OT - "Road To The Open"

[David_Tepper]

There is a new series of videos on youtube that will follow 4 "long shot" British golfers in their attempts to qualify for this year's Open Championship.

#1 (Peter Finch): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwoDlpSNGOU

#2 (Sam Forgan): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8eEt9-rXwk

#3 (Chris Lewis): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3JKG0uDN0c

#4 (James Robinson): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCzjZVyMR10

Not exactly "must see" viewing, but should get more interesting as the qualifying dates approach/arrive.

[Ken Moum]

David, what's interesting is that I wouldn't have clue who any of them are is it weren't for me being a fan of Rick Sheils' Youtube channel.


James R. has recently been on there with Rick, playing with a set of cheap clubs bought online for 70 GBP  that only included six clubs. He shot one under par for nine holes.


Later with four clubs picked out of his personal set. He shot three under par for nine.


My takeaway is that anyone who thinks ANY pro who has played on tour, even a little, is in the same universe as the "good" players they know is dreaming.

[David_Tepper]

Ken -

I think the intention of the videos is to focus on 4 relatively (or completely!) unknown golfers from a "human interest" point of view.

 Having qualified to play in the Open once before, James Robinson is no doubt less of an unknown that some of the others. In fact, he shot 67 today at St. Annes Old Links today and tied for 2nd in the Regional Qualifying, so he will move on the the Final Qualifying stage.

https://www.theopen.com/St-Annes-Old-Links-Regional-Qualifying-Saturday

You are absolutely right about the gap between past and/or present tour professionals and local "good" players. It is almost like they are playing a different sport.

DT   

[Mike_Clayton]

Ken -

I think the intention of the videos is to focus on 4 relatively (or completely!) unknown golfers from a "human interest" point of view.

 Having qualified to play in the Open once before, James Robinson is no doubt less of an unknown that some of the others. In fact, he shot 67 today at St. Annes Old Links today and tied for 2nd in the Regional Qualifying, so he will move on the the Final Qualifying stage.

https://www.theopen.com/St-Annes-Old-Links-Regional-Qualifying-Saturday

You are absolutely right about the gap between past and/or present tour professionals and local "good" players. It is almost like they are playing a different sport.

DT   

No doubt all those guys who shot 80+ are on handicaps, that if they played to them, would not only qualify but win The Open itself.

[Mark Chaplin]

Sam Forgan currently leading at Princes

[jeffwarne]

Sam Forgan currently leading at Princes

Thanks for posting.
All very good players with real games.


The only thing that really makes them longshots is the fact that The "Open" has far, far "Open" less spots available (12 from Final Open Qualifying at three sites)-most are filled via success in various events on multiple tours compared to the US Open where nearly half the field(including many highly ranked PGA Tour players) get in via(Final) stroke play qualifying two Mondays before.

[David_Tepper]

Sam Forgan has low round of the day at Princes:

https://www.theopen.com/Princes-Regional-Qualifying-Sunday

Clearly Forgan and Robinson are pro-level golfers. Finch and Lewis are more likely dreamers.

[Tommy Williamsen]

https://www.golfchannel.com/news/ra-notifies-players-strict-virus-protocols-next-months-open-championship

[David_Tepper]

Video of Sam Forgan in the regional qualifying at Prince's, where he was the medalist:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i2l1SCJVm24

[David_Tepper]

Sam Forgan makes it thru Final Qualifying:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcaTmTQzDjM

Prince's looks like a pretty good course. I did not realize it was so close to RSG.

[Kalen Braley]

The relatively high number of drop outs to date is a bit alarming, especially given some of them are already vaccinated.  I understand an abundance of caution, but I don't see why they put tight restrictions on players, and then let tens of thousands of fans pack in like sardines.

[Rob Marshall]

The relatively high number of drop outs to date is a bit alarming, especially given some of them are already vaccinated.  I understand an abundance of caution, but I don't see why they put tight restrictions on players, and then let tens of thousands of fans pack in like sardines.

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