The Scottish Open to Be Played on a Links Course? What?!
by Ryan Ballengee on Oct 19, 2010 3:24 PM EDT
in Pro Golf
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PrintThe geopolitical part of my brain always felt a little uneasy when referring to the Open Championship as the British Open. Yeah, sure, Scotland and England (and Wales, and Northern Ireland) are all in the United Kingdom - thus, British - but the ramifications of those distinctions are changing. The most troubling part to me was when the Open was contested on Scottish links, knowing full well that the Scottish Open was contested on a parkland golf course.
Barclays, the title sponsor of the Scottish Open, is insisting the national tournament move to a links course if they are to return in their sponsorship role. It would be an even better primer for the Open Championship, as players in that field already come to Loch Lomond - current home - to adjust to the British weather.
It would be a ploy directed at Tiger Woods and Paddy Harrington, two players who like to practice on links courses before the Open, but don't presently have a tournament venue on the European Tour in which to do so prior to the Open.
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Huh ?
All of a sudden you’re a Scottish Nationalist….from Maryland ? Too many viewings of Braveheart ? The British Open is used to separate it from the US Open as majors. Calling it “The Open Championship” in the US is a relatively new bit of media production. (sort of goes along with affectations to sound Hispanic or French or whatever).
There is no connection between “The Open Championship” and The Scottish Open other than they are sometimes played in the same country. Why would you be troubled that one would be played on a traditional links course and the other played on a parkland resort course ? Nothing political there…as evidenced by the fact that the government isn’t the one pushing for the Scottish Open to be played on a links course. This is strictly business. A ploy ? Maybe. There is more money at the Scottish Open than the Irish Open, which has been Harrington’s warm up 4 of the last 5 years. But Woods ? Not likely, He doesn’t play the week before a major.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
It's been on a links before..
Carnoustie in the ’90’s. I don’t like it at Loch Lomond. The public are not allowed to play there. As for “the Open” the rest of the world views it such, ie any country under the rules of the R& A. Being the oldest major helps there too.
Loch Lomond is a resort course, isn’t it ? Not a private course.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
Don't get me wrong
I’d love to play it. But one of the great things about golf is you can usually play the big tracks too. Obviously, the public in this case are not good enough.
BTW - I don't get shirty
when The Open is referred to as “The British Oen” – it’s just that the official name is “The Open” and registered trademark as such.
This American Still Calls It "The Open Championship"
by Charles Boyer on Oct 20, 2010 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I'm aware that sometimes this comes across
as THE Open Championship. Perhaps sometimes Brits. are at fault for meaning it to. But not always.
So long as it doesn't end up at Trump International Golf Links
I have a feeling The Donald is going to make every move he can to get this tournament at his new links course near Aberdeenshire. I’ve not heard anything concrete, but it is almost a no-brainer that he would want to have something prestigious at his new place now that it seems he’s cleared all the legal hurdles for good.
But…I think that there are a lot of other linksland courses that would be rather good hosts. If only Prestwick could/would lengthen itself to match modern standards…
Agreed,
The land Trump has in mind looks amazing. On Prestwick, I have been there, but not played it. One day no doubt I will. Changing these courses for the pro’s might be difficult though.
It may well end up there
Sadly, it’s obvious that the tournament is “for sale”. Mind you, mustn’t be snotty about it – it might be a half-way decent course.
Every tournament is up for sale with the exception of three of the four majors (the PGA can be bought) and The Players. It’s business.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
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