This was quite a show on Sunday. My favorite remains the 1975 Masters, won by Nilkaus at -12, followed by Miller and Weiskopf at -11. All three were in it until the final hole and all three were at the top of their games. It was riveting to watch.
2
It would be only fitting if these two wound up against each other in the Ryder Cup. One of the most amazing, riveting golf matches I have watched. And it was a match, one on one. Great game.
3
You may want to start referring to this tournament as 'The Open Championship.'
2
@Robert Dana
This controversy will never die--Is it the British Open or the Open (or the Open championship?!) Can we give it a rest?
Yes. Golf got its probable start in the UK--specifically Scotland in the late 15th century-at Old Andrews. Many purists feel that this British Open is the “original open” and thus should simply be called the Open or Open Championship.
But really it should be referred to as the British Open, for the sake of clarity:
Since the British Open was established, Opens of all sorts have followed. A cursory glance at the European Tour schedule reveals the Scottish Open, Italian Open, Wales Open, U.S. Open, French Open, Russian Open, Africa Open, South African Open, Malaysian Open, Indian Open, Joburg Open, China Open, Spanish Open, Mauritius Open, Austrian Open, BMW International Open (otherwise known as the German Open, see how annoying this is to have to clarify?), Madeira Islands Open, KLM Open, European Open, Hong Kong Open and Turkish Airlines Open, among others.
And most tennis players feel that the ONLY Open is the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows
Turnberry was the site of the 2009 Open of Stewart Cinq over Tom Watson fame. Donald J Trump bought Turnberry, renovated it into a luxury resort, renamed it Trump Turnberry (TT) and the Royal and Ancient removed it from the rota in 2014.
However the R&A redacted their decision and TT will host the Open in 2022...whereby it will NOW be called the Trump Open!
(JUST kiddin’--I hope!)
This controversy will never die--Is it the British Open or the Open (or the Open championship?!) Can we give it a rest?
Yes. Golf got its probable start in the UK--specifically Scotland in the late 15th century-at Old Andrews. Many purists feel that this British Open is the “original open” and thus should simply be called the Open or Open Championship.
But really it should be referred to as the British Open, for the sake of clarity:
Since the British Open was established, Opens of all sorts have followed. A cursory glance at the European Tour schedule reveals the Scottish Open, Italian Open, Wales Open, U.S. Open, French Open, Russian Open, Africa Open, South African Open, Malaysian Open, Indian Open, Joburg Open, China Open, Spanish Open, Mauritius Open, Austrian Open, BMW International Open (otherwise known as the German Open, see how annoying this is to have to clarify?), Madeira Islands Open, KLM Open, European Open, Hong Kong Open and Turkish Airlines Open, among others.
And most tennis players feel that the ONLY Open is the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows
Turnberry was the site of the 2009 Open of Stewart Cinq over Tom Watson fame. Donald J Trump bought Turnberry, renovated it into a luxury resort, renamed it Trump Turnberry (TT) and the Royal and Ancient removed it from the rota in 2014.
However the R&A redacted their decision and TT will host the Open in 2022...whereby it will NOW be called the Trump Open!
(JUST kiddin’--I hope!)
1
Great game, no doubt. But there's only one Jack!
1
@NYer “only one Jack!”
Jack Grout?
Jack Grout was the Golden Bear’s first and ONLY swing coach before Nicklaus even hit the Scarlet and Gray courses at Ohio State--And was Jack’s substitute father as Nicklaus’ dad died at an early age. (I’ve followed Mr. Nicklaus since he played junior golf against my brothers growing up in Ohio. They used to come home whining about a “little fat kid” with blonde hair who was winning tourneys with 62’s while the other juniors were coming in with 82’s! Nicklaus broke every course record in Ohio as a junior!)
Though not quite sure why you are bringing Nicklaus into the conversation about Stenson and Mickelson?
Jack Grout?
Jack Grout was the Golden Bear’s first and ONLY swing coach before Nicklaus even hit the Scarlet and Gray courses at Ohio State--And was Jack’s substitute father as Nicklaus’ dad died at an early age. (I’ve followed Mr. Nicklaus since he played junior golf against my brothers growing up in Ohio. They used to come home whining about a “little fat kid” with blonde hair who was winning tourneys with 62’s while the other juniors were coming in with 82’s! Nicklaus broke every course record in Ohio as a junior!)
