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The Open: Day 2

Round 2 Recap

Proper Scottish Weather!

NBC, R&A, and The British Open Championship

If you’re reading this post, you’re aware NBC assumed broadcasting duties of golf’s oldest major beginning this year with the 145th edition of The Open from Royal Troon in Ayrshire, Scotland.

2 days of coverage is plenty of time to form superficial judgements in this day and age, so here are some initial lukewarm takes:

R&A vs USGA

One thing is apparent, NBC knows the USGA is a mess and they’re not shy about dishing it out. Joining Johnny, Hicks, and co. is R&A rules advisor J.R. Jones. His job is basically to do what the USGA doesn’t; consult with his team on the ground, help facilitate decisions in a clear and prompt manner, and most importantly be able to explain it.

This has been on display with a slew of various rulings, especially when Sir Nick or Johnny call out how the USGA would’ve handle something…or even better, ask J.R. and the R&A straight up how they would’ve handled the DJ situation during this year’s U.S. Open.

Protracer

Give it to us. We know you have it. We also know FOX protraced anything they could during their U.S. Open coverage, so why not? The Open Championship is one of the few, if not, only opportunity for some of us to see a links-style golf course all year. Add in the fact there’s a good portion of people (me included) that haven’t played a true links track across the pond.

What’s it like visualizing the proper ball flight and judging where it will end up, as opposed to picking a spot and making it stop in its tracks?

We want to see the trajectory of a Rory 3-wood stinger or a huge 30-yard sweeping draw that rides a 30mph gust of wind. There are a few spots they ration out (thanks Scottrade!), but the people deserve more.

Graphics

Love, LOVE the Open-themed blue and yellow package. Bunker cams are phenomenal. Not only does it give the viewer perspective on an iconic piece of golf architecture, it provides a free lesson on posture and technique. Also, I highly enjoy the wind speed meters in different areas of the golf course as it allows the viewer to get a sense of one of the most fundamental elements of links golf. Split-screen protracer/trackman technology at the range is a nice luxury item as well.

Feherty

You signed him…USE HIM, don’t just promote his show. Put him in the booth for 13 hours straight. He’s the best you got.

All in all, the coverage is “better than most” considering this is literally what NBC/Golf Channel does and the competition is meh at best. Plus, stealing Tirico never hurts. Excited to see if they unleash any other new features this weekend (Johnny Miller meme generator, etc.)

Protip: when it rains, wipe the damn camera lens

This is fine

Today’s Takeaway: Phil Doesn’t Do Umbrellas

Even if you don’t watch golf, you can imagine it rained in Scotland today. Guys had on full waterproofs, rain gloves, hats, and of course wielded their 68-inch staff umbrellas.

Phil took the wet road and opted to forego his Callaway canopy and brave the elements for what I’m sure in his mind was a calculated risk/reward situation.

Bones, being the saint that he is, left the ‘brella in the bag and walked stride for stride with his boss until the heavy stuff subsided…then started…then subsided…then started…

Will be interesting to see if he’s done with them for good, or if it was a simple bet he made with someone in the gallery.

Fashion: The Binder Clip is in

Want to make your hat tighter so the Scottish breeze doesn’t blow it off into the Firth of Clyde?

Take your standard small binder clip (preferably in white), crimp the side of your hat, clip, and boom! A hat that fits and looks good. *eye roll*

Purchase your Staples Replica Phil Binder Clips here!

…or just buy a hat that fits.

Looks good on Phil though!

Equipment Update

The People Have Spoken

One of the most beautiful aspects of The Open is the weather, no matter how proper it is. While we watch these men battle mother nature from the comfort of our own couches, recliners, etc. I was wondering what you’d rather play in: rain or wind?

Obviously these usually go hand in hand, but for simplicity I asked you to choose one.

The results are in: RAIN!

I too would rather rain over wind. Rain there’s gear for and it’s predictable. Wind, not so much.

 Tweets That Made the Cut

 Round 3 Essentials

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Leaderboard thru Round 2

TV Coverage (all times EST)

Golf Channel: 4-7AM

NBC: 7AM-2:30PM

TV simulcast online: 4AM-2:30PM [Watch]

The Open app Livecast

Marquee Games

3:55AM – Jordan, Sneds

5:40AM – Grace, JT

6:10AM – JDay, D. Howell

7:15AM – Goodland, Strick Daddy

7:55AM – Duf Daddy, Adam

8:40AM – DGAF, KT Kim

9:10AM – DJ, Molinari

9:40AM – Serg, Beef

10:00AM – Finau, Sack

10:20AM – Lefty, Hank

Weather

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