Golf Open St.Andrews 2022

[HibbyAndy]

Runs this year from Sunday 10th July till Sunday 17th , Any idea why it's on for a week when all other majors run form the Thursday to Sunday lasting 4 days ?

[Frazerbob]

Runs this year from Sunday 10th July till Sunday 17th , Any idea why it's on for a week when all other majors run form the Thursday to Sunday lasting 4 days ?

It’s always billed as a week long event with practice days Monday-Wednesday. Actual tournament is Thursday-Sunday.

Can’t believe it sold out so far in advance. Always used to just pitch up (pun intended) on the day and pay at the gate.

[Hibby Bairn]

Another sport or event that is priced for the wealthier. A huge % of folk probably now cannot afford to see this live either at the venue or on TV. I'm sure it used to be free to attend if U16 with an adult. Certainly was always on BBC.

[Frazerbob]

Another sport or event that is priced for the wealthier. A huge % of folk probably now cannot afford to see this live either at the venue or on TV. I'm sure it used to be free to attend if U16 with an adult. Certainly was always on BBC.

It is expensive however you can be there from 6am to 7 or 8pm if you want to make the most of it. I alway used to hold off until I knew the weather would be dry before buying a ticket, often on the day. Now it’s sold out months in advance after a ballot. It was also free to take along kids. Guessing that’s been scrapped too.

[HibbyAndy]

It’s always billed as a week long event with practice days Monday-Wednesday. Actual tournament is Thursday-Sunday.

Can’t believe it sold out so far in advance. Always used to just pitch up (pun intended) on the day and pay at the gate.

:aok:

Tried getting a cheeky wee ticket but not a hope in hell :boo hoo::boo hoo:

[heretoday]

Shame it's not on BBC any more. I'll miss it. It's not quite the same on radio! Those whispered commentaries get a bit wearing.

[Greenbeard]

The corporate market is massive these days. It would be interesting to compare the % of ticket sales to Joe Public as against the corporate sales these days compared to 20-25 years ago. I was lucky enough to go on a corporate invite a couple of times back then - once to Troon and once to Muirfield - and even then, I'd say at least half the folk in the corporate marquee were just there for a p***-up and didn't go out on the course to watch any golf. And these days it's not just a few corporate marquees. There's a massive village of tiered high-spec portacabin-type structures. TBH I had a much better day-out when just pitching up and paying at the gate (£20 iirc) in time for bacon rolls for breakie and staying through until the last few groups were finishing about 9pm.

On another point, in line with increasing rowdiness amongst some sections of the crowd at golf events, I wonder if we will witness some of the LIV players getting some stick or boos.

[AugustaHibs]

The corporate market is massive these days. It would be interesting to compare the % of ticket sales to Joe Public as against the corporate sales these days compared to 20-25 years ago. I was lucky enough to go on a corporate invite a couple of times back then - once to Troon and once to Muirfield - and even then, I'd say at least half the folk in the corporate marquee were just there for a p***-up and didn't go out on the course to watch any golf. And these days it's not just a few corporate marquees. There's a massive village of tiered high-spec portacabin-type structures. TBH I had a much better day-out when just pitching up and paying at the gate (£20 iirc) in time for bacon rolls for breakie and staying through until the last few groups were finishing about 9pm.

On another point, in line with increasing rowdiness amongst some sections of the crowd at golf events, I wonder if we will witness some of the LIV players getting some stick or boos.

On your last point, let’s hope so.

Although can’t imagine many folk will be going to St. Andrews to watch Ian poulter or Kevin na.

[greenlex]

On your last point, let’s hope so.

Although can’t imagine many folk will be going to St. Andrews to watch Ian poulter or Kevin na.

So are you advocating the rowdiness?

[AugustaHibs]

So are you advocating the rowdiness?

Not rowdiness, but I wouldn’t be against the Saudi regime loving golfers to be made to feel slightly uncomfortable.

