Monday
Jul132015
Recap Of The Opens At St. Andrews
Doug Ferguson has put together capsules on all of the previous Open Championships at St. Andrews. 
This was fun:
1876: In one of the most bizarre endings, Bob Martin and David Strath finished at 169. On the 17th, Strath's third shot hit a player in the group ahead that was putting out, keeping the ball from going on the road. The committee decided there would be a playoff in two days, enough time to review whether Strath should be disqualified for hitting to the hole while players were still on the green. Strath refused to take part in a playoff under such conditions, and Martin was declared the winner.
Monday, July 13, 2015 at 10:45 AM
Reader Comments (16)
When I first met Geoff almost twenty years ago, I never thought for one instant that not only would I be making friends with one of the best people I'd ever met in my life, but that a person some 12-13 years younger than me that would inspire me to do something much more with my life other than doing the day to day grind of electrical work (I'm a Union Journeyman Electrician by trade).
The very least, little did I ever believe that what I believed in about the Sport and its history, which greatly trailed Geoff's insight, intellect and passion, that one day I could assist him in getting a publication like Golf Digest to believe in what we believed in.
Golf Digest, whether you read it or not, is our friend, because they write about and publicize golf. When I spend countless late night hours doing this, it isn't for pay, but that it brings all of us Golfers together to celebrate all that is good in a world that is full of rage and anger.. For me, Golf Overcomes all of that as it brings me peace within.
As an illustrator, I'm proud to be able to put that Golf Digest logo in there because Golf Digest matters. They cared enough to give this weblog a voice, a bigger voice in the golf community.
This is the greatest week we have in golf in the last five years: The Open at my Bonnie St. Andrews--The Home of Golf! I'm enjoying every minute seeing Geoff report on the happenings as he experiences them, because honestly, we all need that ray of light for the game to shine. Especially if we aren't able to experience it ourselves! Golf Digest is making that happen by the way!
Thank you both Geoff and Golf Digest!
Well put. I have been a long time Golf Digest reader.
Last night I downloaded the latest issue. There is an article about sex on the golf course. Some things are better left unsaid.
I wish the new Golf Digest wouldn't pander so much to the generation that doesn't care much for golf. But, they do have Butch Harmon and Tom Watson on staff, so I shall continue to be a reader.
The website http://www.geoffshackelford.com is about Geoff Shackelfords view on golf. Not about Golf Digests approach on golf. The artwork should communicate this. Its not in the interest of Golf Digest to dllute the brand value of Geoff Shackelford. Even if Geoffs traveli is enabled by Golf Digest.
Lufthansa (formerly known as Angela Merkel)
Pretty cool postcard.
St Andrews was soggy because there had been a terrific storm there for the three previous days before the tournament. On the night before the tournament, Tom Kidd etched score lines into the smooth faces of his irons - to give the water a place to escape. Score lines on the faces of irons are introduced to the game of golf.
Pretty sure the spirit on the right is Allan Robertson - Old Tom's cousin (uncle?) and predecessor in the golf business and as keeper of the green at St Andrews. Robertson was the best player of his era. He was also in the feathery business, and had the famous argument with Old Tom when he discovered Old Tom playing a gutty.
Within a year, Old Tom found employment over on the other side of Scotland at Prestwick, laying out the course there and providing equipment for the new players. Prestwick was the site of the first 12 Opens, basically until they needed to raise the prize money for the players. It was then agreed that a rotation between St Andrews, Prestwick and Musselburgh would be necessary to raise the prize money.
Morris was enticed back to St Andrews as keeper of the green a few years after the death of Robertson.
The ball goes longer, so more length is added and the course is strengthened. Is it a better game after all is said and done?
The eternal question.