Golf is a game of storylines. Do you pick the horse that’s coming in hot? Maybe go with the guy with a strong history at a specific course? I say forget logic. Listen to your heart.
Justin Rose
Back in 1998, a skinny 17-year-old amateur shocked the world at Royal Birkdale when he holed out from 45 yards for an eagle at the 72nd hole to tie for fourth place. Not a bad showing at the biggest tournament in the world before you can legally open your own bank account.
Rose returns to his home country after losing to Sergio in a Masters playoff with three more top 5’s earlier in the year. Don’t be surprised if the nostalgia and sparkle of the Claret Jug create some magic for the Englishman this week.
Tommy Fleetwood
You’ll hear this story beaten to death on Golf Channel by the time Tommy tees off on Thursday. Tommy grew up in Southport, down the road from Royal Birkdale. He even snuck on the course and played there as a kid.
The 26-year-old won the French Open, finished 4th at the U.S. Open and 2nd to Dustin Johnson at WGC Mexico. Nevertheless, it’s way too much pressure to win at your home course right? Wrong. Kid seems cool as a cucumber.
Monday Press Conference:
“I’ve thought about winning the Open since I was five years old, so thinking about it for another few days isn’t going to make any difference to me… I find it very flattering. It makes me smile…”
Phil “Fig Jam” Mickelson
Where did Fig Jam’s Open Championship career start back in 1991? Bingo. Royal Birkdale. Phil’s got his brother on the bag since he and Bones split. I like the potential magic of taking your brother back to the place where it all began.
Think the history is pure bullshit? That’s cool. Here’s another reason to love Phil this week. Just look at his bag. A Fig Jam special.
*No Driver
*Adding “HOT” 3-wood
*Adding a second “driving” 3-iron
*64 degree wedge
Sergio Garcia
I know. Sergio to win 2 majors in one year? Impossible right? Probably. But remember, he’s been living the dream. Coming in hot from WImbledon sporting the glorious green jacket, Sergio returns to his favorite tournament. He’s finished runner up here twice and has 3 top 10’s in his last three Opens.
Oh, you want the romance? The guy gets married next week. I’d like to make a toast. Can someone hand me the Claret Jug?