[Greenbeard]

Not rowdiness, but I wouldn’t be against the Saudi regime loving golfers to be made to feel slightly uncomfortable.
I agree - at appropriate times though, not when they are mid-swing.
What annoys me most is not so much LIV's challenge to the conventional Tours, although I am far from convinced that it is going to be a good thing for pro-golf overall, rather it's the hypocrisy of those signing up saying things like "it's for the betterment of the game", "We're not politicians" and McDowell's outrageous statement that "he is proud to help Saudi Arabia to use the game of golf to get where they want to be", when we all know it is the disgusting level of ker-ching that is swaying them, especially when many of them could retire now with no financial worries at all, unless of course they have gambled away their kids' massive inheritance through gambling a la Mickelson. At least DJ was close to honest in saying he has done what is best for him and his family's future. Aye, think of his poor kids if he had to stick with the PGA Tour. But I can't blame the lesser lights and twilight players like the US amateur guy or Richard Bland, who to be fair make up most of the field, from doing what DJ has done. Question is, will the presence of a few big household names alongside a load of journeymen be enough to capture viewers' interest?

[heretoday]

I agree - at appropriate times though, not when they are mid-swing.
What annoys me most is not so much LIV's challenge to the conventional Tours, although I am far from convinced that it is going to be a good thing for pro-golf overall, rather it's the hypocrisy of those signing up saying things like "it's for the betterment of the game", "We're not politicians" and McDowell's outrageous statement that "he is proud to help Saudi Arabia to use the game of golf to get where they want to be", when we all know it is the disgusting level of ker-ching that is swaying them, especially when many of them could retire now with no financial worries at all, unless of course they have gambled away their kids' massive inheritance through gambling a la Mickelson. At least DJ was close to honest in saying he has done what is best for him and his family's future. Aye, think of his poor kids if he had to stick with the PGA Tour. But I can't blame the lesser lights and twilight players like the US amateur guy or Richard Bland, who to be fair make up most of the field, from doing what DJ has done. Question is, will the presence of a few big household names alongside a load of journeymen be enough to capture viewers' interest?

They're all rats - McDowell especially for his disgusting remarks. And DJ hides behind his family, as if they had trouble putting food on the table.
Golf's a great game at grassroots level, but forget the pros.

[Greenbeard]

They're all rats - McDowell especially for his disgusting remarks. And DJ hides behind his family, as if they had trouble putting food on the table.
Golf's a great game at grassroots level, but forget the pros.
Maybe for LIV players to be allowed to play in the Majors or Ryder Cup they should have to get an Inglorious Barstewards inspired dollar sign carved into their foreheads.

[Smartie]

I agree - at appropriate times though, not when they are mid-swing.
What annoys me most is not so much LIV's challenge to the conventional Tours, although I am far from convinced that it is going to be a good thing for pro-golf overall, rather it's the hypocrisy of those signing up saying things like "it's for the betterment of the game", "We're not politicians" and McDowell's outrageous statement that "he is proud to help Saudi Arabia to use the game of golf to get where they want to be", when we all know it is the disgusting level of ker-ching that is swaying them, especially when many of them could retire now with no financial worries at all, unless of course they have gambled away their kids' massive inheritance through gambling a la Mickelson. At least DJ was close to honest in saying he has done what is best for him and his family's future. Aye, think of his poor kids if he had to stick with the PGA Tour. But I can't blame the lesser lights and twilight players like the US amateur guy or Richard Bland, who to be fair make up most of the field, from doing what DJ has done. Question is, will the presence of a few big household names alongside a load of journeymen be enough to capture viewers' interest?

That's the bit I struggle with and can't see how it is going to be a success?

Golf really does a problem with how it changes and grows (I love it fwiw) but even if they had all the stars on board, moving away from what their current customer base know and like (the tournaments, the courses, the tours with the history, tradition and familiarity) is a very bold step.

I just can't see this catching anyone's imagination, it's a far inferior event albeit the players are playing for bucketloads of dubious cash.

Like you, I respect DJ's honesty but an event built on blatant greed doesn't really garner interest in itself.


I have Thursday tickets to the Open at St Andrews and can't wait. I've never been to watch the golf there live before.

[derekHFC]

Not a fan of St Andrews as a spectator venue. Too flat and there aren’t many good views for the paying punter. I’ll watch on the box and enjoy that experience this year.

The Scottish Open is better if you want to watch some golf, albeit I think it’s time to change venue there now too.

[Golden Bear]

Not a fan of St Andrews as a spectator venue. Too flat and there aren’t many good views for the paying punter. I’ll watch on the box and enjoy that experience this year.

