Thought for the Day
Go to heaven for the climate, hell for the company
Best major of the year? Not quite
The 2024 Open Championship at Royal Troon came close to being a classic but fell just short. With so many fine golfers within a few strokes of the lead on the last day, and a capricious wind exposing the course as somewhere you would normally try to avoid, it had all the hallmarks of greatness.
And so it proved over the front nine on the last day, as several of the world’s best jockeyed for position and, as the round wore on and the wind softened, demonstrated that there were pars and birdies to be made. It offered a pleasant change, for the competitors at least, who for 54 holes had been running up scores they usually only visit during nightmares or the delirium of fever.
So tough were the conditions that many big-profile players missed the cut. Tyrell Hatton, a personal favourite, even carried his bag for a couple of holes ¬- an act of self-flagellation he felt he earned because he was playing so badly. He was joined on an early flight home by Keagan Bradley, Will Zalatoris, Tommy Fleetwood, Bryson DeChambeau, Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland, Tony Finau and, of course, Rory McIlroy. I didn’t mention Tiger Woods because only the man himself and the criminally insane believed he had even the slimmest of chances to be around for the weekend.
Oh Rory. Where to begin analysing an 11-over par total, consisting of rounds of 78-75, in which he struggled with every part of his game. Perhaps it is better to simply consign this one to the history books and allow him the reassuring thought that it is now eight months until the Masters, when he will be forced to confront his major demons yet again.
I say that this Open Championship was not quite a classic because once Xander Shauffele rolled in his birdie putt on the 14th to give himself a two-stroke cushion over the field, it was done and dusted. He demonstrated once again that of all the tools a champion golfer needs, an equable temperament is possibly the most important. No matter what rate his pulse may be at, or how many thoughts are potentially screaming for attention in his brain, his outward demeanour is that of a Zen master contemplating nirvana.
In truth, I don’t think he does get flustered or anxious because he has mastered his craft to such an extent that he knows he can do it when the chips are down and the stakes the highest – demonstrated by shooting 65 in the last round, which was two strokes better than anyone else in the field. Justin Rose, who shot a four-under par 67 to finish tied second with Billy Horschel, must think that on any other day, against any other opponent, he would be the man to lift the claret jug. Never mind Rosie, you’ve still got the memory of that glorious US Open win to warm your heart and burnish your fine career.
Scottie Scheffler continues to demonstrate why he’s the world number one, finishing tied 7th after a one-over par 72 during which he may not have found every bunker on the course but gave it a pretty good go. He also, once again, found his putter to be stone cold on the last two days and it is a testament to the rest of his game that he remained in contention for as long as he did. Out of the 80 players who made the cut, Scottie came 78th in putting. As for the others, as soon as I saw Billy Horschel on the first tee I knew he was destined to be runner-up at best because men who wear a cardigan do not win The Open. Jon Rahm had a good finale but his three-under par effort was very much a case of too little, too late.
The biggest disappointment, perhaps, belongs to Shane Lowry, who lost the championship in an 11-hole stretch from the 8th, in the third round in brutal, almost unplayable conditions. He rallied well on Sunday but the mountain he had left to climb was too much even for his remarkable talents. In contrast, Thriston Lawrence, Russell Henley and, in particular, Daniel Brown, brought themselves to the attention of a golfing public that might not have previously recognised them in the street. One of the many rewards for their excellent week is that all three automatically qualify for next year’s event at Royal Portrush.
In summary, Xander Shauffele did not ride his luck, get numerous fortunate bounces or putt like God, he just played better than anyone else and is a worthy champion.
As for the best major of the year, that honour also goes to Xander, for the way he held his nerve and holed a 15-footer at the US PGA Championship to record his maiden victory in a major. It’s beginning to become a habit.
Quote of the Week
Golf may be played on Sunday, not being a game within view of the law, but being a form of moral effort.
Stephen Leacock