major drama
What more could you ask for? This year, we’ve had 3 engrossing major tournaments. Yesterday’s final round of the British Open was golf at its best. Phil Mickelson made a mini-run, but may have made a tactical mistake in playing it safe (but who could blame him after he’s suffered so much grief for not playing it safe). Ernie Els made a major run, almost birdieing the last 3 holes. His par on the 14th from off the middle of the gourse tree was one of the most incredible pars ever! (Ironically, Dave Pelz had a clip the night before on the Golf Channel, showing how to hit that shot.)
And then there’s 38 year-old Todd Hamilton, a journeyman with much game who beat Ernie Els in a playoff. Todd calls his style of play “ugly golf.” But there was nothing ugly about his play on Sunday. It may be time for everyone to buy a utility rescue club, as Todd Hamilton showed it’s a really good chipper (which I thought was illegal at one point).
The Open also had another memorable feature: Nick Faldo’s commentary. That guy is hilarious. And he was right about the playoff, contrary to Ian Baker Finch’s strong sentiments: Ernie did not have a “huge advantage.” If anything, I thought Ernie had much more pressure on him as the favorite. Todd Hamilton had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Faldo was right. ABC should hire that guy.