The Scottish Open is better if you want to watch some golf, albeit I think it’s time to change venue there now too.

I totally agree on both fronts.

Dare I say it but "the Home of Golf" is no longer fit for purpose and if there is decent weather then the winning score could be an embarrassment for a Major.

In my humble opinion Loch Lomond was the perfect venue for the Scottish Open but the course owners must have decided that they either didn't want or didn't need the additional revenue that would have flowed into their coffers. Player power may have also contributed in making the decision to play on a links venue before the Open. Such a shame though, Loch Lomond was absolutely magnificent.

[Just_Jimmy]

I've got tickets for the final day. I got the chance for the whole week but it's far too expensive.

I'm from 15 mins from St Andrews and its both something special and the worst thing in the world when the open comes to town.

Golf needs to modernise big time, but it has, and will continue to have a major issue shaking off the attitudes at all levels.

Sent from my SM-G991B using Tapatalk

[heretoday]

I saw Nicklaus win at St Andrews in 1978. My mum sat in the stands at the 18th and knitted all day while I followed the likes of Crenshaw and Floyd around the course. There was a Golflink rail and bus service in operation which was excellent.
Happy days.
I'll not even be checking the scores this time around. Not interested. Golf doesn't have the same glamour.

[Godsahibby]

They're all rats - McDowell especially for his disgusting remarks. And DJ hides behind his family, as if they had trouble putting food on the table.
Golf's a great game at grassroots level, but forget the pros.

Worker decides to move to company who offer more money for less hours meaning worker spends less time travelling and more time with family.

A few of them have maybe gone about it the wrong way but come on, no exactly rats!

[Smartie]

Worker decides to move to company who offer more money for less hours meaning worker spends less time travelling and more time with family.

A few of them have maybe gone about it the wrong way but come on, no exactly rats!

Fair enough if we were talking about "workers" in any normal sense of the world but they're already multi millionaires and they're chasing obscene amounts of money that are coming from a really dubious source.

You can't hold strong opinions about fuel poverty and the serious economic issues facing the world and then defend "the Saudis" choosing to divert massive sums of money towards a very small number of people.

Same with PSG and Mbappe.

It's obscene.

[Godsahibby]

Fair enough if we were talking about "workers" in any normal sense of the world but they're already multi millionaires and they're chasing obscene amounts of money that are coming from a really dubious source.

You can't hold strong opinions about fuel poverty and the serious economic issues facing the world and then defend "the Saudis" choosing to divert massive sums of money towards a very small number of people.

Same with PSG and Mbappe.

It's obscene.

These guys are still workers though. They have worked hard for years to get to the top of their game as a professional golfer. That is not an easy thing to do! They have the same rights as any other professional out there to make a move to a company who pays them more for working less.

Yeah the money these guys make is phenomenal in some cases it’s excessive but they are travelling across the world for 40+ weeks of the year ever week at a different tournament. This move will mean a hell of a lot less of that and more time with the family. Some may even see it as a way to prolong their careers playing less. They are humans and will do what is best for them and their family.

[Greenbeard]

These guys are still workers though. They have worked hard for years to get to the top of their game as a professional golfer. That is not an easy thing to do! They have the same rights as any other professional out there to make a move to a company who pays them more for working less.

Yeah the money these guys make is phenomenal in some cases it’s excessive but they are travelling across the world for 40+ weeks of the year ever week at a different tournament. This move will mean a hell of a lot less of that and more time with the family. Some may even see it as a way to prolong their careers playing less. They are humans and will do what is best for them and their family.
True so why not be honest and come out and say just that instead of pretending they are helping reshape golf which is utter tripe. One or two of them have come close to admitting that but they also need to be honest in saying they don't care who their paymaster is or where their income comes from, and they don't give a hoot about ripping apart the game that has already provided them with elite level income and lifestyle.

[Godsahibby]

True so why not be honest and come out and say just that instead of pretending they are helping reshape golf which is utter tripe. One or two of them have come close to admitting that but they also need to be honest in saying they don't care who their paymaster is or where their income comes from, and they don't give a hoot about ripping apart the game that has already provided them with elite level income and lifestyle.

Agree with that, to be fair for a lot of them they have come out and been honest but as i mentioned some haven't gone about it the right way.

