tiger Woods achievements in the game thus far.

For Woods, he will be encouraged by the fact his driving was much better. Calling me cynical but I think the fact he was aiming down fairways 100 yards wide and knowing there was little trouble down the left, made the task a little easier. Nevertheless, there were some improvements in the swing despite the fact he never really hit too many shots within “gimme” distance. True, not many players managed to do this all week but Woods isn’t just any other player. His putting too was disappointing which must be a concern. It is the one part of the game that technique goes out the window. You are either a good putter or you are not. For so long, Woods seemed to will balls into the hole. Will we ever see this Woods again? I wouldn’t rule it out but it certainly isn’t the case right now. For him to finish 13 shots behind the leader on a course that he really should be competing on will be a bit of a concern no doubt.

Today though was all about Louis. His routine par up the 72nd hole ensured he had written himself into the history books, following in the footsteps of his countrymen Bobby Locke, Gary Player and Ernie Els who have all won the Open Championship. It also occurred on the day South African legend Nelson Mandella celebrated his 92nd birthday…….perhaps it was simply meant to be! Our congratulations and respect go out to a most worthy champion.

Tags: British Open 2010 //