Plant makes plans for Daisy
from further afield, such as Matt from Florida who joined up with his American friends who now reside in London. Will he be cheering on Jordan Spieth? “I’ll be cheering on my bets,” he replied coldly, thinking with his head rather than his blood. For the record, his money is on Matt Kuchar.
Many Irish fans travelled across a smaller expanse of water, as they do almost every Saturday during the Premier League season to Anfield or Old Trafford. A nauseating trip across on the ferry was once the mode of transport, but low-cost Ryanair flights are now the most efficient option.
No matter how far they have travelled, fans must decide how best to take in the action: pick your favourite and walk the course with him, or sit in a grandstand and watch the whole field come through. Birkdale is one of the easier walking courses, with greens surrounded by sand dunes creating natural amphitheatres, but some came a cropper on the more vertiginous slopes that Friday’s rain reduced to muddy tracks.
A grandstand seat might be a less risky option, and like Balkan football fans punters take their seats around the 18th hole several hours before the leading groups are due. “Old age – I’ve been on my feet since seven,” says John from Sheffield on why he decided against any more walking. “Everyone is six foot three out there except me.” Wisely, he also noted that following one group around means you struggle to keep up to date with the leaderboard and the bigger picture.
Some cannot resist the allure of the big screen, and slump themselves down into some beanbags near the driving range to watch the television coverage and catch a breather.
There was also the small matter of a barrage of birdies to keep the masses entertained, as receptive greens yielded low-scores. It is easy to forget there is a golf tournament happening with so many distractions. The first time you hear the news, it sounds like a wind-up. Silver Medal winner Alfie Plant confirmed yesterday that his girlfriend’s name is, gloriously, Daisy Meadows.
This raises the possibility that were the couple to marry in the traditional way and take the groom’s surname, his poor wife would henceforth be known as Mrs Daisy Plant. “Will draw a few chuckles at the church if things go as planned,” said the leading amateur at the Open Championship. “All the girls out there, I end up with a Daisy. What’s the chances?” Even a staunch nihilist must now concede there is order to the universe.
Day sees the light after pep talk
On the subject of spouses, Jason Day revealed a pep talk by wife Ellie inspired him on his way to a splendid third round of five-under 65. The 2015 PGA Championship winner made the cut right on the line at five-over, and credited a more carefree attitude for his improved play. The Australian said: “My wife was saying, ‘You’ve got nothing to lose now, obviously. You’re dead last, anyway.’ It was great to get out there and shoot the score I did.”
Na makes fashion statement
There have been some questionable sartorial choices this week, from Justin Thomas’ cardigan and tie combination to Jason Day’s basketball-style golf shoes. Kevin Na got in on the act yesterday with a pair of trousers that might make John Daly think twice. The green, khaki and black strides resembled army camouflage if viewed in the throes of a psychedelic trip. He might struggle to pull it off at his local golf club but, when your name is on the bag, you can take liberties.
McIlroy can offer Rooney tips
Wayne Rooney is back on Merseyside after his return to Everton from Manchester United and was in attendance yesterday as a guest of Rory McIlroy. The Ulsterman is a lifelong United fan and Rooney had the pleasure of watching him move through the gears yesterday. Perhaps Rory might even give England’s record goalscorer the odd tip for when he and his new Everton team-mates next play golf – a popular pre-season hobby.
Johnston has beef with poll
Andrew ‘Beef ’ Johnston took to Twitter last night to accuse talkSPORT presenters Mike ‘Porky’ Parry and Mike Graham of running a disrespectful poll. The Twitter account representing the pair’s show ‘The Two Mikes’ asked followers to decide if Johnston was an ‘inspiration’ or a ‘clown’. Beef gave a swift riposte, stating: “If I’m a clown for enjoying my work then so be it. Ur a sad person and couldn’t care less wat u think”. Parry and Graham defended themselves by pointing out that ‘inspiration’ won, but Johnston remained aggrieved.
No one knows if it will work, but there is renewed hope that my next round will be better than the last one