This week on the PGA Tour – The 151st Open
It can be challenging to watch a lot of professional golf in the summer months. I know I’d rather be outdoors, hopefully golfing!
Being several hours behind live coverage of The Open has its advantages. There’s something about watching live golf in the morning, relaxing on the couch with a cup of coffee after getting home from morning bible study. I’m already looking forward to the Ryder Cup in Rome!
The 151st Open was played at Royal Liverpool for the third time since the turn of the century. Tiger Woods won it in 2006 and Rory McIlroy in 2014. Rory was a favorite pick this year coming off his win last week at the Genesis Scottish Open.
There were some changes implemented to Royal Liverpool before this year’s Open, including a new 17th hole and internal out of bounds on the 18th hole.
“Little Eye”, the new 17th, with an infinity green and surrounding bunkers, proved a formidable test at only 136 yards. Next year we’ll see one of the most famous par 3’s in the world, “Postage Stamp”, the 123 yard 8th hole at Royal Troon.
The out of bounds on the 18th hole was a mere 6 yards right of the fairway, and with it being internal, caused some controversy. A piece of land in the middle of the property bordering the 3rd and 18th holes was out of bounds and used for hospitality grounds. To be fair, the members play with the same out of bounds as the same piece normally serves as the practice area.
Although Brian Harman hadn’t won on the PGA Tour since the 2017 Well Fargo Championship, he had been having a very good season, with three runner up and five top ten finishes. He had a five-shot lead halfway through after a second round 65. Slightly rocky starts on both Saturday and Sunday may have had some wondering, only for Brian to get right back in the zone, ultimately winning by six shots to become the Champion Golfer of the Year for 2023.
Brian talked during the week about his active mind. He said, “I have a very active mind. I’ve always struggled with trying to predict the future and trying to forecast what’s going to happen. I’ve just tried to get really comfortable just not knowing.” No issues this week, as even with almost 24 hours in between finishing his second round and teeing off for his third round, he remained laser focused.
At times, as Christians, our minds begin to race with all the troubles of this world, but God has a plan for each of us. We need to get comfortable in not knowing all the details. They will be revealed to us on God’s timing. Until then, we need to stay on course, doing His work.
Psalm 46:10 is a great reminder of this.