There is just something about the British Open, maybe it is the history, maybe it is the lore, maybe it is the golf courses, or maybe it is just because it is the greatest golf tournament in the world.  Most Americans either love it, or they hate it, but the bottom line is that they all respect it.

The Open Championship is the oldest golf tournament in the world and it is also the most historic.  It carries with it a sense of pride, which few tournaments have or will ever know.  As you watch the British Open you are watching history right in front of your eyes, history that was started some 136 years ago, played on the same type of courses that they are playing on now.  This year’s winner will not only be the British Open Champion for 2007, he will be internationally known as this year’s golf champion, a distinction that no other event will ever achieve.

The 136^th installment of The Open returns to Tayside and to the Carnoustie Golf Links. The third major of the year is sure to provide plenty of excitement for the fans, as well as plenty of agony for the golfers.  Carnoustie is known as being a super difficult golf course, and showed it’s teeth at the last Open it hosted in 1999, when Jean Van de Velde basically lost the championship on the 72^nd hole with a triple bogey 7, and journeyed into infamy as the guy that lost the Open.  Although, this year the weather has been more favorable than the last trip to Carnoustie, and the officials think it will be a much fairer test of golf.  The weather has been producing less severe rough, and should play easier than 1999.  "We are not seeking carnage," said Royal and Ancient Club Chief Executive Peter Dawson. "We are seeking an arena where the players can display their skills to the best effect."   

There are some tremendous stories brewing for this years’ Open. Tiger, Phil, Monty, the course, and weather will all be stories at this years’ Open Championship.  One of the biggest stories has to be that of Colin Montgomerie winning just a few short weeks back at the European Open. Ending a winless drought since last year, Monty is obviously in form despite missing the cut at the Scottish Open, and could be ready to claim that major that has eluded him for so long.   But instead of considering himself a favorite this week, he has nodded his support in another direction.  "We have more players capable of it than ever before but Padraig Harrington and Paul Casey would be my picks”, recently stated by Montgomerie when asked who he thought could win this week at Carnoustie. 

Another big story will that everyone will be watching is that of Tiger Woods and is he ready to return to form after becoming a father for the first time.  He has taken a little time off and seems to be a little off form.  But knowing Tiger Woods and his amazing talent and ability, he will be there on Sunday.  Ask Thomas Bjorn who will be playing a practice round with Tiger, "I have a feeling that this Open could be very open, but I have an ‘unless’," said Bjorn at the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond. "That ‘unless’ is that it could be very open unless Tiger has spent the last couple of weeks how he normally does before a major," he added. "If he has, then he could blow everybody away again." With that being said he is looking to become only the fourth man to win the Open Championship three times in a row.  He would be accompanied by Tom Morris Jr., Jamie Anderson, and Peter Thomson as the only people who have ever achieved that feat.  And when Woods was asked about the Open, "I just love the history, tradition and atmosphere," Woods wrote. "You need patience and imagination to play well, plus the fans are great. I’m really looking forward to next week."  So keep an eye on Tiger this week because when Tiger is “excited” about an event, it usually does not bode well for the rest of the field.

Phil Mickelson and his now healed wrist will be yet another story.  His performance last week at the Scottish Open showed that he is back on form and possibly over the hurt wrist, and looks to be a contender this week at The Open.  Mickelson, who finished second at the Scottish Open, looks ready to capture yet another major, and only several weeks after a wrist injury kept him from competing 100 percent during the U.S. Open.  A fan of the Open Championship Mickelson said, "I’ve not played as well in the Open as I would have liked, so I still have to perfect some of the shot-making over here. That said – I love it. I think links golf is tremendous."  Look for a big week out of Phil.

You might also keep and eye out for surging players Ernie Els, and Sergio Garcia.  Both have been playing well as of late, and had strong finishes at the Scottish Open.  Reteif Goosen, failed to make the cut at the Scottish Open, but should be a force to contend with at the Open.  You may also want to look out for Jonathan Byrd, who won the John Deere Classic to earn a trip to Carnoustie.    Most of the world’s top players will be in action this week at Carnoustie, so be prepared for another great Open Championship.   

This year’s event will host 156 of the world’s elite, from which the top 70 and ties will go on to the weekend.  The golf course will play to a yardage of 7112 and a par of 71.  The Champion golfer for 2007 will receive 750,000 pounds ($1,508,925) for his efforts. This will be the seventh trip to Carnoustie for the Open, with past champions such as, Ben Hogan, Henry Cotton, Tommy Armour, Gary Player, Tom Watson, and Paul Lawrie.  As you can see aside from Lawrie, the past winners at this historic venue are all hall of famers. 

Official Websites

http://www.opengolf.com

http://www.carnoustiegolflinks.co.uk
 

Television Times

Thursday, July 19       TNT 7am- 7pm ET

Friday, July 20             TNT 7am – 7pm ET

Saturday, July 21         TNT 7am-9am ET            ABC 9am-2:30 ET

Sunday, July 22            TNT 6am-8am ET           ABC 8am – 1:30 ET