[heretoday]

Worker decides to move to company who offer more money for less hours meaning worker spends less time travelling and more time with family.

A few of them have maybe gone about it the wrong way but come on, no exactly rats!
As big as cats!

[hibeg]

Charl Schwartzel stands to win almost 5m dollars for 3 days work if he and his team win today
4m individual and 750k team prize
The money is crazy !

[WeeRussell]

They're all rats - McDowell especially for his disgusting remarks. And DJ hides behind his family, as if they had trouble putting food on the table.
Golf's a great game at grassroots level, but forget the pros.

Regardless of the views on those that HAVE made the move, “forget the pros” is a bit sweeping given the majority of them aren’t taking the cash and some are actually speaking out against it.

Plenty good guys in golf and still great to watch the best at work.

[He's here!]

True so why not be honest and come out and say just that instead of pretending they are helping reshape golf which is utter tripe. One or two of them have come close to admitting that but they also need to be honest in saying they don't care who their paymaster is or where their income comes from, and they don't give a hoot about ripping apart the game that has already provided them with elite level income and lifestyle.

Golf didn't provide them with that. They put themselves in that income bracket by working phenomenally hard on their game, like any top sportsman or woman. Granted, not all sports attract the investment that the likes of golf and football do but no matter how much natural talent a competitor has, nobody gets to the top of their sports by not working extremely hard and the vast majority struggle to make a decent living from their chosen sport.

I agree that they should be more honest about why they're taking part though.

[TheGreenMan]

Anyone else going to this?

Know if the trains are running up to Leuchars or not for the weekend? I see on The Open website they recommend not travelling by train and taking the car but that could be a nightmare with the size of the crowds. Hoping the Scotrail pay dispute getting agreed today sorts the trains!

[LewysGot2]

Anyone else going to this?

Know if the trains are running up to Leuchars or not for the weekend? I see on The Open website they recommend not travelling by train and taking the car but that could be a nightmare with the size of the crowds. Hoping the Scotrail pay dispute getting agreed today sorts the trains!

Train dispute is resolved but Scotrail still running reduced service this weekend. Won't change the timetable back before then. They've advised anyone going to the Open or Gerry Cinnamon to look at alternatives still

[Hibs90]

Anyone else going to this?

Know if the trains are running up to Leuchars or not for the weekend? I see on The Open website they recommend not travelling by train and taking the car but that could be a nightmare with the size of the crowds. Hoping the Scotrail pay dispute getting agreed today sorts the trains!

They are trains running but let's be honest they will be packed and I think the last train back is around 6/7pm which will have a huge queue.

I'm taking the car on Friday and bought a park and ride ticket. Planning on making that first shuttle bus at 5.45am so will be leaving the house around 4am or just before. :greengrin

[hibeg]

So who do you guys think are in the running

My top 2
Oosthuizen
Fitzpatrick

Short game is going to be key and I reckon these 2 will be up there.

[TheGreenMan]

Train dispute is resolved but Scotrail still running reduced service this weekend. Won't change the timetable back before then. They've advised anyone going to the Open or Gerry Cinnamon to look at alternatives still

The roads are going to be a nightmare if this is the only way in and out! 🤬

[OldEast]

Despite a final round collapse in the Scottish open I'm going for Speith.

[WeeRussell]

Despite a final round collapse in the Scottish open I'm going for Speith.

I’ve cheered on Speith more than any other player over the last few years. Would love to see him come good but just feels like he’s still not fully in control of his game and always has that bad hit in him. I think how often he has kept himself in hunts this season when clearly battling with his swing shows the boy’s talent… let’s hope he has a good weekend.

I wonder if it could be Hovland’s time.

[AugustaHibs]

What are the chances so people think of getting on a train if I go up to waverly for 5.30/6am on Saturday? And then how do I get from leuchars to St. Andrews?

Was meant to be getting a lift but that’s fallen through..

[Hibs90]

What are the chances so people think of getting on a train if I go up to waverly for 5.30/6am on Saturday? And then how do I get from leuchars to St. Andrews?

Was meant to be getting a lift but that’s fallen through..

I reckon you'd probably get one up but coming back you are basically screwed.

[Hibby Bairn]

Schauffele is the man in form. Won his last three entered competitions.

[hibeg]

So who do you guys think are in the running

My top 2
Oosthuizen
Fitzpatrick

Short game is going to be key and I reckon these 2 will be up there.

