British Open Week

This week includes two midsummer classics, the first being the All Star Game, the second is the British Open at Turnberry in Ayrshire Scotland, also known as the Open Championship in Europe. Here are my thoughts on what is the most unique major of the year.



-The John Deere Classic sponsors a charter flight for all participants going to the British Open, talk about a culture change going from middle America to the seaside links of England or Scotland.



-While the U.S. Open is about the modern game, particularly that game of golf in America as it is played near major American cities or scenic vistas, the British Open is about the history of golf and history in general. It is played on seaside links courses located in small towns that are hundreds of years old-not in posh American suburbs near major cities. Golfers from around the world, regardless of which country you are from see Britain and Europe as a center of world (and golf) history and any championship that is played in the shadow of such history, and the British Open is the only major that can boast it.

Travelling to this championship does not involve driving your BMW from downtown on the interstate, but taking a train and staying in a modest hotel. This year is an exception as it is being played at the Turnberry Resort. Of all the courses in the rota, this one has the most unspoiled scenery and that demonstrates the simplicity of this championship. For better or worse, none of it will ever change as long as they play the championship.

I see this as a trip back in time over hundreds of years for four days. It always brings back memories of my time in Europe and hopefully I can go back someday. The next post will focus on the golf.