5 THNGS WE LEARNED AT BIRKDALE

1. BBC get timely boost for US PGA

The US PGA championship at Quail Hollow has now become a huge deal in golf circles because Jordan Spieth can win a career Grand Slam. What a coup for the BBC, who have the live coverage rights on our side of the Atlantic after Sky lost the contract. Viewers also get a bonus because the coverage will not be interrupted by ad breaks.

2. Rory ready to roar

Rory McIlroy’s game was around the ‘B’ mark overall throughout the week but by the end of the Open, he could see light at the end of the tunnel. A tied-4th finish, four testing rounds, and some flashes of his best golf showed that McIlroy’s game is at about 75pc.

3. Patience is the key ingredient for Lowry

Shane Lowry cut a miserable figure as he trailed up the 18th on Friday night in lashing rain knowing he had missed the cut. He’s too good a player to stay down for long and arguably, he’s too harsh on himself. Lowry said it himself on Thursday; he just has to battle on until he gets a breakthrough.

4. Golf is not a game of perfect

That’s the title of the Bob Rotella book which Pádraig Harrington swears by, and Jordan Spieth showed that however talented the player, and no matter how much work he or she does, potentially destructive shots can occur out of the blue. It’s how you deal with them that matters, as he showed with that fantastic run over the last five holes.

5. Royal Portrush will be a sell-out

Record crowds for an Open in England showed that the championship remains massively popular. Royal Birkdale is a great venue in terms of golf course challenge, spectator viewing and access to facilities. The R&A organisation was superb and they will ensure a great Open for Portrush in 2019.