Another short game expert who could do well is Cameron Smith.

[Golden Bear]

Bob McIntyre out in Hibernian mint green this morning. I think it's his nephews who play for the under 18 team or maybe the development team this season.

[hibeg]

Don’t normally bet but put a fiver each way on Louis O and Matt F
Cam Smith was down to 11-1 so didn’t bother.
He must have started well.
Will be watching from about noon, can’t wait. Highlight of the year.

[HibbyAndy]

Surprised no one has mentioned McIlroy and he's the favourite !

Smith from Australia looks decent and as others have mentioned Schauffele

[McSwanky]

Bob McIntyre out in Hibernian mint green this morning. I think it's his nephews who play for the under 18 team or maybe the development team this season.And - 4 through 12. Good effort so far!

[Carheenlea]

Wonder what would be the shortest odds -

Someone shooting a sub 60 or a group hitting 6 hours for the round..?

Think someone might actually hit the magic 6 hour mark ahead of the weekend!

[greenlex]

I’m on McIlroy. Norris, Perez, Zalatoris and Fleetwood. In various guises.

[greenlex]

Tiger is certainly moving better but the golf isn’t there.

[Golden Bear]

The pace of play today was absolutely ridiculous - just over 6 hours for some of the groups. The first guys teed off at 6.35am and the last group at 4.16pm so maybe the field was too large for a course like St Andrews which is simply getting overpowered due to a combination of the very dry conditions and modern technology.

[MountcastleHibs]

Wonder what would be the shortest odds -

Someone shooting a sub 60 or a group hitting 6 hours for the round..?

Think someone might actually hit the magic 6 hour mark ahead of the weekend!

Quite a few have hit the 6 hour mark this evening!

[Carheenlea]

Quite a few have hit the 6 hour mark this evening!

Yes, someone clocked in at 6hrs 15 mins :shocked:

Max Homa reckons it took them an hour to play the 14th. Just too large a field on a course with as many reachable par 4s combined with double fairways and greens.

The R&A can’t have enjoyed watching that today and it’s just going to be the same tomorrow. Will be better at weekend but tomorrow will be another headache for the Championship Committee.

[Hiber-nation]

Nice round of booing for Poulter on the 1st tee.

[Itsnoteasy]

St Andrews has to be one of the easiest open venues. Most are a drive & an iron. Par 4 greens driveable, not many bump & runs.

Rather boring to watch.

[WeeRussell]

St Andrews has to be one of the easiest open venues. Most are a drive & an iron. Par 4 greens driveable, not many bump & runs.

Rather boring to watch.

It’s still a test in its own way, particularly when the wind changes.

Tiger woods spoke about how amazing it is that the course was designed so long ago and is still such a great test for the best golfers.

He’s certainly struggling with it this week 😆

[WeeRussell]

What are the chances so people think of getting on a train if I go up to waverly for 5.30/6am on Saturday? And then how do I get from leuchars to St. Andrews?

Was meant to be getting a lift but that’s fallen through..

I THINK I got the bus from leuchars when I was there back in 2010. Just a short journey.

Reckon to be on the safe side you should just give me your ticket though 😁

[hibeg]

Cam Smith making it look easy today so far

Why didn’t I back him :rolleyes:��

[Smartie]

Cam Smith making it look easy today so far

Why didn’t I back him :rolleyes:��

He's been immense today - aggressive where sensible then a bit cautious where appropriate.

I'm loving the course and was up there yesterday. Different holes will be the easiest and most difficult depending on the wind and pin positions.

The driveable par 4's have been class imo. I was up at the 12th yesterday and on paper it looks easy but in practice it has a lot of danger. There were a few eagle putts that were 3 putted, a good few double bogeys and then the odd birdie for those who made the right decisions and also got a bit of luck go their way.

First time I'd been to the Open there, thought it was great and I've enjoyed it today.

Might seem like it's about to be a procession from here but I reckon there's a long way to go yet. Smith's driver can get wobbly at times compared to a lot of the others who are up near the top of the leader board.

[Hibby Bairn]

Listening to the golf on the radio yesterday. Since 1930 every winner of The Open at St Andrews has been within 3 shots of the leader after round one. 16 opens there since 1930. On that basis only Young, McIlroy and Smith can win.

