Comments on: European Domination at Royal Birkdale

By: shortgame85

shortgame85 — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:55:23 +0000

Since Royal Birkdale became an Open venue in 1954, the seven men who have become "Champion Golfer of the Year" have been either American ( Palmer, Trevino, Miller, Watson and O'Meara ) or Australian ( Peter Thomson and Ian Baker-Finch ). To my knowledge, no European has won the open at Birkdale. For my two cents, the Birkdale curse will prevail: no European winner at the 2008 Open.

Otherwise, a fine article Cody.

By: Phil (the Axeman)

Phil (the Axeman) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:38:47 +0000

In a rush - until Sunday I would have asked how you could leave out Lee Westwood? He's been playing great and his performance at the European Open at the links-style London Club just oozed the confidence of a man whose preparations for the big one were going just fine.
Then his putting deserted him over the last few holes at Loch Lomond.
But he seems to have the mental strength to come back so I expect he will be there or thereabouts.
Brandt Schnedeker - hmmmmm. I would have been totally dismissive but the conditions at Augusta were more US Open-like than Masters-like. If he can cope with the wind, then a top-10 showing could be on. And if he does that, he could go away satisfied.
Agree about Justin Rose. His overall trend is upwards but he seems right now to be in a 'one step back' phase.

By: Thomas Rooney

Thomas Rooney — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 12:27:59 +0000

Excellent article! My money is on Sergio. Like you said, he is in top form right now and I think he will take this into the British Open next week.

By: Cleveland Gunmetal

Cleveland Gunmetal — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:21:03 +0000

Nicely done. Enjoyed reading the article. I agree with those players but I was surprised to not hear a mention of Lee Westwood though. I like his chances. Andres Romero is another I like to do well.

By: Erik J. Barzeski

Erik J. Barzeski — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 19:29:45 +0000

carri10 said on July 11, 2008:

Err, call me a pedant, but isn't it "the Open", not "the British Open"

Never fails. It's the British Open to most Americans. We have an "Open" of our own.

By: carri10

carri10 — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 10:06:36 +0000

Err, call me a pedant, but isn't it "the Open", not "the British Open"

By: Cody Thrasher

Cody Thrasher — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:20:24 +0000

Justin Rose wasn't mentioned for a reason. He hasn't shown me enough in 2008 to warrant a mention. Some of it has to do with his play, but most of it has to do with his nagging back injury. I'd bet for a missed cut before a top 10 from Rosey.

Also, other than Lefty and Sergio, Rose may get more media attention than anyone else because of his incredible finish at Birkdale in 1998. Things just won't add up for him next week, but it would be nice to see him play well.

By: D_Nice

D_Nice — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 16:07:56 +0000

What, no mention of Justin Rose with his history at Birkdale? You're kidding!

My pick, Brandt Snedeker.

By: bobsyouruncle

bobsyouruncle — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:18:15 +0000

I agree that a european or international will win the claret jug. The american game is just too simplistic - bomb & gauge - to be effective next week. There's little of the skills required to tackle a links course.