The Open Era of Golf

The Open era of Golf

 In tennis they describe the period since 1968 as the Open Era when Grand Slam tournaments opened themselves to professional competition.  In golf it has always been this way but right now we are experiencing an Open Era for another reason.

Stacy Lewis held off a strong field and her nerves to claim her sixth LPGA title at the HSBC Women’s Championship in Singapore.  Lewis, the World number 3, shook off some nervous putting on the back nine to close with a one under 71 and -15 for the tournament, finishing 1 ahead of World number 2 Na Yeon Choi.  Stacey Lewis despite her ranking might be the best female golfer in the world right now; Tseng looks to be struggling with her game at the moment and while Na Yeon Choi is still hanging in there it feels as though every time Lewis pegs it up she looks like she could win.  The only problem with her game appears to be her putting which is very streaky and the first thing to show signs of pressure when she’s in contention but beyond that her game looks very solid.  I expect big things this year for Stacey Lewis, especially if Yani Tseng fails to find some form.

However, it is not in the women’s game that an Open Era is emerging.  Michael Thompson claiming his maiden Tour Victory at the Honda amongst such a star studded field is yet another sign that the strength in depth on Tour is increasing.  In a field that boasted so many Major winners, 7 of the world top 10 including Woods and McIlroy, few would have picked Thompson as the winner, but this just goes to prove how open the tournaments are becoming; we have already seen a maiden tour victory this season from Russell Henley and there will be more to come.  What this really gears us up for is some exciting Major battles and some unexpected winners, for me this is a great viewing spectacle but others won’t feel the same way.  So if you are one of those people who stopped watching the Match Play because Woods and McIlroy made early exits then I predict a boring year for you in terms of watching golf, but if, like me, you revel in seeing “ordinary” players battle it out against the big guns this is going to be fun.

And speaking of fun, check out what Bubba, Fowler, Crane and Mahan do in their spare time (if you haven't already)

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