The British Open

This past Tuesday and Wednesday we were treated to attending the British Open. Located close to our hotel in Blackpool, England we traveled from Coventry for the week. Due to scheduling conflicts, we were only able to attend the practice rounds of the event, as the real competition started on Thursday for all golfers. So, while we were there, the golfers were walking the course at their own pace if they wanted, in addition to practicing their swings on the putting breen and british bunkers. 

We arrived around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, walking through the historic St. Annes club area walking by signs like the one below. 

As we walked into the grounds, I was amazed by the time The Open must have put into the production of this event. I had never been to any golf tournament before, so I was constantly analyzing the minute details of the event management for The Open. Small aspects like sponsorships, booth layout, security, and flow of traffic all became highlights to my stay in addition to the high performance athletes.

Even though I never saw Tiger Woods in person, when we walked in he was talking for his press conference after a practice 18 holes earlier in the morning. Upon finishing his conference he proceeded to walk to his private helicopter and fly 40 minutes away to a private residence......

After browsing The Open gift store for quite some time, I made my way over to the actual course. Here below you can see the historic clubhouse for the St. Annes golf course that backs up the 18th hole. Right as I decided to make my way to the course the weather thought it would be a good idea to start pouring. So, without an umbrella I marched strongly to and from each hold.

Moving farther away from the 18th hole, you can now see the extent of how rainy and also how lush the course is. With weather being as erratic as it has been, I was not surprised to find out that play had been suspended later in the competition because of rain. But during the practice rounds, it was up to the players to see if they wanted to continue, and believe it or not, they did.

I decided to stay for a while watching the groups of golfers tee off at the 18th hole. Here is a golfer by the last name, Morrison, who was about to swing. Even though it was a practice round, the attendance was still quite high and getting this close to a player was relatively rare.

The 18th hole again!

 As I started walking down the course again, walking through a forest of weeds and high grass sopping wet from the torrential rain, I took a picture of the classic bunker of the British open. As you can see, unlike American bunkers, the sod is much different and wall-like.

Walking by the 17th hole, I looked across to the 18th and saw some of the most ridiculous pants I had ever seen. Without even 2nd guessing myself I ran over and took a picture of the infamous John Daly. Afterwards, I tried to get his autograph, but he rudely walked by not only myself but little British kids....

The 16th hole!

 For the most part of the first day at the British open I spent walking the course. However, on the 2nd day I decided to camp out at the driving range with Dan Wickman, where I was able to watch many of the players get ready the day before the event. However, many of the prominent players never showed up, partly because they practiced at another more private location. If you can see below, Scott Van Pelt, a sportscenter anchor was hanging out at the driving range as well!

The driving range provided me with a beautiful look at the players and their ability on the course. In addition the sponsors of each player and their club were there tracking the flight of the golf balls in order to instruct the golfer on his swing. The smallest details were analyzed here at the range and tweaked to create the largest chance for a win on the course during the actual competition.

Overall, my time at the british open was a success. For a first time golf tournament to attend, I look forward to the first time I can see them actually compete. In the end of the tournament, Ernie Els won in a unprecedented comeback!