11:00am Saturday 17th July 2010
THE 2009 Open was one that golf fans are still talking about, bearing in mind the dramatic events which so nearly had a fairytale ending.
Five-time winner of the event Tom Watson was still in contention on the fourth day at Turnberry, at 59 years of age. Having started the final round with a one-shot lead, he had the chance to win a sixth Open title on the 72nd and final hole only for his eight-foot putt to slide agonisingly wide. That meant a play-off with fellow American Stewart Cink, who held his nerve to claim the Claret Jug as Watson’s game fell apart. So near and yet so far… Robert Winder vividly recounts the events of the 149th Open but looks beyond the four days of action which so gripped the nation. New money from Dubai has been poured into British golfing institutions such as Turnberry and traditionalists worried, and continue to do so, that the game’s history and integrity could be at risk.
Television also plays an increasing role as the sport’s popularity continues to grow, but can tradition and ambition make for happy bedfellows?
As the British Open at St Andrews reaches a climax, Winder does his best to unravel the answers in a highly entertaining read.
Kim Mayo
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