The Open thread (golf, not a thread to talk about anything)

[mrkint]

Bit early, but two days til tee-off to one of my highlights of the sporting calendar.

Will Rose win back-to-back majors? Will Els make it two Opens in a row? Will Faldo, playing competitively for the first time in three years, shock the golfing world with victory? No, he won't, but hey.

Love the Open. Proper links golf. Sorts the fair-weather bullies from the others. Basically, if Messi played golf, they'd be saying "sure he can spank a 67 at Augusta, but can he do it on a cold, wet Thursday afternoon at Muirfield?"

Thoughts, predos, memories, etc.

[Bruce Rioja]

I confidently predict that it won't be won by a Yank. The rough's up and they hate it. You're not playing of pine straw now you 4uckers.

[mrkint]

Quite possible, Bruce. However, I must say, one of my favourite memories of the Open was seeing one-hit wonder Todd Hamilton play the course to absolute perfection at Troon back in 04 to beat Els in a playoff.

[mummywhycantieatcrayons]

Muirfield depends so much on the set-up. We had a varsity match there a few years back, and it was basically a big field in which you could spray it anywhere with impunity because the rough was down, thus favouring the bigger hitters.

I'm guessing it's seriously different this week.

I'd like to see Woods contend, Rose to ride the wave and for Westwood to get things going again. I also wonder if Rickie Fowler can put four rounds together this time, because he has all the shots.

[Dr Hotdog]

Look at the stats.

Stenson is up there on the US Tour's Driving Accuracy charts and did well in the Scottish Open at the weekend and because he keeps it in the fairway more often than not he's a good bet. I've backed my boy Boo Weekley for a top5 finish, very solid iron player. Ross Fisher's not a bad bet either, he seems to be playing well again. Shame Casey didn't qualify after winning in Ireland. Seems a bit odd. With Billy Foster on the bag I suspect Branden Grace will do well again.

Can Mickelson win back-to-back and lift the curse of the Scottish Open winners who never go on to win the Open the following week?

Anyhow, anyone but a belly/broomhandle will do for me.

[TANGODANCER]

I'm seeing old stager Angel Miguel Jiminez as being in there with a chance and Garcia too. Just hope the weather holds out in one respect (and maybe not in another)

[Dujon]

I'm not sure on this year's tournament. I'd like to see Adam Scott mix it with the leader board seeing that he seems to have recovered a bit of his form. What his history is on links I have no idea - I'm assuming that Muirfield will be windy and something of a minefield off beaten track.

[mrkint]

Looks bloody lovely out there.

Tango's pick Jimenez is on fire. Quite literally, it's that hot. (And he's also four under through six)

[Bruce Rioja]

Just caught a snippet on sky sports news, and apparently the players are moaning that the greens are too fast and that they don't like where the pins are positioned. Oh rally? fecking diddums you mardy arsed tossers.

[Montreal Wanderer]

Just caught a snippet on sky sports news, and apparently the players are moaning that the greens are too fast and that they don't like where the pins are positioned. Oh rally? fecking diddums you mardy arsed tossers.

I think was Poulter who said all the 18th needed was a windmill and a clown face.

[Bruce Rioja]

Just caught a snippet on sky sports news, and apparently the players are moaning that the greens are too fast and that they don't like where the pins are positioned. Oh rally? fecking diddums you mardy arsed tossers.

I think was Poulter who said all the 18th needed was a windmill and a clown face.

Indeed it was. Shall we alter it to his or Mickleson's liking? I find it pathetic to be honest. Rory McIlroy putted across the entire length of a green and landed it in a far side bunker. I haven't heard him blame his over-hit shot on anything so far.

[Worthy4England]

"Play the ball as it lies, play the course as you find it...."

I think is the first line in the rules of golf?

[Dr Hotdog]

Poulter is a foolish boy. Good putter, decent player but a stupid man.

Backed Zach Johnson at 130/1 on Tuesday. Come on lad. Hold on!

[Bruce Rioja]

Poulter is a foolish boy. Good putter, decent player but a stupid man.

What's he done now? Is he still bleating?

[Dr Hotdog]

He's not stopped bleating since he popped into the world 35 odd years ago....

I like him when it comes to the Ryder Cup, but nowhere else. McIlroy I can't even get behind during the Ryder Cup.....

[TANGODANCER]

Don't you just love Jiminez. No messing, straight in.

[TANGODANCER]

Westwood still up there but Poulter's come from +5 to level par.

[Bruce Rioja]

Cracking closing day. Poulter's having a superb round but will require snookers as he's running out of holes to play. I fancy at play off of more than two.

[BWFC_Insane]

Cracking closing day. Poulter's having a superb round but will require snookers as he's running out of holes to play. I fancy at play off of more than two.

Those 'Muricans doing a bit better than you thought eh?

[Bruce Rioja]

Cracking closing day. Poulter's having a superb round but will require snookers as he's running out of holes to play. I fancy at play off of more than two.

Those 'Muricans doing a bit better than you thought eh?

To be honest, I don't think that anyone's had as big a problem with the rough as I thought they might. Most of them seem to have had more trouble with the greens.