Image Credits: ESPN / Getty Images
Wow, what an event The Open 2024 turned out to be! It was a rollercoaster of excitement and surprises that left nothing on the table.
Weather conditions varied, as they always do. Conversations buzzed about who should be there, especially regarding the LIV players. Day one kicked off with moderate weather—not fantastic, but not too bad either. As the day progressed, the conditions toughened up, offering a true challenge to the players.
The talk of the town was about players struggling to reach par fives in two shots. This highlighted the ever-widening gap between top-level and recreational golf, a gap that has grown significantly over the years. Today's top golfers are full-time athletes, generating speeds and movements that weekend golfers can't replicate. This evolution was evident as the course, while reasonably long, still challenged the players. Scores weren't particularly low, but the skill and ability of the players shone through in the end.
Each Open tends to follow a familiar pattern: lesser-known players start strong with low scores, holding their own for a while. However, the top-level regulars in majors usually rise to the occasion, especially in the final stretch. The blend of mental strength and physical ability is crucial, with no clear priority between the two.
One of the most interesting stories was Justin Rose’s journey. He opted for pre-qualifying among club professionals, high-end amateurs, and middle-ranked tournament players. Shooting solid scores for 36 holes around Burnham and Berrow, Rose demonstrated his commitment to the game. Despite the option to stick to PGA status, he chose the challenging path, and although he didn’t finish at the top, he earned massive respect. His Olympic pride is another testament to his dedication.
The Open was a classic event, testing players to their limits. The 11th hole, with its left-to-right wind, railway on the right, and blind tee shot, was a true nightmare—more like a gulf of hell than a golf hole.
Sky’s coverage was great, although there's always a debate about whether such events should be on public TV. The 1980s boom in golf was fueled by widespread TV coverage, and many feel today’s generation misses out because of subscription-based viewing. While streaming is the new norm, free access could attract more fans.
Post-COVID, golf continues to thrive, and we look forward to more exciting tournaments. With the majors done for the year, we turn our attention to the upcoming Ryder Cup and the Olympics. The Olympics, although off to a rocky start with selection issues, has the potential to grow in stature. Improving the selection process and resolving the world rankings issue, especially concerning LIV and other tours, would create a more inclusive and accurate ranking system.
The Solheim Cup also returns this year, balancing out the post-COVID schedule and setting us up for even years going forward. There’s plenty more golf to be played this season, and we can’t wait to bring you all the action and discussions.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we dive into the rest of the golfing season!
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