Just wanted to post a couple of interesting factoids about the course:

--It has no trees.

--It features a three-story tall (or deep, depending on one's point of view) bunker.

On those occasions when I play golf, if the day is particulary warm, I aim for the trees just to spend more time in the shade (is it any wonder my scores are usually terrible?) and a three-story bunker would become a permanent home if I were ever to wind up on it! Another reason I'm not on the tour...

~Adam

Tiger Woods had a rough start with a triple bogey on the 1st hole and finished +2. Somebody named Hennie Otto leads at -3 with Davis Love III and Greg Norman at -2.

I'm starting to wonder if anyone will finish under here at the British ... Davis Love currently is the only one under par.

In spite of the high scores, the open has been fun to watch, especially with everyone so bunched together, it will be interesting to see how the weekend will pan out.

[ July 18, 2003, 09:28 PM: Message edited by: Breesboy ]

Rookie (and cutie) Ben Curtis wins the British Open with a 1-under score. Thomas Bjorn got caught in a tough bunker on 16 and finished second, ahead of Vijay Singh, Davis Love III and Tiger Woods.

Ben Curtis, isn't that the name of the former "dell dude" who got caught with some weed in NYC earlier this year?....I'm glad to see the kid is successful in another line of work so quickly.

All kidding aside, though, it is amazing that a PGA rookie playing in his first major championship was able to win the British Open -- not to mention the $1.2 Million paycheck and five year qualifying exemption is a great "bonus" for any player, especially a 26 year old trying to make his mark on the tour....and you're absolutely right canmark -- he is quite a hottie. wink

This has to be one of the most surprising Majors victories ever. Sounds like they were all gagging down the stretch though. Not exactly great golf.

from today's Jock Talk: "The big loser was Thomas Bjorn, who lost a three-stroke lead with four holes to play. How do you say 'gag' in Swedish?".

First -- Bjørn's a Dane -- not a Swede -- we of Danish extraction take that very seriously and personally!

Second -- we Danes don't choke -- great gag reflexes

Here's my favorite story from the British Open, from the Los Angeles Daily News:

Andrew Sutton was chatting with reporters after the British Open's final round when his cell phone rang.

"Hey, mate, can I call you back?" he said. "I'm doing a couple of interviews. I'm a celebrity now."

Sutton was the fill-in caddie for Ben Curtis, an unknown American who pulled off one of the most improbable victories in golf history by winning Sunday at Royal St. George's.

The two hooked up only a week earlier. Curtis wanted a looper who was familiar with the links layout. Sutton was available because his boss, European tour player John Bickerton, diddn't qualify for the British.

Through a friend, Sutton got word that Curtis was looking for a caddie.

But the partnership worked out better than either could have expected. Curtis, ranked No. 396 in the world, defeated Thomas Bjorn and Vijay Singh by one stroke.

~Adam

Thanks Bucky for noting that Bjorn is danish. You beat me to the punch. I had just finished telling my bro-in-law (from Kovenhavn) about the almost win.

I can't believe he blew a 3 stroke lead with just a few holes remaining. But oh well.. What's amazing is that the Brit Open was won by someone who played on "The Hooters Tour" last year. amazing!

In Bjorn's defence, he did get caught in a tricky bunker on 16. He hit the ball several feet onto the green... and it rolled back into the sand! I think he did this twice before successfully getting it out of the sand and ending up with a double bogie.

Oh, and I think he's quite handsome. He can come and cry on my shoulder if he likes.