What did Darren Clarke do to win the 2012 British Open at Royal St. George’s?

In an earlier post I had predicted that Lee Westwood would win this year’s British Open. It looks like I backed the wrong horse. Darren Clarke was nothing short of spectacular in the way he handled the pressure and the weather to be named Champion Golfer of the year. What did he do to win? Quite simply, he kept his ball in play, avoided the big number, and made clutch putts when he needed them.

In the same post I had selected 61 year old Tom Watson as the sentimental favorite. What did he do? Well he out scored a host of players to finish tied for 22nd place. The list of players he beat included Westwood who didn’t make the cut, and such notables as Bubba Watson, Adam Scott, and yes Rory McIlroy. Way to go Tom.

I would also like to offer my congratulations to Darren Clarke. He may be the best advertisement for Guinness that they have going. If they don’t have him signed up already, I would expect he’ll be signed up by tomorrow. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy.

To improve your own game, please check out the practice aid that allows you to hit full iron shot’s, with a real ball, in your own back yard. Click here to check out the Ropeit!

Who will win the 2011 British Open at Royal St. George’s?

OK. I had mentioned Tom Watson in a previous post as the sentimental favorite, and it would truly be a monumental win if he were to pull it off. But, who are the most likely candidates to win this year’s British Open?

I successfully predicted Rory McIlroy to win the US Open, and you have to like the kid’s chances. The bookmakers have him as the favorite at 8-1. He has had to deal with a lot of hype since his US Open win, and winning back to back majors is a very difficult feat for anyone not named Tiger. Tiger? He won’t be competing so Rory has that going for him.

The next two players the bookies like are Luke Donald at and Lee Westwood at 12-1. Two US players, neither named Phil come in at 35-1, Steve Stricker and Nick Watney. Phil? He is listed at 45-1 and is my favorite among US Players.

So I’m going to go out on a limb here and predict Lee Westwood to win. Is Lee Westwood going to be the heir apparent to Colin Montgomerie, to be the best player to never win a major? I don’t think so. Westwood has game, he has grit, and I don’t think he is going to let the kid beat him again. If he doesn’t pull it out, I feel it is only a matter of time before he is holding a major trophy. In his last seven majors he has been in the top three five times. He just has to close it out. Westwood has the experience should the weather act up, and his history, short of winning, at the British Open’s has been quite impressive. So, don’t be surprised if Lee is drinking from the Claret Jug when it is all said and done.

To improve your own game, please check out the practice aid that allows you to hit full iron shot’s, with a real ball, in your own back yard. Click here to check out the Ropeit!

Can Tom Watson win the British Open at Royal St. George?

The short answer is; if his titanium hip holds out, why not? It has been two years since he was 8 feet away from winning his 6th British Open. Watson will be appearing at his 34th Open championship, so he certainly has experience on his side. At age 61, he just beat the kids (the fifty something’s) to win the PGA Senior Championship at Valhalla.

Just that he is even considered is a credit to one of the greatest golfer’s of all time. When asked if he thought he had a chance, he replied, with that Tom Watson, grin/smile: “Too early to tell, ask me on the Wednesday night in Sandwich!” Please notice, he did not say no. So that leads me to think that at least he believes he has a chance.

His recent Senior PGA Major win shows that his game is still sharp. If the conditions are right, his putter gets red hot, and the Golf God’s are on his side, a bounce here, a chip in there, who knows? He may just be able to pull it off.

The last British Open played at Royal St. George was in 2003. Tom finished 7 strokes off of the pace, with a 77 in the second round, and a 69 in the final round. If that second round 77 had been a 69, he would have won the tournament. It could be argued that his game has not changed all that much since 2003. Of course, if does not count in golf.

Here is one fan that would love to see Tom win it. Good luck Tom. Here is a great article on Tom’s Major Championship wins.

Leave a comment and let us know if you feel that Tom Watson can win at Royal St. George.

If you are looking to improve your own game, please check out the practice aid that allows you to find time to practice: The Ropeit.