Says the modern tradition, almost of the 21st century, that the British Open must stop at the Old Course of Saint Andrews in the years that end in 0 and 5. But in this 2022, for the first time in more than 30 years, it will be will break The reason is justified by itself. First played in Prestwick in 1860, The Open is now in its 150th edition - world wars and covid mess up the math - and you couldn't throw the party anywhere other than The Home of Golf , as the British know Saint Andrews. "The course is fantastic and the last few holes are even better than seven years ago. If playing this tournament here doesn't make you feel special, golf is not your sport." Jordan Spieth's words are self explanatory. As the icing on the cake, a record influx of spectators (more than 290,000) is expected.
Although the organization has tried to isolate the celebrations and the tournament from the dust that the Super League has raised, for example by not inviting two-time British winner Greg Norman to the beautiful party that took place on Monday, it is impossible for the specter of the Saudi millions not appear in the tournament. The most critical of all has been Tiger Woods, who does not understand how his colleagues can turn their backs on what has made them what they are.
The Californian will undoubtedly be one of the stories of the week. Woods (46) has won twice at the Old Course, in 2000 en route to his Tiger Slam and in 2005, and this is his last chance to compete at the highest level to win the claret jug on the most special stage in the world since that there is still no date for the return of the Open to Saint Andrewsr. It will be just the third appearance of him so far this year, still weighed down by the traffic accident that almost took his life last year, but the absence of great unevenness in the Old Course works in his favor and the of his battered leg. He has been out training almost every day since Sunday and has shown to be in good shape.
Another strong defender of the current status quo and censor of the Super League is Rory McIlroy. Although it seems incredible, the Northern Irishman has been looking for his fifth major since 2014, when he precisely won The Open in Hoylake. And the romantics, who are still in the world of golf, dream of his triumph in a place as emblematic as the Old Course as a nod to the purity of this sport.
British visits to Saint Andrews are also always special for Spanish golf. “I put it in”, shouted Severiano Ballesteros after winning the 1984 edition, sinking a putt on the 18th green with an already iconic celebration. The Cantabrian remains the only Spaniard to have won the oldest tournament in the world and in 2022 there will be four players who dream of emulating him. The national participation is led by Jon Rahm, who although he is not shining like other seasons, he has had a great year, including the victory in Mexico a few weeks ago. Along with him, Adri Arnaus, Sergio García, one of the Superliga rebels, and Pablo Larrazábal will seek to make history in Saint Andrews, where everything indicates that they will win with a very low result if the weather does not worsen.
