‘Open’ Arms

32 years after the famed ‘Duel in the Sun’ Tom Watson teed it up again at the famed Ailsa Course at Turnberry, on the western coast of Scotland. It was the 138th edition of ‘The Open Championship.’ By the way sometime in my lifetime the British Open became The Open Championship; I don’t know when or why this occurred but it just did. But anyway, at age 59 this was supposed to be Watson’s swansong eve leading up to 2010 and St. Andrews, as his 60 birthday would mark the end of his Open playing days. Instead it became almost a brand new beginning.

Although it all started on Thursday with a Watson 65, the whole story really came together on Friday when the world #1 Tiger Wood inexplicably missed the cut for only the 2nd time in a major as a pro. His +5 thru two rounds ‘opened’ up the tournament for everyone who made it to the weekend. Without the threat of Tiger prowling, Watson teed it up tied for the lead on Saturday afternoon. Although it was a cute story that Rick Reilly could cover in sap and eat up, most onlookers pretty much expected Watson to fall by the wayside on the weekend, but the stubborn old codger had other ideas.

When he rolled in a 35ft bomb on the 16th and followed it up with a two putt birdie on the easy 17th, Watson once again slept on an overnight lead in search of his record tying 6th Claret Jug. And like the old lighthouse that sits aside the start of the inward nine, Watson was a beacon of light that ushered in the Tiger generation toward the glory days of golfing past. But could he hold on? Could he fulfill the impossible by becoming the oldest man to ever win a major? Even Greg Norman at a youthful 53, could not hold keep his grip on the very same championship a year earlier at Royal Birkdale. But on Sunday, as the back nine approached, it seemed like destiny was caddying for Watson.

As others stepped-up to take the lead on Tommy, fate would smack them down. Ross Fisher got it to five under and a two shot lead, but a snowman attack ruined his party. Lee Westwood was there all day, but 3 costly bogies coming in spoiled his week in Scotland. Youngster Chris Wood charged from behind, but a nuked 9-iron over the green on 18 that led to a bogey and a 67, not quite enough. Despite a pretty awesome looking beard, Matthew Goggin blew up on the middle of his back nine, right before Watson’s eyes. And tour veteran Stewart Cink missed a bevy of shorter putts coming in, but was able to drill a 15 footer on the 18th to post a clubhouse low two under 278. He was one back of Tommy as Watson bashed a drive right down the gut on the 18th.

That’s all the story I will tell, because I just can’t finish it. Just know that around an hour later and four playoff holes, Cink stood on the 18th green with his wife and two boys (who crazy enough all have the same haircut – I’m sure the boys see their future when they look at their balding Pop) hoisting the historic Claret Jug. And as the special week at Turnberry concluded and the new Cink Suite in the large imposing hotel was named, it was a very gratifying day for one of the tour’s ‘good guys’ who had been so close in major’s past. But it was also, I’m sure, a very difficult one.

As the sun set over western Scotland and the Firth of Clyde and the mighty Irish Sea on Sunday, there was a sense of disappointment amongst the local gatherers. You could stare out in amazement at Ailsa Craig, and still not be able to comprehend what almost happened, and at the same time not comprehend how it didn’t happen. A major legend almost did the unthinkable, over a quarter of a century after he did it last. And as we close another chapter at the world’s oldest golf event, we should all reflect back and not think what could have happened or what might have been; and instead just appreciate what we all witnessed. And when Tommy tees it up next year at The Old Course at St. Andrews and makes that memorable walk across the Swilken Burn Bridge; please stand up, applaud, and welcome him into grand exile with ‘open’ arms – with nothing to hide, believe what I say…wait that's Steve Perry.

Anyway, congrats to Stewart Cink for doing what you had to do. It wasn’t easy and it’s been a long time coming from the 18th green at Southern Hills, but the pressure's off…you’re a major champion, and there's a spot saved for you on Magnolia Lane next spring.

***On a side note, also a congrats to Bo Van Pelt on a win in Milwaukee…it may be a second rate event, and you may be a second rate Van Pelt in the eyes of casual fans (Scotty!!!), but you took it to ‘em!