Though not quite sure why you are bringing Nicklaus into the conversation about Stenson and Mickelson?
2
Phil Mickelson can not blame this defeat on Tom Watson. I think the golf gods got one back on Phil M. for his outrageous public remarks after the last Ryder Cup. What goes around comes around.
"Golf rarely delivers such theater"' How true. These two performers, however, were suddenly thrust upon the world's stage and delivered. I'm just grateful I was in the audience.
2
My Swedish dad, avid golfer till the day he died, at 93, would have loved to watch this game!
4
I prefer playing golf to watching, but like many, I got sucked into this. HS and PM demonstrated skill, courage, but most importantly class. Speaking of which, I hope someone pulled young Mr. McElroy aside after his club-throwing incident. Let’s hope he is sufficiently embarrassed about this episode to avoid repeating this behavior.
2
Why does Mickelson's egregious behaviour get a pass? Sharapova is equally a poster chid, a crowd pleaser and crowd draw. But she drugged and in a true show of integrity for the powers that be in tennis suspended her for 2 years. Mickelson stole $1 million in cahoots with a notorious gambler. (yeah, he did give it back when no other choice was open). Not even a slap on the wrist; just accolade after accolade. He shows a lot of class; sadly it is mostly low. And the golf establishment is down there with him.
3
This article is about a golf match. Period. What Mr. Mickelson does off the course is irrelevant. The American habit of turning everything into a morality play is repellent.
4
Mickelson was proven innocent of any insider knowledge and absolved of any guilt in the case you sight. Get your facts straight before you shoot your mouth off.
A few things that could have made it even better.
1. Phil wins (although Stenson winning his 1st major was great)
2. Far, far fewer mentions of Tiger
3. Get rid of Johnny Miller
4. If I wanted a history lesson I'll go and read a book. It's a game, not the Battle of Runnymeade or the signing of the Magna Carta.
My golf watching these days is limited to the following: Phil is in contention, Feherty is announcing, Gary McCord is announcing. Got 2 of 3 this weekend but I sure miss McCord.
1. Phil wins (although Stenson winning his 1st major was great)
2. Far, far fewer mentions of Tiger
3. Get rid of Johnny Miller
4. If I wanted a history lesson I'll go and read a book. It's a game, not the Battle of Runnymeade or the signing of the Magna Carta.
My golf watching these days is limited to the following: Phil is in contention, Feherty is announcing, Gary McCord is announcing. Got 2 of 3 this weekend but I sure miss McCord.
5
Nice sanctimonius lecture. Befits one who misses listening to McCord.
1
The Stenson-Mickelson duel is one of the best I have seen, surely deserving mention alongside the so-called Duel in the Sun between Tom Watson and Jack Nicklaus. In one corner, Mickelson, the omnipresent force on the tour for decades and winner of five majors, and in the other, Stenson, who up until yesterday was little more than a journeyman on the PGA. Yes, he won the Players, but any golf fan certainly knew his potential was greater. Stenson showed amazing grit and guts when it counted. The opening hole, with Mickelson dropping an eight iron to within a few feet and Henrik in relative trouble, could have decimated the Swede. After all, he lost his lead. But then he reels off a series of birdies, and the fight was on.
I must admit to having been a Tiger fan for years, desperately wanting to see history made, and viewing Mickelson, one of the Big Cat's competitors, as a bit of an interloper. That embarrasses me somewhat, certainly in retrospect. But my opinion has shifted considerably, most definitely in the wake of Woods' scandals. Mickelson is by no means a choir boy, but who is? He is a great champion. He did not lose yesterday; he was beaten by a sublime Stenson, a great player in his own right, who should be able to win a few more majors before his career comes to end.
I am not foolish enough to think I will see such a battle anytime soon again. But for four hours yesterday, I saw some wonderful golf.
