Going for the "Mug" at Royal Birkdale

The drama of the quest for the "Auld Mug" - or the British Open - should never be missed.

Just finished watching Harrington clutch the trophy and announce that it felt so good to be up there congratulating every body involved. I think the winner gets 1.8 mil or somethng like it.

Once again, I could not believe how PRO golfers can putt so poorly. Yes, I know all the excuses: double cut greens, the wind, "lost my balance" and all the rest.

As far as I can see the pendulum swingers bring home the bacon more often than not. When a pro-golfer leaves his putts short you know he is having a bad day or jet lag or maybe just a mental brain f--t.

Take the amateur who took the silver medal, Wood is his name (what are the odds?!) His putting was way better than most of the pros: straight back and straight through, pause and hold. Norman could not stop his popping stroke and Sergio just kept-on-keepin'-on: popping!

Norman should have left his driver in Aussie-land. Why a guy in his situation and on a golf course like Royal Birkdale and with salty gales-o'-the sea would even consider puting his driver in the bag is beyond me. Even Tiger learned that he really doesn't actually NEED his driver on every tee.

Still, it was great to see the old shark, long in the tooth, and feisty Paddy do their best. I am really proud to be able to appreciate the game as I do.

So, leave the driver in the bag and spend 60% of your time with the short irons and putter and enjoy the fresh air.

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"Let the club do the work..." for lower golf scores.

Ron Smalley
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