ST. ANDREWS (Scotland) – The course’s start point and end were on a small grass hill about 100 yards from the famous setting of golf. The R&A clubhouse today and The Open’s massive grandstand obscure the view of the knoll which once formed an integral part the game’s most historical course. This site is still significant because it recognizes another important part of the town’s past. The Martyrs Monument is a 30-foot tall sandstone monument that honors four men who were killed for their Protestant beliefs in 16 century. It stands exactly where golfers used to hit their tee shots. The Scottish Reformation was one of the most important periods in Scotland’s history. It saw the deaths of Henry Forrest and Patrick Hamilton. It made Scotland a staunchly Protestant nation, and gave rise to a faith which holds God’s sovereignty as one of its core tenets. John Knox became one of Scotland’s most prominent men. Alister Mackenzie, the famous golf course architect, once said that only two things are important to the Scottish. Politics is the other. The ancient and royal game has long since replaced the Christian faith as the center of St. Andrews’ culture. A 19th century poem described the town as “a city that was given over, soul, and body to a controlling game”, but it is possible that there is no other game where the divine exert more influence than the one that attracts thousands of weary pilgrims. Even atheists openly discuss the pernicious plotting of the “golf gods”. St. Andrews is considered the game’s spiritual centre and many would agree with the assertion that the story of the historic Open here was predestined by an even higher power. Great Britain’s favourite son is in the running to win The Open at The Home of Golf. He will also continue his quest for the title of best player on his continent. He will have to defeat the player many believe will follow his path. Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland sit at 16-under 200 on The Open’s leaderboard. They are four shots ahead of the Camerons, who are tied for third with Smith and Young. McIlroy will face Hovland for the second consecutive day. They were teammates in last year’s Ryder Cup. Both shot 66 on Saturdays, while Smith and Young, who were paired together in Saturday’s last group, only shot even par. Hovland is 24 and has six wins worldwide, three of which were on the PGA TOUR. He also ranks ninth in the world rankings. However, he has not finished in the top 10 at a major. McIlroy is currently in the top 10 at every Grand Slam event. He said after last month’s U.S. Open that he was closer than he’d been in a while. However, his last major victory was eight years ago. McIlroy’s win Sunday would make him equal Seve Ballesteros in career mains. It also puts him within Nick Faldo’s record for the most major wins by an European since the Masters began in 1934. McIlroy stated, “It’s unbelievable to have the chance to win The Open in St Andrews.” It’s the stuff of dreams. “I’m going try to make my dreams come true tomorrow.” At the Old Course, it’s easy to be poetic. It’s a historic setting that encourages it. McIlroy walked down 18 as champion on Sunday, just two days after meeting Woods at the Swilcan Bridge. The pace of play was a topic of conversation all week. But it allowed them to cross the fairway on Sunday for the Old Course’s final holes. McIlroy also doff his cap as a gesture to show respect. The Old Course is where legacies are made. Ballesteros and Faldo won Opens in St. Andrews. Woods and Jack Nicklaus each won twice here. Bobby Jones won this course during his 1930 Grand Slam season. He famously stated that to be truly great, a player must win at the Old Course. McIlroy is the only player who remains at St. Andrews and is a greater inspiration to history than anyone else. McIlroy refused to answer questions about the significance or potential win on Saturday night, despite having to battle through a windy and cold closing stretch. McIlroy remained calm, even as his fans sang his name and jostled for attention, particularly on the closing holes, which became more difficult with the changing weather. McIlroy’s “cocoon” protects him from the pressures of playing for historical records. McIlroy stated that he is trying his best to remain in his own world as it’s the best way to maximize his potential. McIlroy said, “I just need to do that for one day.” He was patient and did a good job when Hovland birdied Nos. 3-6. To tie the lead, he matched Hovland on five and six. He then took two shots on “The Loop”, the circular stretch of holes near Eden Estuary that links players back to town. He made a dramatic play, hitting a long bunker shot to eagle the par-4 10th. McIlroy led with a birdie at 14 but lost the lead to McIlroy when he hit his approach close to the wall behind the green. McIlroy closed the round with a birdie at 14 from the Valley of Sin. Hovland, however, made a matching birdie and shared the lead into Sunday. St. Andrews has very narrow margins. Although there are many eagle opportunities due to the firm conditions, the holes are hidden behind the spectacular slopes and swales which make St. Andrews special. McIlroy described the course as “fiddly” earlier this week. He said it required a delicate touch and that it wasn’t always suited his game. The course was designed to overwhelm courses. While the Old Course rewards length, players must also be prudent. McIlroy stated that “nothing’s given” but it is important to remember that he might have some help in the spiritual home of golf.
By: Sean Martin
Title: Rory McIlroy seeking memorable victory at The Open
Sourced From: www.pgatour.com/news/2022/07/16/rory-mcilroy-seeking-memorable-victory-at-the-open-championship-viktor-hovland-st-andrews.html
Published Date: Sat, 16 Jul 2022 13:30:00 -0400
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