Zach’s the way to do it
US star Johnson lifts the Claret Jug on ‘bunk-off’ Monday as the Open goes into a fifth day for only the second time in its history
IT was only the second time the Open Championship had gone into a fifth day.
As America’s Zach Johnson finally claimed the Claret Jug last night in a dramatic play-off, it was clearly ‘bunk-off ’ Monday in St Andrews as thousands cheered him on.
With entry costing only £10 yesterday, the rolling over of the 144th Open was a massive draw for golf fans. Many may have been tempted to phone work to say they were ‘under the weather’ as they opted to go to the Fife town to take in the rain-delayed action.
It was perhaps a good call, as the BBC’s coverage earlier in the day was savaged by fans, commentators and former First Minister Alex Salmond.
Viewers reacted with dismay to the decision to screen regular daytime TV shows such as Bargain Hunt and Homes under the Hammer instead of the final round of the tournament.
The only previous Monday extension was in 1988, when rain washed out play at Lytham St Annes before Seve Ballesteros claimed his third Claret Jug.
Heavy rain and high winds delayed this year’s action. But as Monday was a local holiday in St Andrews anyway, the rollover did not cause extensive disruption – although roads were busy with spectators heading to and from the Old Course, where Iowa-born Johnson, 39, triumphed at 8pm.
Johnson, who won the 2007 Masters, said: ‘ I’m fairly speechless right now. Dreams have been realised and goals accomplished. I’m humbled. I’m honoured to be your Open champion and your champion golfer of the year.’
For those watching from home, the BBC’s decision not to begin coverage until 1.45pm outraged fans.
David Flagg said: ‘ BBC O ne showing Council House Crackdown, Heir Hunters, Homes Under the Hammer and Close Calls instead of The Open. #Disgrace.’
Nationalist MP Stewart Maxwell posted: ‘ Want to watch the Open? Then live in USA or other countries, just not Scotland where @BBCSport are not showing it ‘til six hours after it starts.’
Arts commentator Ruth Wishart wrote: ‘Can’t believe we’re losing coverage of The Open to such TV highlights as Bargain Hunt! C’mon BBC Sport – this is your last St Andrews Open!’
Mr Salmond said golf fans would be celebrating the fact Sky will take over in two years, as he accused the BBC of prioritising overseas stars, such as Tiger Woods, over Scots players such as Paul Lawrie.
‘He was but a couple of strokes off the l ead but virtually none of his great shots were covered live,’ Mr Salmond wrote in his newspaper column. ‘No doubt the Beeb producers think that no one notices. They are wrong.’
The BBC said: ‘We have has brought unprecedented coverage of this year’s Open to the widest possible, free to air audience. Our key aim today is to tell the most important story, who will win the Open.’
‘I’m honoured to be your champion’