Playing hooky to watch the British Open golf championship is like the first few rounds of the NCAA basketball for golf fans. With the five-hour time difference, ESPN hits the air at 4:30 AM with its live coverage. Sheesh. I programmed my DVR to start recording then and started watching in earnest at about 9 AM. What a circus.
Now, anyone who keeps up with golf knows that the British Open is very different from the tournaments we watch routinely in the states. The conditions are SUPPOSED to be lousy. Players are supposed to be forced to hit shots they don’t typically hit in the United States. Here in the States, we play what Brits call ‘air golf,’ meaning we hit the ball from one spot, through the air, and hope to make it land near the desired spot, including the pin. The Brits, on the other hand, know about golf the way it was designed hundreds of years ago — bump and run, hit the ball about five feet off the ground and get it running a long way, hoping to have it settle near the hole. Hard to argue with that. They’ve been playing that style of golf at St. Andrews and other GB links courses for more than 600 years. And they say Pinehurst is the home of American golf — Donald Ross designed famed No. 2 some 75-80 years ago — but it can’t compare to the history and fundamental connection to the game that St. Andrews has.
Okay, after an hour or so of delay because of the wind, the players are back on the course. Phil Mickelson is playing poorly. An unknown South African is leading the field. John Daly, who won the won the Open in 1995, is in early contention. That’s what the Open is all about: Someone like John Daly, of all people, finding himself on the leader board.
I guess this is a lot like my life has been the past few years. Windy. A few delays. Some stellar plays. Some nasty hazards. In fact, it’s a lot like the way our state government has puttered along, as well. Up, down and all around. I can’t remember when the state Elections Board has been so busy.
With luck, the Open will stay on schedule and finish Sunday as planned. For the rest of us, we can take lessons from watching: Remain patient. Stay calm. Take your medicine when things go wrong. Grab the wheel and take full advantage when things are going well.
Cool, windy conditions coming off the North Atlantic Ocean at St. Andrews. As I discovered when I just went out for a bite of lunch, it’s still hot and very humid in North Carolina.
Which would you choose?