While all the big names in golf had most likely punched their ticket across the pond and were in warm up mode at Royal Portrush the John Deere Classic was actually being played and by pro golfers too. The names weren't always so zippy and there wasn't a lot of drama to be seen but nonetheless it demanded crucial attention with pivotal points on the line.
Halve Ouimet managed to scrape together a final round that propelled him to the top and with the added bonus points from key player's rounds he was able to finally snag his first win of 2019. A cool $15 gets deposited into his account and the season marches on, inevitably, to the last major of the year....
The 148th playing of the Open Championship finds itself in an interesting location this year as it will be hosted at Royal Portrush which graces the northern coast of Northern Ireland. Last played here in 1951, Max Faulkner took home the Claret Jug and now, 68 years later, Franky Molinari is returning it to Portrush.
While The Open Championship has always been known by that name the tournament's popular name in many countries became The British Open to distinguish it from other country's championship golf tournaments. And it would stand to reason that if it was a British event then it would be held in Great Britain, obviously. But in 1951, the event was held outside Great Britain for the first time in history.
Northern Ireland, in fact, is not in Great Britain. However, it is in the United
Kingdom. If you can recall, when monarchs are crowned they are given a full title which calls out the unique position of Northern Ireland. Queen Elizabeth is styled as "Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of Her other Realms and Territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith." And so, if any further evidence were needed why it is not called the British Open then you'll have to take that up with the R&A.
As far as the 2019 edition of The Open goes, who will win it seems to be of much more concern. While most would look up to Rory (or down if you're taller than 5'9) due to his Northern Irish roots, Royal Portrush is also home to several other Ulstermen including Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell. Tiger's name will forever been thrown around but rust could be a problem. Brooks needs the Jug to add to his collection and Molinari would like to take it back to Italy if he had his way. The field is wide open and anyone who shows up to the tee on Thursday morning (1:35AM ET) has a chance to hoist the Jug.
May the best fantasy golfer win.
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