Who will win the Open Championship?
Each week, we ask our panel of writers, PGA members and golf industry experts to weigh in with their views on the hot topics of the day.
Following the advent of LIV Golf, the PGA Tour fought back with eight limited field, no-cut, big purse Signature events. Along with the Players Championship and the four majors, the Signature events were supposed to be a cut above the rest of the schedule. Other than purse size, is there anything to suggest that winning one of these tournaments now (Pebble Beach, Memorial etc.) is any more significant or any different than it was before they were designated as Signature events?
Jim Deeks, Fairways Magazine (@jimdeeks): Absolutely no difference in my mind. I’m kinda sorry that they felt these tournaments needed bigger purses and a different designation. They were already a cut above the usual, run-of-the-mill events.
Michael Schurman, Master Professional / Hall of Fame Member, PGA of Canada: If truth be told, we have an elite tour, a regular tour and a tour of non-descript players. At any time, something riveting might happen on the regular or non-descript tour, but the most interesting is still the elite tour. Money has never caused excitement on the PGA Tour except for the players. It’s a rare day when a prize breakdown is ever mentioned on TV or otherwise. And Greg Norman wins. He changed two tours.
Peter Mumford, Fairways Magazine: Winning is winning, and the size of the purse is immaterial. These Designated events were already special because of the host course, the host himself or the legacy. They didn’t need a cash infusion to attract top talent.
Australian Grace Kim eagled the 72nd hole to get into a playoff with Jeeno Thitikul at the Amundi Evian Championship on Sunday, then went birdie-eagle in extra holes to win the tournament. Can you think of a better finish that eagle-birdie-eagle to win a major?
Deeks: Sorry I had to miss it due to embarrassing myself in my own club championship. But no, I can’t think of a more spectacular way to win. There’s so much good golf to see on the LPGA!
Schurman: Some outstanding golf has been played to win a major. Johnny Miller’s 63 at Oakmont in the last round, Nicklaus in the ’86 Masters, Gary Cowan holing out on the 72nd hole at Merion in 1966, Schwartzel’s four-birdie finish in the Masters and Stenson’s tie of the final round record and setting the tournament record to win The Open in 2016. However, eagle, birdie, eagle is the most under par in the fewest holes and is the best.
Mumford: Not sure how to view Kim’s streak since all three scores were on the 18th hole, one in regulation and two in a playoff, but very impressive, nonetheless. I still prefer Jordan Spieth’s last five holes at Royal Birkdale in 2017 to win the Open Championship – birdie, eagle, birdie, birdie, par – five-under over the last five holes to catch and pass Matt Kuchar by three.
The Open Championship is the oldest championship in golf and has yielded plenty of highlights. This year marks the 153rd time players have competed for the Claret Jug. If you were able to travel back in time, which Open Championship would you most like to have watched in person?
Deeks: Probably Kel Nagle beating Arnold Palmer by one stroke at St. Andrews in 1960. This was Arnold’s first visit to the Open, and he was the overwhelming favourite, even though he’d had no links experience. But his visit completely revitalized worldwide interest in the Championship, which endures to this day. Kel Nagle, though, was a worthy champion, and as I discovered over two weeks in 1982, one of the most likeable people I’ve ever met. (Kel also beat Arnold by a shot at the 1964 Canadian Open at Pinegrove in Montreal.) I also would have loved to have been at Turnberry in 1994 to see my friend Nick Price win a great victory over Jesper Parnevik.
Schurman: Mine would be Hogan at Carnoustie in 1953, followed closely by Watson and Nicklaus at Turnberry. However, any wins by Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, or Harry Vardon would be good too.
Mumford: The period from 1979 to 1993 featured Seve Ballesteros, Tom Watson, Nick Faldo and Greg Norman and any of the Opens during that period would have been awesome to see in person. Perhaps the ultimate would have been Seve defeating Nicklaus and Crenshaw in 1979 for his first Claret Jug. The battle between Stenson and Mickelson at Royal Troon in 2016 would have been spectacular as well.
Who’s your pick to win the Claret Jug on Sunday and which dark horse might surprise us?
Deeks: Well, for sentimental reasons, I’ve got to go with Rory, or Shane Lowry. For patriotic reasons, I’m picking Nick Taylor. For dark horse pick, I’ll go with Justin Rose.
Schurman: Am I choosing because I want them to win, or do I think they can win? I think Rory will win, but I want Fleetwood. My long shots are Straka and Harris English.
Mumford: Rory winning at home would be sweet but I’m going to pick Justin Rose to get his revenge after his narrow Masters defeat in April. For a dark horse, I’ll go with Adam Scott. He’s often hanging around the leaderboard at majors.
