The golf season is swiftly passing by as we find ourselves at the conclusion of the fourth and final major tournament of the year, The Open Championship. This year’s championship returned to Royal Liverpool, situated in Hoylake, England. The previous time this tournament graced these grounds was in 2014, when Rory McIlroy emerged triumphant, proudly raising the esteemed Claret Jug. Remarkably, this will mark the 13th time that the Open Championship has been contested at Royal Liverpool. Among all the tournaments, second only to the Masters, this event holds a special place in my heart, captivating me annually. I am an avid admirer of links-style golf, and enjoyed watching how the pros maneuvered through the challenging winds, the fescue-bordered fairways, and the wild undulating greens. The course itself, as anticipated, ranks among the finest in the world and has witnessed a wealth of historic moments over the years. One memory I constantly look back on took place in 2006 when Tiger Woods clinched his third Claret Jug, a deeply emotional victory following the passing of his father just a few months prior. It was a beautiful and well-deserved triumph for Tiger. As previously mentioned, during the last Open Championship held at Royal Liverpool, Rory displayed his dominance by leading from start to finish, securing his first Claret Jug on his home turf—an awe-inspiring spectacle. But, to everyones surprise this years winner was Brian Harman, a big congratulations goes out to him and his family who will undoubtedly be celebrating this victory for some time. Below I highlighted some of my reactions of certain players as well as the course itself, Enjoy!
Brian Harman
Brian Harman emerged as the triumphant winner of the 2023 Claret Jug, and it’s safe to say that the only person who truly believed in his victory this week was Harman himself. Throughout this season, he has demonstrated exceptional consistency, and all his hard work culminated in a spectacular performance at Hoylake. Harman’s success in golf spans various levels, and this week, he left everyone in awe as he claimed his first-ever major title.
One key factor that set him apart from the competition was his remarkable proficiency in sinking mid-range putts. From 10 feet and closer, he seemed virtually automatic making 46 of 47 putts from such length, a crucial skill for securing victory in a major championship. His short game was undoubtedly top-tier, and he impressed spectators with an exceptional display of ball striking, particularly with his long irons throughout the entire week.
Though Brian Harman deserves hearty congratulations on his remarkable achievement, some viewers (myself included) might have hoped for a more closely contested event with a more dramatic finish. Nonetheless, his well-deserved victory marks a significant milestone in his golfing career.
The Course And Conditions
As mentioned earlier, Royal Liverpool has been a host to numerous Open Championships, boasting a magnificent course filled with challenging elements that players must navigate. From the thick, wispy grass to the tight fairways with lurking out-of-bounds areas and the iconic pot bunkers that define links golf, the course presents a true test of skill and strategy.
Throughout the first three days of the tournament, favorable weather conditions and minimal wind made the course relatively manageable for the players. However, everything changed dramatically during the final round when persistent rain showered the course from start to finish. As an avid fan of the Open Championship, I relished the carnage that unfolded, as the adverse weather conditions added a new dimension of difficulty to the game.
Although the spectacle was thrilling, from a viewer’s perspective, it would have been even more captivating if the competition for the Claret Jug had been closer. Witnessing the weather significantly impact the final round and testing the players’ abilities to the fullest would have added an extra layer of excitement to the event. Nevertheless, Brian Harman’s dominant performance and eventual victory were a testament to his skills and determination throughout the tournament.
Rory McIlroy
Throughout the entire week, Rory showcased an impressive display of golf and found himself in the mix for yet another major as the weekend approached. There were moments of sheer brilliance, where it seemed like he could mount a formidable charge for the coveted Claret Jug. However, the cruel reality was that his putter turned ice-cold at the most critical times, making it incredibly difficult to secure a victory or even stage a comeback.
For Rory and his loyal hometown fans, it was a disappointment to see the putts not finding the bottom of the cup when it mattered the most. Winning a major championship requires precision and consistency on the greens, and unfortunately, luck was not on his side this time around.
As the year’s majors come to a close, Rory will have to continue his quest to capture that elusive fifth major title. With the next season on the horizon, he will undoubtedly return to the course with determination and skill, seeking to add another significant achievement to his illustrious career. The journey continues, and the anticipation for his next attempt to secure major number five will undoubtedly be high.
The Non LIV Factor
This year’s major tournament marked a notable element, as none of the LIV players came close to clinching the title. Cam Smith, the defending champion from the previous year, seemed promising on Friday, hinting at a potential run towards the top. However, his performance dwindled significantly during the weekend, and Brooks Koepka, renowned for his prowess in majors, surprisingly remained far from the top of leaderboard throughout the entire week.
To the disappointment of LIV fans, the broadcasting of the Open Championship didn’t give much coverage to the LIV players, even when some of them were part of the featured groups. This lack of visibility until the weekend was definitely noted by all of golf Twitter.
Nonetheless, the PGA and its supporters could find some solace in the fact that one of their own emerged as the eventual champion, despite the somewhat anticlimactic manner in which the victory unfolded. As with any major championship, the competition is fierce, and this year’s event showcased the unpredictability and challenge that comes with contending for one of golf’s most prestigious titles.
JT
Once again, Justin Thomas faced a challenging week as he failed to make the cut, indicating a continued struggle with his game. It’s disheartening to witness a player of his immense talent, who was once a consistent presence in golf, seemingly contending in every tournament on Sunday, now grappling with a loss of form.
Looking ahead, the golfing community is intrigued to see if Zach Johnson, as the Ryder Cup captain, will opt to use one of his valuable captain’s picks on Thomas, despite his recent struggles. The Ryder Cup in September presents an opportunity for Thomas to showcase his skills and contribute to the team, but it also raises questions about his current form and readiness for such a prestigious event.
The entire golfing world is rooting for JT’s resurgence, as his return to top form would be invaluable and greatly welcomed. Fans and fellow players alike are hoping that he can find his rhythm and regain the form that made him a standout in the sport. It’s evident that the golfing community needs Justin Thomas to find his game again, and everyone is optimistic that he can rediscover his brilliance sooner rather than later.
The 2024 Open Championship is to be played at Royal Troon where Harman will look to defend his title.