The Open

Starts tonight, in NI for the first time in forever, on Rory's course (where he holds the course record)

Unsurprisingly, Rory is favorite at $8.50.
Koepka, who has picked up a local caddy is 2nd fave at $10

Tiger apparently tried to hook up a practice with Koepka so he could get some insights off his caddy, Koepka supposedly ignored him...

Ryan Fox sitting at $29 for a top 10 finish...

Royal Portrush looks amazing

@canefan I see my natural enemy isn't on the course.

@antipodean said in The Open:

@canefan I see my natural enemy isn't on the course.

Water?

@canefan said in The Open:

@antipodean said in The Open:

@canefan I see my natural enemy isn't on the course.

Water?

the golf ball

@canefan said in The Open:

@antipodean said in The Open:

@canefan I see my natural enemy isn't on the course.

Water?

Trees mainly. Water I treat like I'm riding; don't look at it and you won't end up there.

The 148th Open Championship began at Royal Portrush this morning. First time in Northern Ireland since 1951. Local hero Darren Clarke is -3 after five holes.

There will be some mighty partying from the Ulster locals if he is top of the leaderboard on Sunday evening.

I'm hoping for good rounds for Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter - probably the last two players I like.

A friend assures me that Shane Lowry is a good bloke too.

Jeez Rory records a quadruple bogey on the first and is currently five over after four.

Shane Lowry hits 67 and is the clubhouse leader. Rory McIlroy still 4 over.

Ryan Fox on a mini-charge on the back nine and finishes on -3, one off the lead.

@sparky said in The Open:

Ryan Fox on a mini-charge on the back nine and finishes on -3, one off the lead.

First man ever to shoot 29 on the back nine in the Open. It's the 148th Open so that's quite a record. Birdied 6 of the final 7 holes.

Great round by Shane Lowry. Needs a parr on the last to hit 63. Currently 4 ahead on 16 under with 19 holes to go.

Big day for Ireland tomorrow. Shane Lowry leading The Open at Royal Portrush with one round to play. They better order in extra Guinness.

First Irish "The Open" for 60 years. Irishman close to lead after 2 rounds. Irishman shoots course record after 3rd round and leads by 4.

Weather is meant to be bad tomorrow and if it is, I can't see any of the big guns shooting 64 which means if Lowry van hold it together, he can win. However the course yields lots of double bogeys or worse if you miss fairways and greens.

@KiwiPie said in The Open:

First Irish "The Open" for 60 years. Irishman close to lead after 2 rounds. Irishman shoots course record after 3rd round and leads by 4.

Weather is meant to be bad tomorrow and if it is, I can't see any of the big guns shooting 64 which means if Lowry van hold it together, he can win. However the course yields lots of double bogeys or worse if you miss fairways and greens.

Irons and 3 wood only tomorrow. Leave the driver in the boot. They are starting 2 hours early because of the weather

Rain and heavy wind heading to the North Antrim coast:

I would love Lee Westwood to win as he has been there or there about for 25 years and has never won a major, finished 2nd or 3rd 6 times. But 8 shots is a lot to make up.

Great tournament.

Well done Foxy on the Top20 finish and Lowrey on a very popular win.

Would love to play that course. Looks awesome

That is a seriously impressive performance by Shane Lowry for all 4 rounds - he's been leading or close to it for the whole time and cruised it in the end. -15 when nobody else reached double figures.

An Irish winner was the dream scenario for the organisers - pretty sure they thought it would be Rory though ...