I must admit to having been a Tiger fan for years, desperately wanting to see history made, and viewing Mickelson, one of the Big Cat's competitors, as a bit of an interloper. That embarrasses me somewhat, certainly in retrospect. But my opinion has shifted considerably, most definitely in the wake of Woods' scandals. Mickelson is by no means a choir boy, but who is? He is a great champion. He did not lose yesterday; he was beaten by a sublime Stenson, a great player in his own right, who should be able to win a few more majors before his career comes to end.
I am not foolish enough to think I will see such a battle anytime soon again. But for four hours yesterday, I saw some wonderful golf.
15
Great match, congrats to both. The thing that separates Phil from the rest of the golfers besides his ability is he has a personality, charisma etc. Arnold Palmer has
it most other golfers do not. I think that's why he is such a fan favorite.
it most other golfers do not. I think that's why he is such a fan favorite.
2
That was really fun to watch. We were stunned to think that, playing against the best golfers in the world, those two were able to be "in a school district" by themselves indeed.
4
What an amazing round of golf! I woke up thinking that Phil would need to display some of his 2013 magic to win, and was hopeful after the first few holes. But Henrik had his own magic, wrapped in steel nerves that turned his clubs, especially his putter, into wands. We may never see the likes of this again. My praise goes out to Henrik; my heart goes out to Phil. Legends both.
6
Unequivocally, the BEST golf I have ever seen! Stenson has been on the doorstep of winning a major several times, and now he's won his first, probably not his last. Breathtaking theater for the ultimate sport of skill and nerves, good for Henrik!
4
My view of Phil Mickelson has forever been changed by the Dean Foods insider trading scandal. The weird appellate court's ruling that allowed Mickelson to skate away from the obvious - that he made a stock trade based on the CEO's insider knowledge, is a legal fig leaf he didn't deserve.
That he apparently owed a professional sports gambler $1 million is a bridge way too far for me. It shows remarkably poor judgement on Mr. Mickelson's part.
But all that doesn't take away from the remarkable golf he and Mr. Stenson played on Sunday at Royal Troon.
Like Schwartzel's chip in on the front nine during the final round of the Masters when he won, Stenson's 51 footer showed that it was his time and his tournament.
It was a remarkable display by both men that provided us with a worthy champion at the end of the round.
Well done, Mr. Stenson!
That he apparently owed a professional sports gambler $1 million is a bridge way too far for me. It shows remarkably poor judgement on Mr. Mickelson's part.
But all that doesn't take away from the remarkable golf he and Mr. Stenson played on Sunday at Royal Troon.
Like Schwartzel's chip in on the front nine during the final round of the Masters when he won, Stenson's 51 footer showed that it was his time and his tournament.
It was a remarkable display by both men that provided us with a worthy champion at the end of the round.
Well done, Mr. Stenson!
6
They don't call him Phil the Thrill for nothing. He will not hesitate to hit the ball around one tree, over another, and across the lake with the tournament on the line. If you have a personality like that, well, you're likely to take a lot of chances off the course as well.
2
You bought that hale fellow well met routine?
A few years back he was listed as one of the top five athletes dislike by his/ her peers. Number one was AJ Pierzynski.
But who cares? He's a gifted golfer.
A few years back he was listed as one of the top five athletes dislike by his/ her peers. Number one was AJ Pierzynski.
But who cares? He's a gifted golfer.
"Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson played together on Saturday and then again on Sunday, and they were, quite simply, superior."
Pardon me? Let's try "SPECTACULAR!"
Pardon me? Let's try "SPECTACULAR!"
3
A very difficult course and it took two seasoned veterans to show us that you do not have to be young to play good golf.
5
"It's not making me want to go out and work harder" was how Mickelson reacted to paying more than 60% in taxes following wins in the 2013 British and Scottish opens.
You lose some....you win some.
You lose some....you win some.
2
As a fellow Swede, it was both thrilling and humorous to observe Henrik Stenson play golf but, also, to see a character that reminded me of Bjorn Borg; that inscrutable visage that gives no quarter to grand emotional displays. After perhaps the greatest battle I have ever witnessed in golf Mr. Stenson alluded obliquely to his fallen friend who passed away on Wednesday and concluded by saying, "Well, I think we'll leave it there." I can't wait to read his memoirs.
5
I demur.
