Hard Open, authentic Open

I once had the opportunity to play for Royal Liverpool., in Hoylake, in the late 1970s. The return of the Open on Thursday (Movistar +, Thursday and Friday, at 7:30 a.m.; Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and Sunday at 10:00 a.m.) evokes fond memories of this emblematic field. I remember a series of trainings that I shared with Seve Ballesteros Chinese Vicente Fernandez and Roberto de Vicenzo. You hit the first shot of 18 from a tee practically tied to the houses of the city and the road.

We were followed by a group of ladies who watched us and applauded.. “This is one of your old girlfriends,” I jokingly commented to De Vicenza when he perked up. The course, like all those in the British Open rotation, is marked by history and tradition Grand Slam senior. This time the old 15th hole is played like the new 17th, and uphill instead of downhill, with tee and green in opposite areas. I see nothing wrong with looking for a bigger show with these changes, looking for a token hole in a place of huge value for the final round.

Jon Rahm decided to rest, at least not compete, the previous three weeks, and surely arrives in good condition to fight for victory. But among the Spanish players, I would also like to point out Josele Ballestera, who is the current individual and team champion of Europe at the age of 19. It is run by Víctor García, Sergio’s father and a good friend of mine. I followed the LIV Tour at his house a few weeks ago and we talked a lot about the kid.

Among the favorites, I will not be original. I think Rory McIlroy, who won the Scottish Open, is one of the big favourites at the tournament where he is perhaps the most motivated. In addition, the defending champions, Cameron SmithHe is a player I like and he also has everything to confirm the victory, there is always something complicated here. And finally, scottie scheffler It exhibits a regularity that makes it impossible to turn it off at all.

Returning to Royal Liverpool, Tiger Woods won the Open there in 2006 on a very dry course and Rory McIlroy on a more accessible course in 2014, but both scratched many shots under par. especially, I prefer it to be played in difficult conditionswith streets and greens harder, it seems more natural to me, a place where you hardly need to hit the driver.

Because depending on whether you play with one or the other weather conditions, the field is shortened or lengthened, becomes more or less accessible. For me, from a golfing point of view, the original Open, the authentic one, the one that makes it the most fun Grand Slam, is the one played in rough weather, when the wind is blowing and to be a champion you have to know how to play, also, with the elements.

Seven Spaniards at the last “grand slam” of the year

Jon Rahm leads the Spanish involvement at Royal Liverpool and for the first two days he shares the game with two favorites of the local audience, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose (Thursday from 3:59 p.m. and Friday from 10:58 a.m.). Another standout pair of couples Scottie Scheffler with Tommy Fleetwood and Adam Scott (10:47 a.m. on Thursday and 3:48 p.m. on Friday). Complete the Spanish participation Pablo Larrazábal, José Luis Ballester, Adrián Otaegui, Adri Arnaus, Nacho Elvira, Alejandro Cañizares and Jorge Campillo.