The British Open

Okay...be honest.  How many of you had heard of Todd Hamilton before the British Open this weekend?  I can honestly say, being an avid golf fan, I had never heard of Mr Hamilton.  Of course, after today's final round of the open we all have.  He won the British Open in a 4 hole playoff over Ernie Els.  Of course Ernie let another major title chance slide by like so many others.  Ernie had a 12 foot putt on the last hole to win the jug. 

 Mr Hamilton and his clarett jug.

Todd Hamilton is this year's Ben Curtis and Rich Beem.  All 3, in my eyes, have come out of no where to win a major title.  Curtis in last years British and Beem a couple years back at the PGA Championship (which is being held in Sheboygan, Wisconsin this year for those that don't know...)  I know Hamilton has won many times over seas.  He has played on the Japanese tour for many years and won 11 times.  We in America do not have a clue who he is.  Unless, of course, you are from Hamilton's hometown in Illinois.  We do now, and for Todd, that is the most important thing.

Another story of the British Open is Tiger coming up short...again.  It is clearly evident why this has happened over and over again the past 2-3 years.  Elin Nordegren is her name.  Maybe you haven't seen her.  This is Tiger's wife.  She is hot.  Plain and simple.  He is putting more time into her than he did before he was with her.  I am not saying he doesn't focus on his golf game.  It is evident he does.  What I'm saying is he doesn't put as much time in as he did before.  For Tiger to be the best golfer ever he is going to have to refocus on golf. 

A good example is Pete Sampras.  He gave up having a life for the good part of a decade to become the best tennis player ever known.  Tiger was well on his way before being introduced to Elin a few years back.  Tiger is set for life either way.  He has more than enough money.  He has a beautiful wife and a strong family background.  If he wants to be remembered as the best golfer to walk the planet however, he is going to have to prioritize. 

My Top 8 Reasons on why the British Open is the best major.

1. At the British you can walk up to the gate the day of the tourney and get tickets.  Try doing that at the Masters.  Just dumb.

2. The British rotates sites to play different courses each year.

3. At the Open, not only are you playing the course you are playing the conditions (wind, rain, etc).  Makes it much more exciting.

4. Fans in Britain actually appreciate the sport.  Not touching this one.

5. I've played St Andrews.  Yessirree.  I rule.

6. Walking up the 18th fairway on the Sunday at St Andrews in 2000 next to Tiger as he wins his first British Open.  Yeah, that was me.  You must remember seeing me next to him...think dammit think.

7. Fish & Chips.  Can't get that next month at Whistling Straits in Sheboygan I'm sure of it.

8. Being able to sit in one place at St Andrews and watch 5-6 holes at the same time.  Can't do that with all the trees on the courses in America.

Don't get me wrong.  The Master's is an amazing tournament.  Do you really need to sell tickets a year in advance which gives most people zero chance of going?  Not really.