Troon is a very short course by Tour standards with very flat greens. Like some links courses, lacking trees and water, it can be defenseless when there is no wind or rain against top touring pros playing well who aren't falling into the pot bunkers. One of the Opens that Tiger won touted the course's large number of pot bunkers, and at the end of the event, Tiger had not gone into a single one of them. Big win. So at Troon we see two 63s in the tournament in nice weather. Tough course? I think not, if the weather is clear.
Yesterday HS and PM kept regularly hitting fairways or just off them, mostly hitting irons because the course is short, and then hitting greens in regulation [good for them!], yielding many birdie putts and easy two-putts for par. And most of the putts were very straight on the very flat greens, save perhaps HS's on 18. So, while they played very well, I found it boring. ZZZZZZ.
It shows again why the Masters is so popular - the possibility of big moves up and down on the back nine on Sunday, as the players are challenged to take risks, sometimes winning, sometimes losing [remember Phil's 2 eagles - one through the trees - and a birdie at Augusta in 3 or 4 holes to win?]. There was none of that at Troon.
Hopefully, Baltusrol will be more entertaining.
Troon is a very short course by Tour standards with very flat greens. Like some links courses, lacking trees and water, it can be defenseless when there is no wind or rain against top touring pros playing well who aren't falling into the pot bunkers. One of the Opens that Tiger won touted the course's large number of pot bunkers, and at the end of the event, Tiger had not gone into a single one of them. Big win. So at Troon we see two 63s in the tournament in nice weather. Tough course? I think not, if the weather is clear.
Yesterday HS and PM kept regularly hitting fairways or just off them, mostly hitting irons because the course is short, and then hitting greens in regulation [good for them!], yielding many birdie putts and easy two-putts for par. And most of the putts were very straight on the very flat greens, save perhaps HS's on 18. So, while they played very well, I found it boring. ZZZZZZ.
It shows again why the Masters is so popular - the possibility of big moves up and down on the back nine on Sunday, as the players are challenged to take risks, sometimes winning, sometimes losing [remember Phil's 2 eagles - one through the trees - and a birdie at Augusta in 3 or 4 holes to win?]. There was none of that at Troon.
Hopefully, Baltusrol will be more entertaining.
1
Then why couldn't anyone else do it? Surely, among the field of 156 golfers, there are plenty of long hitters who should be able to destroy the course you describe.
8
Uhhhh if it was so easy where's the rest of the field?
1
What can one say! Both golfers were magnificent. The 3 stroke difference seems to imply the better man but I doubt if that was even close to being true.
I have never seen such a great game.
I have never seen such a great game.
4
An amazing final major round of golf by Phil, outdone by a truly epic round from Henrik. Short of final round Ryder Cup drama, it was all that any golf fan could have hoped for.
3
Great when someone wins rather than the other guys loses.
Leaving the the mob in the dust, icing on the cake.
Leaving the the mob in the dust, icing on the cake.
7
Watched all Saturday and certainly Sunday. Unbelievable golf - how they could possibly match each other shot for shot was astounding. On Sunday Stenson was flawless. I pulled for Phil, but was certainly happy for Henrik Stenson - remarkable. Just too bad there had to be a loser. Mickelson always seems to find joy just being involved in such a phenomenal event - even if he comes up short. Two golfers "in the zone" and behaving with class.
9
For Mickelson being second beats being in jail where he probably should be.
8
What I ask of athletes us that they perform well. That's it. I do NOT need them to be role models outside their sport. We Americans need to grow up and stop constantly moralizing -- about everything.
1
Mickelson is a gifted golfer who has made a fortune playing a game many pay a fortune to play. Yet I recall him complaining that his taxes were too high. I can't root for person so unaware of how fortunate he is.
1
Fittingly in the birthplace of golf, the British Open is a throwback that requires mental clarity and restraint as well as great physical skills. As I watched this unfold I couldn't decide who and what to root for: Phil to get his 6th or Henrik to finally get his first major title. Phil was at the top of his game. I've never seen him better, even in his previous major wins, and without Henrik's presence we'd be talking about Troon as his most dominant victory, even better than Muirfield a few years ago. But Stenson hits the ball with the reproducibility of a machine and force of a sledgehammer. The raw power of his swing is awesome to every golfer who watches him. I can't help but say "Boom!' when he unleashes his driver. It was fantastic to see him also conquer the greens, draining putt after important putt, to finally put his name among the greats of this wonderful game.
