Why I love the British Open

I love everything about The Open Championship -- its history, its rota of links golf courses, its charming towns, its knowledgeable golf fans, and, yes, even or especially the unpredictable weather. Here are my five favorite things about The Open:

1. The links style golf courses are beautiful and steeped in tradition. They are all in front of you, and not "tricked up" or "Tiger proofed." Hoylake is almost all brown. The R&A doesn't feel obliged to add furrowed rakes in the bunkers. The course is what it is. If someone shoots -20 this week, it won't matter.

2. The golf courses are all public courses; anyone can play them. We thought Bethpage Black was special in hosting the U.S. Open because it was public -- well, the entire Open rota is open to the public. Royal Liverpool info is here. Men can wear shorts, but have to wear "knee-high long socks."

3. BBC commentator Peter Alliss and the man who introduces the players on No. 1, Ivor Robson. Need I say more?

4. Nasty pot bunkers.

5. The weather. I do enjoy watching at least one round of high winds or bad weather.