If you're a golfer you know it better as The Open Championship. As we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Open Championship, we are fortunate enough to celebrate it at St. Andrews, The Old Course.
Image by Brian Forbes via Flickr
What's the Big Deal About St. Andrews?
For those of you unfamiliar, this is the "birthplace of golf". It's said that golf has been played here since 1400 AD! Can you believe that? We talk about the history at Augusta National and Pebble Beach but these course are barely even babies compared to The Old Course.
It's a course every golfer knows about. Although it seems like the technology of golf has made this course easier for the players, the coastal "breeze" can make it a nightmare. In a single round you can wear every piece of golf clothing you own.
The 2010 Open Course
The 2010 Open Course plays at a whopping 7,377 yards. The par 72 has only 2 par 3's and 2 par 5's. The front and the back each have one. The par 3's play about 175 yards each. The par 5's add some length playing at 568 yards on the front and 618 yards on the back.
Want to see golfers hit tee shots over a hotel? You're in luck. The 17th hole, named Road, has golfers hit their tee shot over a hotel (which is out of bounds) and into a fairly wide fairway. The 455 yard par 4 forces your second shot to be spot on into a narrow green as it's guarded by a large pot bunker. One of the most famous holes in the world, The Road Hole forces players to use brain and guts to survive.
Image by wparadiso via Flickr
The 18th hole, named Tom Morris, provides us with one of the most famous pictures in golf (right), Swilcan Bridge. Players walk over this as head home and into The Valley of Sin which protects the final hole.
My Favorite Course
This is by far my favorite course in the world. Are there tougher courses, sure. The beauty of the buildings surrounding the course and picturesque ocean water views make this stunning golf course a must play. If I could play any course in the world, it would be here. The best part is, it's possible because it's public (although expensive).
2010 British Open Odds
Although Tiger is once again the favorite at 5/1 (way to shock us Vegas), you can get some very good players at a price. Mickelson and McIlroy are both going off at 16/1. Mickelson seems to struggle at The Open but McIlroy might be able to play well here.
Also take a look at Padraig Harrington at 22/1 (a former champion), Lee Westwood at 18/1 and Luke Donald at 30/1.
I think the European players have been dominate this year and I would expect to see one of them lift the Claret Jug on Sunday.
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