I just love weekends like those. Ireland rugby beat the All Blacks for the first time in a test series. Ireland were sensational, winning 1-2, and this augers well for next year's World Cup. I also watched the two stages of the Tour de France, especially Saturday's stage when Michael Mathews won on the brutally steep final climb. But top billing went to the 150th British Open golf championship at St Andrews where Rory McIlroy was pipped on the final back nine by the young Aussie Cameron Smith.
I've been watching the majors since Darren Clarke hit the heights in the 90s, although he didn't win one until 2011. Then young Rory hit the scene and quickly stacked up 4 majors in as many years in a great period for Northern Ireland golf. Between 2010 and 2014 six majors were won by three Northern Irish golfers. Since then, it has all gone quiet. Darren has progressed to the senior tour and Graeme McDowell has slipped down the rankings. Rory's form has ebbed and flowed. He has won some big championships on the U.S. tour including 2 FedEx Cups and the "fifth major" the Players Championship, but he hasn't added to his tally of majors and every time he plays one, he has to field questions from the press doubting if he will ever win another one.
On Thursday, he posted an excellent low score to put him close to the top of the leader board. He followed this up with another great round on Friday. On Saturday he was imperious and put himself into the lead with a red-hot putter. It was clear who was the favourite among the St Andrews hordes.
I've been watching the majors since Darren Clarke hit the heights in the 90s, although he didn't win one until 2011. Then young Rory hit the scene and quickly stacked up 4 majors in as many years in a great period for Northern Ireland golf. Between 2010 and 2014 six majors were won by three Northern Irish golfers. Since then, it has all gone quiet. Darren has progressed to the senior tour and Graeme McDowell has slipped down the rankings. Rory's form has ebbed and flowed. He has won some big championships on the U.S. tour including 2 FedEx Cups and the "fifth major" the Players Championship, but he hasn't added to his tally of majors and every time he plays one, he has to field questions from the press doubting if he will ever win another one.
On Thursday, he posted an excellent low score to put him close to the top of the leader board. He followed this up with another great round on Friday. On Saturday he was imperious and put himself into the lead with a red-hot putter. It was clear who was the favourite among the St Andrews hordes.
I watched with trepidation on Sunday as he started the final round. His course management was first class, but his putter had gone cold. Not to worry, that should come good and the chasing pack weren't making up any ground. In fact, his closest challenger, Victor Hovland, was going backwards. That all changed at the turn, as Cameron Smith went on a birdie streak while Rory's putter continued to misfire. Eventually the young Aussie, with the mullet and moustache, got his nose in front, and with the holes running out, Rory failed to make any birdies to catch up.
You've got to feel for the man from Holywood. He was a true gent in the post-match interview saying that he had been beaten by the better player, but his dream of lifting the 150th Open at St Andrews, the home of golf, was not to be and his wait for another major goes on. Surely, it won't be long.
You've got to feel for the man from Holywood. He was a true gent in the post-match interview saying that he had been beaten by the better player, but his dream of lifting the 150th Open at St Andrews, the home of golf, was not to be and his wait for another major goes on. Surely, it won't be long.
 |
| Peter Anderson is a Unionist with a keen interest in sports. |
I never warmed to Rory McElroy - always thought he was something of a cold fish
ReplyDelete