Weather Becomes a Factor at the Open

Saturday, July 17th, 2010 at 8:32 am

Weather is factor on Friday at British Open

When I was growing up my dad told me it never rains on the golf course. On Friday, during the British Open 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.

Other stories at this years British Open include:

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!