1
Like so many, I'm sure, I didn't watch. Golf has become SO boring ...
Bring back Tiger. At least there was a huge personality there ... when he was in the hunt on a Sunday, I watched. With him gone, and no one to fill in, I'd rather do anything than watch ....
Lefty just doesn't draw viewership of any size or volume. And I'd rather watch grass grow than watch the likes of Zach Johnson...
Bring back Tiger. At least there was a huge personality there ... when he was in the hunt on a Sunday, I watched. With him gone, and no one to fill in, I'd rather do anything than watch ....
Lefty just doesn't draw viewership of any size or volume. And I'd rather watch grass grow than watch the likes of Zach Johnson...
Hhhmmm....
Guess this is a reason to record/DVR such events. Just in case it turns into an epic one. And, as you can see by the comments, this one WAS epic. And one for the record books.
Guess this is a reason to record/DVR such events. Just in case it turns into an epic one. And, as you can see by the comments, this one WAS epic. And one for the record books.
Yes, the Final Round of the 145th Open Championship will forever be a reference point of how two competitors were somehow able to infuse their veins with ice, show no fear, and reach such heights of excellence in this ancient and noble sporting event.
I have to believe that if the Tom Morris' (both Young and Old) Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, and every other golfing immortal were here to witness what happened at Royal Troon yesterday they would be hailing its greatness for the rest of eternity.
Yes, what Stenson and Mickelson accomplished yesterday was THAT great and that moving, and I thank them both for the memory of what they have done for themselves, for the sport, and for all of us.
I have to believe that if the Tom Morris' (both Young and Old) Harry Vardon, Bobby Jones, and every other golfing immortal were here to witness what happened at Royal Troon yesterday they would be hailing its greatness for the rest of eternity.
Yes, what Stenson and Mickelson accomplished yesterday was THAT great and that moving, and I thank them both for the memory of what they have done for themselves, for the sport, and for all of us.
3
Stenson's last drive that came within 15 inches of one of those awful bunkers was the closest we came all day to one of those dramatic plot twists one expects on a great Scottish course.... and that was only because Stenson was hitting the ball so well. They both were.
1
Yeah, that drive was 315 yards with a 3-wood. He didn't hit driver so he couldn't reach that bunker, and nearly did anyway.
It was close to a catastrophic shot for Stenson. One of the announcers even questioned if the pumped up Stenson would put the bunker into play with his three wood. The way he was going, he might well have simply made bogey.
I was happy to see Phil to have played so well and finish so strongly. Phil hdd been lucky all week that his mistakes allowed an opportunity for recovery. Perhaps luck is a bit harsh, but the best players, when playing well, seem to have their way with a course. The 20 under?
I was happy to see Phil to have played so well and finish so strongly. Phil hdd been lucky all week that his mistakes allowed an opportunity for recovery. Perhaps luck is a bit harsh, but the best players, when playing well, seem to have their way with a course. The 20 under?
Weather is a huge factor and how well they both attacked it. It was an honor to watch and I saw it as both men winning.
2
Some of the most brilliant golf I've ever seen by two dueling golfers. The lead witched back and forth so many times I became dizzy. Mickelson did hit a few wayward shots but made recoveries that only Mickelson could pull off. Stenson, who has always been known as a fabulous ball striker but a so-so putter, made just about everything, including a fifty-six footer from off the green and that final putt nobody except him could figure out. On any other day Mickelson would have run away with another major, but not on this day.
2
Brilliant match play, great guys. The picture says it all. How little of that we see in the world today, in any venue.
2
A great match, Stenson was striking in victory, Phil was gracious in defeat. Both of these men showed the world, especially the young, what "class" really means.
4
Sometimes you can see the winner early on the final day. Not on shot quality but on that look in the eyes. Stenson always silently said, "I m not going to lose this." Mickelson's eyes said, "I am going to try my best not to lose this."
They were magnificent. If these High Noon duels take place only every 40 years or so, I've seen my last one. But I saw Jack and Tom in 1977 and for that I'll always be thankful.
