My Favorite TV Week of the Year

This week of TV is only rivaled by the opening rounds of the NCAA Basketball Tournament. The British Open isn't necessarily my favorite major, but it is my favorite to watch. The style of golf, the scenery and the history put it near the top, then the time makes it my clear favorite to watch. I love getting up early and watching golf before work. The weekend usually consists of me getting breakfast early and bringing it back before coverage begins. I then spend the morning propped up on the couch (along with some dozing) and watching The Open.

This post is a little late. The second round is due to tee off in a couple of hours, but here is my off the cuff reaction and picks for the climax of the oldest championship.

It was great to see Tom Watson shoot his lowest opening round in the British Open...and this is a guy who has won it 5 times. At 59 years old, I fully expect Watson to shoot his age tomorrow. It just depends on what hole he'll do it.

Mark Calcavecchia and Mark O'Meara are also nice to see near the top. However, I fully expect to see the cream rise to the top (unless weather becomes severe and then anything can happen). Tiger Woods will be around on Sunday as usual. However, the two players I see as my favorites this year are Steve Stricker and Lee Westwood. I picked them both in my jackpot and have a feeling one of the two guys will be winning their first major. It may even come down to a playoff between the two.

You heard it here first. Happy Open, ya Limeys!

Tuesday Evening Practice

I played out at Polo Fields tonight to get in a little practice. I like Polo Fields ok (especially when it is free), but some of the layout is a little strange and doesn't fit my eye well. Blind tee shots on several holes (including a par 3) make it tough to pick your spots and get a good visual.

As I have been doing, I'm playing from the back tees and playing the ball down to try and prepare for Wednesday. But, as I said before, I plan on doing this from now on. I find it more rewarding. Anyway, I managed to shoot 37-38 for 75. I did double bogey one hole but it was because we got a little goofy and I tried to kill a drive. It subsequently ended up bouncing around on someones deck.

My concerns about Lakeside Wednesday has nothing to do with the length of the course or keeping the ball in play. The course is neither long nor narrow. My main concern is the condition of the course. Rolling the ball would be no problem, but playing it down is a different game there. The course needs rain and the fairways are very dry. They are note bare, but the grass was dry and every shot felt like a hard pan lie.

I think I'll be hitting some shots over the next week off of that type of lie to see the best way to attack it, but maybe I'll just hit it in the rough.

Practice

I have been attempting to get in some practice lately amidst the hullabaloo and I feel comfortable enough than I can put forth a good effort next Wednesday in Lexington. The course was a little thin and dry, making playing the ball down tough. I almost felt better off in the rough. Anyway, I will be playing Polo Fields tonight (I love free golf) to get in a little more practice.

My official USGA handicap should become active anytime now. The revision went through today. As of now, it is still showing no handicap, but that should change. You can follow my scores and keep up with my current index at GHIN.com. Just do a handicap search and put in the right state and name. It's pretty neat because you can look up anyone. I even found Arnold Palmer's.