RINGING THE CHANGES AT BIRKDALE

OK, so Harrington won again, with Europeans filling the top places and no Americans in sight. Notwithstanding the absence of Woods, the advantage of strength-in-depth is now with Europe, at least as far as The Open Championship and the Ryder Cup are concerned. Of course, the Americans enjoy a huge advantage in the other three Majors, since they are always played on their own doorstep, but many golf fans feel that the Masters should not be accepted as a Major, since it is not an open tournament. Perhaps the fourth Major should be a truly international tournament with pre-qualifying events, which could be played in different parts of the world each year.

But to return to The Open, what a gut wrenching affair it was once again! From the unlikely prospect of the semi-retired, fifty three year old Greg Norman becoming the oldest winner of a Major, to the equally unlikely prospect of an Irishman winning back-to-back Opens, the result was in doubt until Padraig Harrington eagled the 17th hole. Until then, Ian Poulter was favourite to cross swords with Harrington in a play-off. But there were no signs that Harrington would falter at the last, as he did at Carnoustie last year. Harrington, Poulter and Stenson, who finished fourth, have now guaranteed their places in September’s Ryder Cup match. Just one slightly sour note.

BBC television, who televise The Open every year, have still not mastered the art of following the flight of the ball. Perhaps they should borrow cameramen from Sky.

Tags: BBC, Eur, European Tour, Major, Open