A Nation's Pride
The Open at Royal Portrush, how quickly the final major
of the year, and the one true test of golf is upon us. Some
might say that it is debatable, yet there’s no denying the
different nature of links golf as it is played in Europe.
How different the nature of this 148th Open as well? It was
1951 when the last Open championship was staged at Dunluce
Links; it’s been a good 65 years since, and a lot has happened in
Northern Ireland. All the preparation that’s gone into staging the
championship at Royal Portrush cannot be overstated, there’s a
lot at stake for a whole nation, much more than just pride itself.
Congratulations Northern Ireland, your moment has arrived.
Darren Clarke, Graeme McDowell, and Rory McIlroy. Three
Irish lads who’ve won majors, two of which are featured this
issue as we review the course and its changes at Royal Portrush
courtesy of GMac, who grew up playing the course. The other,
Rory, still holds the course record of an 11-under 61 as a 16 year
old amateur, so who best to share with us his 5 best swing tips?
With their local knowledge, both I’m sure are champing at
the bit to be this year’s champion golfer, Rory though has
the edge as bookmakers rank him as the odds on favourite
alongside that golfing machine aka Brooks Koepka.
With so much to take in this 148th Open, deep emotions will be
stirred on more than a national level, and at the end of it all, we
look forward to finding out who the champion golfer of the year is.
HUBERT TANG
FOREWORD