On July 19, 2009, early on a fine morning, I jumped in my car and drove to Turnberry hoping to watch Tom make history at 59, only to see him effectively lose it at the last, and confirm that in the play-off with S Cink. I think I wanted my own youth back that day along with Tom's and drove home in sadness.
They were magnificent. If these High Noon duels take place only every 40 years or so, I've seen my last one. But I saw Jack and Tom in 1977 and for that I'll always be thankful.
On July 19, 2009, early on a fine morning, I jumped in my car and drove to Turnberry hoping to watch Tom make history at 59, only to see him effectively lose it at the last, and confirm that in the play-off with S Cink. I think I wanted my own youth back that day along with Tom's and drove home in sadness.
2
Very nice article.
Stenson may have played the best 4 rounds of golf in a major...ever. Phil may have played better than he has in any major, 5 victories included, and also got extremely lucky, with all 3 of his most errant shots of the tournament bouncing back into play, two off spectators and one off of a bush. And Stenson still won by 3 strokes (and beat the rest of the field by 14).
Congratulations Henrik Stenson.
Stenson may have played the best 4 rounds of golf in a major...ever. Phil may have played better than he has in any major, 5 victories included, and also got extremely lucky, with all 3 of his most errant shots of the tournament bouncing back into play, two off spectators and one off of a bush. And Stenson still won by 3 strokes (and beat the rest of the field by 14).
Congratulations Henrik Stenson.
2
This was a fabulous display of shot-making. I couldn't shot mortars more accurately.
1
In fifty years of watching golf, I never saw what I just did - the final pairing in the final round of a Major playing flawless golf on a storied course.
Although a Phil Mickelson fan, there came a point - probably after the turn - where I was little concerned about who won. The superlative play and sportsmanship transcended Claret Jugs, 'best to never win a Major', 'most runners up in a Major' and all that.
A welcome respite from everything going on in our country and the world today - if only for 4 hours.
Having Johnny Miller call the match was an added bonus - and surely welcome over Sir Nick and FoxSports. His homage to hole No. 8, The Postage Stamp, was precious and pure Miller -
"What a hole. It's been fun to know ya hole."
Although a Phil Mickelson fan, there came a point - probably after the turn - where I was little concerned about who won. The superlative play and sportsmanship transcended Claret Jugs, 'best to never win a Major', 'most runners up in a Major' and all that.
A welcome respite from everything going on in our country and the world today - if only for 4 hours.
Having Johnny Miller call the match was an added bonus - and surely welcome over Sir Nick and FoxSports. His homage to hole No. 8, The Postage Stamp, was precious and pure Miller -
"What a hole. It's been fun to know ya hole."
3
What made this great was that each player made one good shot after another, from dicey lies, in wind, and not only put the ball on the green, but one-putt close to the hole. Instead of seeing which player made the fewest mistakes, it was, hole after hole, how good each player's best was. You don't see that very often.
3
Marvelous match. Nuff said.
3
A marvelous battle seldom seen in the golf. Wish I had been there. So sorry Phil was not triumphant, but the real glory is in the struggle itself and Phil has nothing but bravos to remember.
15
yes, it was a duel, and Stenson was relentless--- I even watched the post-game replays to see the shots again.....I was rooting for Phil, but Stenson was like a machine, he never wilted under pressure, and yes, he did float like a butterfly and sting like a bee........and I am still convinced that his birdie on 18 when the ball actually turned around and went back in the hole, was some wizardry straight out of Tam O'Shanter, the local ghost story told by Rabbie Burns who lived just down the road in Ayr ............yes Mr Borden, it was a duel for the ages, and I hope Phil can take comfort from knowing that it could not have happened without him. He is a gracious gentleman.
31
Clearly equally skilled, what unfolded was a chess match between two brilliant minds who happened to get to that special place. Something most of us will never know, but can admire.
20
I really don't think the comment about Bob May was necessary.
12
Why not? He's famous as "the guy who lost to Tiger Woods."
2
Stinson and Mickelson made it look, if not easy, then possible to play a very difficult links course error free. While clearly competing the two showed why golf is a game of honor. The final two rounds were epic. What a great joy and memory for viewers such as myself and son. We played golf ourselves today then watched the match.
19