The 144th playing of the Open Championship is in the history books. Here’s our run down of the the championship’s winners and losers:
THE WINNERS:
Zach Johnson: He’s the human, modern version of the cartoon character Underdog. Zach’s a humble, lovable guy and what a boost to his career. Wins his second major at age 39 and this has to put a lot of wind in his sails. This is a victory for good-guy-golfers everywhere. Played harder than anyone else out there.
Jordan Spieth: Yes, the dream of the Grand Slam is over for now but Spieth showed everyone why he is the best player in the world. With a ton of expectations on his shoulders, he was right there with two holes to play. The missed seven-footer at 17 was the downfall. He lost by just a shot, had six three-putts and a four-putt. That really says something about the game, heart and character of the Masters and U.S. Open champion. Look out for him in the PGA. He’ll be even more determined.
Jason Day: Gotta hand it to the young Aussie. He was right in the thick of it yet again. Missed the playoff by a shot, like Spieth. You could hear the disappointment in his voice along with quiet determination. He keeps knocking harder and harder on the major door, soon he’s simply going to kick it in and take one.
Marc Leishman: Great story. This man has a new perspective on the world. Nearly lost his wife to toxic shock and now she’s on the road to full health. No one played better over the final 36 holes. His 130 total tied the all-time Open scoring record for final two rounds. You have to think he was emotionally spent when the playoff began.
Louis Oosthuizen: You look at this golf swing and wonder how he ever hits a bad shot. Two missed putts will haunt him, especially the one on the 17th hole. He could have easily won it outright if that had gone in.
Young Amateurs: Love the Young Guns who showed up for the championship. Even more impressive was how they played. Jordan Niebrugge was low amateur at 11-under, shot 70 on Monday. He’s back at Oklahoma State for his senior year this fall. Ollie Schniederjans is turning pro this week at the Canadian Open. He has a lot of game and has the tools to become one of the new breed stars on the PGA Tour. Ashley Chesters made a LOT of birdies. The young Brit isn’t as well known in the U.S., but keep an eye on this kid. Finally, what can you say about Paul Dunne? He was tied for the 54-hole lead but the final pairing stage was a bit much for the young Irishman. Still, you can’t diminish what he accomplished.
The Old Course: Those who think the Old Course is outdated are mistaken. What a great venue and the appropriate Home Of Golf. The inward nine created more drama than the first two majors combined.
ESPN Broadcast Crew: After the Fox Fiasco at the U.S. Open, ESPN showed how how it’s done and how professionals are supposed to sound on the air.
THE LOSERS:
Tiger Woods: Perhaps the biggest loser from the championship. Played awful. Came out chunking shots right out of the box the first day, launched his first wedge shot into the Swilican Burn. This cat’s in denial. Don’t listen to us, listen to what the pros like Curtis Strange and Paul Azinger were saying. Woods has real problems and it doesn’t look like he’s any closer to playing simply mediocre golf.
Dustin Johnson: This guy has all the physical talent but mentally? After looking like Godzilla for 36 holes he turned into a small lizard and shot 150 over the final 36 to finish in a tie for 49th.
Rickie Fowler: After watching him at the Scottish Open, you’d figure Fowler to be a real factor at St. Andrews. He had only one sub-70 round and shot 73 on Monday, tied for 30th.
R&A Officials: Saturday’s fiasco showed a lack of communication within the ranks of the R&A officials. There was a green that was basically unplayable in the wind and the only thing that got them to stop play was Brooks Koepka telling them that his golf ball would no remain in place. If they were going to stop play, they never should have started.
Bubba Watson: He hates Europe. Why does he even bother to show up? Shot 71-76 on a course he should shoot low numbers on. Plenty of room to work his big slinging shots. Stay home Bubba!
Pace of play: Couldn’t have been any slower. The R&A is taking its cues from the USGA.
The major season is now almost over. Final stop on August 13 when the PGA Championship gets underway at Whistling Straits. Glory’s last shot.
