There was a commentary in last months Golf Digest that really trashed Royal Liverpool G.C. - Hoylake, calling it unworthy of a major in this day and age...mostly flat. A 43 year old Roberto DeVincenzo won the last held here 39 years ago at -10. That was playing with 1960s balls and equipment. It's less than 300 yards (< 15 yards per hole) longer today. Unless the wind is really blowing I think it may take 15-20 under to win it and it would appear to be Tiger's to lose if he's putting reasonably well.
I have never seen Hoylake but is sounds like a pro could overpower it. Of course the R&A could go into USGA mode, trick it up, and make +5 the wining score.
I have never seen Hoylake but is sounds like a pro could overpower it.
At over 7250 yards, it is the same length at Winged Foot, only R&A do not reduce the par to make peopel think it is any more difficult. The rules state than 474 is the maximum length of a par 4, so making 500 yards holes par 4 's is kidding people the course is tougher than it is. If someone wins with 12 under ona 72 par course,does it make it any less valuable than if you call the same course 70 par and give him a score of 4 under?
Having found the article 'By Ron Whitten ',he is setting himself up for a fall, and I'm sure we all will treat his opinion with the lack of respect it deserves.
At over 7250 yards, it is the same length at Winged Foot, only R&A do not reduce the par to make peopel think it is any more difficult. The rules state than 474 is the maximum length of a par 4, so making 500 yards holes par 4 's is kidding people the course is tougher than it is. If someone wins with 12 under ona 72 par course,does it make it any less valuable than if you call the same course 70 par and give him a score of 4 under?
Having found the article 'By Ron Whitten ',he is setting himself up for a fall, and I'm sure we all will treat his opinion with the lack of respect it deserves.
I totally agree with you and the R&A. The USGA will do anything to save par...but who cares? The R&A has it right.
The par 4s look like a bit of a challenge, but the short par 5s will be eaten up by the pros if the wind doesn't blow much. Still, it's hard to get a gauge on an Open course until the guys start playing it in normal conditions. I do believe the winning score will be 10 under or better, but if it's gusty and drizzling all week, 3 or 4 under could end up taking it.
There was a commentary in last months Golf Digest that really trashed Royal Liverpool G.C. - Hoylake, calling it unworthy of a major in this day and age...mostly flat. A 43 year old Roberto DeVincenzo won the last held here 39 years ago at -10. That was playing with 1960s balls and equipment. It's less than 300 yards (< 15 yards per hole) longer today. Unless the wind is really blowing I think it may take 15-20 under to win it and it would appear to be Tiger's to lose if he's putting reasonably well.
I've been wondering about this too...I mean, there must be some reason it's been 39 years since it's hosted an open. Sure is a pretty place though:
I've just had the pleasure of playing 36 holes round Royal Liverpool, 18 of them off the Championship Tees.
If any of the guys go with Driver Everywhere, they will struggle.
If the wind does not blow, the winner will be hitting a bag full of Long Irons out there. The fairway bunkers are DEEEEEEP!
The guys that hit it straight off the tee will have the advantage. This will be one course where accuracy definition trumps distance. It will be interesting to see how Tiger attacks this course. His current swing is still very erratic with a driver off the tee. I wouldn't be suprise if somebody like Luke Donald or Jim Furyk does well on this course.
Weather forecast has it hitting low 90's early this week, with no expectation of rain or severe wind . Temperature will fall to mid seventies by Friday with wind only reaching 10 mph.
July 14th, 2006, 10:36 AM
Linear Mode
Similar Threads
