The PGA Tour will once again have the privilege of playing the Open Championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews. From July 15 to 18, the best golfers in the world will diverge on the St. Andrews Scotland for the 28th time. Once again the course is expected to produce several more lasting memories and fierce competition for the oldest major in golf.
The Old Course at St. Andrews, or simply St. Andrews as it is referred to in the golfing world, is said to be the oldest course in the world and will play host to the 150th British Open Championship in a week’s time.
The course located in Fife, Scotland has been a used for the Open Championship since 1873 and is prepared to decide play for the 28th time. St. Andrews has several exceptional features, which are perhaps lent mostly to its age.
Seven of its greens are shared between two holes, meaning that only four holes have their own separate greens. St. Andrews is also known for its deep bunkers and high walls, making the sand an even less appealing position to be playing from. The course can also be played counter-clockwise and clockwise, a custom which is performed once a year. St. Andrews also only allows Sunday play for important Tour Championships, as every Sunday it is turned into a park for the local population.
Most Open Championships are exciting not only for the history surrounding the course but also because of the compelling finishes. 2010 should not disappoint, previous winner Tiger Woods returns in an attempt to win at the course three times in a row. Woods won in 2000 with a remarkable 19 below par and 2005 when he finished 14 below par. Woods will be challenged by a strong field at this year’s Open. Countrymen Phil Mickelson, Jim Furyk and world number five Lee Sticker look poised to take the Championship.
Perhaps Woods’ toughest challenge will come from British golfer Lee Westwood. Westwood has managed to put together a very strong 2010 season so far. Westwood is coming off a second place finish at this year’s Masters and a victory at St. Jude, looking to be in fine form. In addition Westwood has not faltered yet this year, making nince of nine cuts, as well as sitting 16th on the PGA money list. Westwood should provide stiff competition for those who have earned more this season.
The Open this year however will be hampered by the loss of Anthony Kim who was forced to pull out of the Championship after the realization his thumb was not ready for competition. The loss of the world ranked number 11 and sixth highest money earner should allow some of the Championships other golfers to move up the ranks.
Experts have also called into favour Luke Donald and Ernie Els. Els currently sits at the top of the money chart having earned nearly $4 million already this season. While Luke Donald has three straight top five finishes already, and is perhaps one of the best golfers on tour from the trap, a skill that pays off greatly in St. Andrews’ high walled bunkers.
Every five years golf fans get the opportunity to watch the world’s best golfers take on one of the world’s finest courses. Like most Open Championships 2010’s edition should be highly contested, whether Woods can take his third straight victory at the course remains to be scene. Challengers such as Furyk, Stricker, and Els will look for foil his plans while British hopefuls Westwood and Donald will try and keep return the title to Great Britain for the first time since 1992.
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