Play of the Week 19
July 18, 2011
This week’s POTW goes to Darren Clarke, champion of the Open Championship at Royal St. George’s. Clarke fired a final-round even par 70 to capture the Claret Jug, winning in style by 3 shots of Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson.
The 42-year old Clarke was playing in his 20th Open. After losing his wife to breast cancer, Clarke was the sentimental favorite. He played very consistent golf all day long, smiling and laughing for much of a final round that, at times, was very tense. Even though American Phil Mickelson caught him at one point during the round, Clarke played cool and collected golf, hitting countless artful shots to save pars, capture birdies, and distance himself from the field.
Moreover, Clarke is the kind of guy golf needs. Rarely do golfers seem like regular human beings, but here is Clarke: 42 years old, drinking a Guinness at the post-championship press conference and talking about how the champs back in N. Ireland would be pissing drunk. When interviewed about the Irish Open, Clarke said “I may not be sober, but I will be in Killarney.” He’s not a physical specimen, he doesn’t hit the ball 3,000 yards, and he doesn’t wear a size 30 pants–in fact, after working out to get into shape, his agent told him he played better when he was fat! He’s a regular guy, and that’s something we can all get into.
So here’s to you Darren. Have a Guinness–or 100–and enjoy your trophy. You’ve earned it.
Also, the PF would like to give a mini-POTW shout out to Dr. Bob Rotella, sports psychologist. Dr. Bob is the author of several books on the mental aspect of the game of golf, including Golf is Not a Game of Perfect. LG and I have both benefited greatly from Rotella’s take on the game, and Dr. Bob was mentioned during the Open broadcast for his Wednesday conversation with Darren Clarke. It paid off. Here’s to you.
Conversation: British Open Predictions
July 18, 2011
I think the only thing I can say is wow….(original answers published 7/13)
It’s that time again LG. Here we go…
JK:
Winner: Jason Day T-30, correct answer: Darren Clarke
Winning Score: -8 -5
Runner Up: Matt Kuchar m/c – correct answer: Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson
Low Amateur: Tom Lewis correct
“Unknown” in the Top 10: George Coetzee close, 15th – correct answer: Raphael Jacquelin
Last Year’s Winner (Oosthuizen) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): Miss the cut made cut, T- 54
The Master’s Winner (Schwartzel) Will …: Top 10 T-16
The US Open Winner (McIlroy) Will …: Top 10 T-25
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 1 0
Will Rory blow the 54 hole lead? no correct
Will Tiger’s absence be referenced on Sunday? hopefully not wasn’t–amazingly
Will Monty’s absence be referenced at all? of course not at all
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Someone will win it. RSt.G is that kind of course. Clarke won it. Great round in great weather. He may have bogeyed coming in, but it was still his game.
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Lost balls in the fescue nope–just darren clarke
Who is most likely to Tom Watson it? Stricker Phickelson (yes I did that on purpose)
Will you watch on Sunday? Only if it’s close I watched the whole damn thing
LG:
Winner: Luke Donald m/c
Winning Score: -6 -5
Runner Up: Angel Cabrera m/c
Low Amateur: Peter Uielein 2d low am
“Unknown” in the Top 10: Fredrik Andersson Hed T-57
Last Year’s Winner (Oosthuizen) Will … (Win, Top10, Make the Cut, or Miss the Cut): make the cut correct
The Master’s Winner (Schwartzel) Will …: miss the cut T-16
The US Open Winner (McIlroy) Will …: Top 10 T-25
How many prior winners will be in the Top 10: 2 0
Will Rory blow the 54 hole lead? Nope – He’ll lead after day 1 and probably hang around and be discussed by the commentators to death. not too bad
Will Tiger’s absence be referenced on Sunday? only if golf channel wants to improve its ratings they didn’t
Will Monty’s absence be referenced at all? who? correct
Will someone win it, or will everyone else lose it? Donald will win it coming down the stretch. He will birdie 17. eh, not quite
What will be the biggest story of the tournament? Luke Donald finally winning a major nope
Who is most likely to Tom Watson it? No one. Not going to happen this year. phil…and DJ
Will you watch on Sunday? If I’m not called into the office, definitely. I love the Open Championship! uh, incorrect
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