Very valid points Brian.
I’ve become less and less enamoured of the R&A in relation to The Open, changes to host courses etc.
The razzamatazz, the ever bigger pavilions, buildings and walkways, the more celebs, influencers and the like around the place and even being allowed to play the course before the event. A few too many alcohol effected spectators I suspect as well.
The Open seems to be morphing more and more from an event to test the best golfers in the World to vaudeville. The way it’s going there’ll be snake charmers and jugglers greeting the players on the 1st tee and bagpipers following the leaders down the 72nd soon.
Part of the charm of The Open was the way it was different to other significant golf events. Much more laid back and quiet and traditionally oriented. Stuffy some might refer to it as and I appreciate that the World moves on but The Opens slow paced, less hectic ‘Old World’ atmosphere and aura was in so many ways a significant part of its unique charm.
Atb