When I was growing up my dad told me it never rains on the golf course.  On Friday at St. Andrews, not only did it rain the winds kicked up and were so strong that they had to suspend play for 66 minutes.

This is what the players expect when they come to this ancient and storied golf course.  Playing on a links style golf course like St. Andrews demands patience and creative play.

Even with weather conditions changing and challenging the players, there was some great play. Four players including leader Louis Oosthuizen shot 67.  Oostuizen has a 5 stroke lead at 12 under par heading into the third round.

There is still a lot of golf to play, but Oostuizen is firmly in control of this tournament.  Could this be his turn to shine at a major tournament and finally come of age.  Only time will tell.

Mark Calcavecchia shot 67 and is in second place, 5 shots off the lead. Calcavecchia has the game and the personality to be a factor this weekend.

Rickie Fowler shot 67 on Friday after an opening round 79 giving him the opportunity to play on the weekend.  Fowler has been impressive since turning pro in 2009.  Teeing off early may be an advantage for him and give him the opportunity to climb up the leader board.

First round leader, Rory McIlroy struggled on Friday shooting 80.  The youngster has the game, but has his work cut out for him if he expects to be a factor.

I am a big Phil Mickelson fan, but I have to say I was disappointed when I heard that he was complaining about getting a bad shake with the weather. Phil is such a stand up guy, I found it hard to believe that he would speak out this way.

He has struggled at St. Andrews and I am sure that this had a lot to do with it, but Phil, suck it up. I look for Mickelson to right the ship on Saturday and play his way into contention.  There are still 36 holes to play and anything can happen.

It was great to see Tom Watson playing the Open at St. Andrews one more time.  He is such a class act and will be long remembered, even though he didn’t make the cut.  Our hat is off to one of the greats in golf!

© 2010, David Wakeman. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

Courtesy Franklin/Getty Images

With ideal weather conditions early on Thursday, the scores went low with Rory McIlroy shooting a 63 to be only the 24th player in history to shoot 9 under par in a Major Championship.  McIlroy had several opportunities down the stretch, but missed a couple of putts including a short putt on 17 for birdie.

Tiger Woods appears to be back in good form.  He played to a 5 under par 67 and is poised to be a factor in this tournament.  Tiger is sporting a new putter this week.  He is playing a new putter from Nike that has grooves in the face.

Other notables playing this week are: John Daly who showed that he can still play, finishing his first round with a 6 under 66.  He attacked the course and had opportunities to go lower, but at the end of the day he was pleased with his performance.

Phil Mickelson struggled to a 1 over 73.  Mickelson never really got on track finishing with a lone birdie 18 and a double bogey on 13.  The rest of his card was filled with pars.

Weather was a factor in the afternoon as a very calm day with little or no wind changed to strong winds as the day progressed.

There is a lot of golf to play and the weather is sure to be a factor.  Players will need to be patient and avoid pot bunkers and the heavy rough.  Keep the ball low and being able to get up and down around the greens is going to be key in winning this championship.

© 2010, David Wakeman. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.

The best players in the world tee of this morning at St. Andrews, host to the 139th British Open.  Weather conditions are ideal today and should make it possible for some low scores.  There is little or no wind, so players should be firing at the pins.

With the number of big names teeing off today, it will be interesting to see who will take the Claret Jug this year. This is the course where John Daly won his British Open.  This course fits his game well and he has been playing better of late.

Will he have what it takes or will we see Tiger reemerge.  Phil Mickelson has a good opportunity this week, as well as, Ernie Els, Stuart Cink (2009 Open Champion) and others.

Watch for weather conditions to change.  If the wind kicks up as it usually does, then anything can happen.  Who will be victorious on Sunday, I am sure St. Andrews will have a big say in the outcome.

© 2010, David Wakeman. All rights reserved. On republishing this post you must provide link to original post.