[Carheenlea]

Listening to the golf on the radio yesterday. Since 1930 every winner of The Open at St Andrews has been within 3 shots of the leader after round one. 16 opens there since 1930. On that basis only Young, McIlroy and Smith can win.

They do like their little snippets of facts like that on the broadcast!

As always, the radio coverage is first class. For those of us working or without TV access during the day it’s a great accompaniment. Actually prefer the pace of the radio as opposed to the Sky coverage shooting all over the place and ad breaks every 5 mins or so.

What a leaderboard going into weekend - shaping up to be a cracking couple of days of golf.

[Itsnoteasy]

Listening to the golf on the radio yesterday. Since 1930 every winner of The Open at St Andrews has been within 3 shots of the leader after round one. 16 opens there since 1930. On that basis only Young, McIlroy and Smith can win.

Just said on Sky Sports it was within 4 shots of the leader 🤔

[Hibby Bairn]

Just said on Sky Sports it was within 4 shots of the leader 🤔

That was after round 3 👍

[greenlex]

Right then who’s winning the jug? I can’t see anyone catching Hovland or McIlroy. McIlroys to lose for me. He can only beat himself. He looks more in control than Hovland who holed a mile of putts yesterday that he surely can’t keep doing. I hope it’s McIlroy as that’s where my money is. Wouldn’t be upset if Hovland does it as, like McIlroy he’s an all round decent guy.

[Smartie]

Looks like they've set the course up with a view to there being loads of birdies and give the chasing pack a bit of a chance.

Still hard to see anyone getting up beyond McIlroy or Hovland though, the winning score will surely be into the twenties under par.

[Itsnoteasy]

Rory bottled it.

Well done skippy.

[J-C]

Rory bottled it.

Well done skippy.


Just about to post that, Rory was too cautious and never attacked the course enough, his putting was pretty poor, well done the Aussie mullet.

[BroxburnHibee]

Rory bottled it.

Well done skippy.

Not so sure he bottled it. 35 out of 36 greens in the last 2 rounds in regulation. He played very well. Its obvious what his problem is now.

59th in putting for the week compared to Smith who was 2nd.

He'll win another major...

Smith is a star though.

[Sylar]

I don't think Rory's putting was necessarily bad - he just played very cautious golf until Smith went on a tear.

He was conservatively hitting the greens comfortably and not dropping shots by easing the ball to the hole - OK, he missed a few decent chances, but it almost seemed like his tactic to hit the green and get a par at worst.

[Golden Bear]

Cammy Smith won it rather than Rory losing it. He made the dark art of putting look so friggin easy and at the end of the day that's what made him the Champion.

[J-C]

Rory played cautious golf, trying not to lose a winning position instead of taking on the course and attacking it like Smith did.

[Dalianwanda]

Why would he need to take in more risky shots when doing exactly what he had said he was going to do got in in the 54 hole lead? Some days the putter just isnt switched on, like Smiths yesterday (or mine permanently). Hovland crumbled today. Smith just went out there & won it by play aggressive because it was the only way he was going to win. Some round by him though & by his playing partner Young. Although you can never guarantee it Smith looks like he's made for the big occasion & will win more. Hopefully so will Rory as I think hes a good ambassador for the sport.

[greenlex]

Cammy Smith won it rather than Rory losing it. He made the dark art of putting look so friggin easy and at the end of the day that's what made him the Champion.
This ^^^ Rory had a few just inches away and Cam holed nearly everything. Rory would have needed to shoot 67 to win. He didn’t play badly. Smith won it.

[Itsnoteasy]

Drive for show
Putt for Dough

[He's here!]

Smith was sensational. One of the all-time great putting displays, especially that one on 17. Nerves of steel.

Never been a McIlroy fan. Don't get the adulation.

[Scouse Hibee]

Had a feeling McIlroy would fail to get over the line yet again.

[OldEast]

2 good final rounds from Tommy Fleetwood in the Scottish open and the open. Maybe a win not far away?

[Hibby Bairn]

Listening to the golf on the radio yesterday. Since 1930 every winner of The Open at St Andrews has been within 3 shots of the leader after round one. 16 opens there since 1930. On that basis only Young, McIlroy and Smith can win.

They were right 🙂