The Open: Day 4
- Updated: July 17, 2016
Round 4 Recap
Follow the leaders (pic: @EuropeanTour)
Live From: My Couch
Henrik Stenson defeated Phil Mickelson in one of the most epic battles in golf history sending golf pundits around the world scrambling to give it a catchy, original name before somebody else does. Personally, I’m going with “The Afternoon at Troon”.
Hank and Phil made it clear nobody else had a chance to contend. In fact, NBC broadcasted their entire round like it was the 2008 US Open playoff between Tiger and Rocco, and they were literally the only ones on the golf course.
Look at that leaderboard. It’s a joke! There’s nobody within 11 strokes of Phil in 2nd. What’s crazy is that Lefty’s 4 round total of 267 would’ve won 141 out of the 145 Opens ever played. He also passes Arnold Palmer moving into solo 2nd place with 11 on the all-time runner-up list which Jack leads with 19. By the looks of it, there’s a strong possibility Phil will finish his career runner-up of the runner-ups!
The Stensonator won his first major in astonishing record-setting fashion. -20 is the lowest score to par in Open history, and his 264 total is the lowest 72-hole score in major championship history. His 63 was the 29th shot in major history and only the 2nd time it happened in the final round (yes, that’s Johnny Miller’s record).
It truly was a proper championship Sunday at The Open.
Final Results
Champion Golfer of the Year Has a Nice Ring To It
There are few things in sports cooler than the trophy presentation at The Open. I’ve never been to one yet, but based on pure observation after several beers and 4 consecutive days of less than 5 hours of sleep:
- The presentation is quick, clean, and organized.
- The victory lap around the 18th. I have no words. It’s the best curtain call of all time.
- The Claret Jug has grown on me. I want one.
- The title of “Champion Golfer of the Year” sounds like you are royalty.
- It was light out because tee times are moved up to avoid any issues.
- Nobody called anybody by the wrong name (cc USGA)
Please don’t snap the trophy in half, Henrik. (pic: @pgatour)
One day I’ll experience this!
Phil’s Thoughts on the USGA
In Phil’s post round presser today, he was asked to compare the USGA and R&A in terms of course set up…shocking right?
In typical Phil fashion, he took a deep breath and chose his words wisely…I’m paraphrasing, but this is pretty close:
“You shouldn’t have to mess with the course too much to try to control the score. The USGA has it in their minds that the score needs to be par. So no matter what lines they have to cross to get there, that’s got to be the standard…it doesn’t take into account the difference in talent level or abilities that the players of today now have.”
All he did was simply state a fact. No judgements, call outs, etc. He said it like it is.
He was then asked which championship he prefered and without hesitation he said The Open because it’s MUCH MORE fair.
Makes sense.
Live look at the USGA taking notes on how to run a proper golf tournament pic.twitter.com/u70HqX1gIe
— Two Inches Short (@TwoInchesShort) July 17, 2016
FIGJAM 101
For those of you who are new and have no idea what FIGJAM is, it’s an acronym for F**k I’m Good Just Ask Me…and it was Phil’s nickname on tour back in the day due to his confidence, cockiness, and utter lack of regard for anybody else except himself.
While he’s toned it down over the years, it’s a gene that never recedes. Even at 46 years old, you can still see traces of it on and off the golf course when he explains how he hit a shot off the cart path or how he was able to avoid jail time for alleged insider trading.
Today was a prime example of a FIGJAM sighting. With a major championship on the line, he walked onto the putting green this morning and asked himself “which putting grip am I going to use today”.
Phil decided the answer was both. He started the day by going with the claw, and was -4 thru 7 when he decided it “didn’t feel right.” On the 8th hole, he made a noticeable change considering his hands were in different positions. Soon enough it appeared he was hitting longer putts conventionally and anything inside 8ft with a claw en route to shooting a final round 65.
2 things to note: Nobody questioned him in his post round presser and nobody else in their right mind would pull a stunt like this on a Sunday of a major. Then again, nobody else is Phil.
FIGJAM in action:
Phil: bet I could land one on the next train that goes by?
Bones: we're trying to win a major
Phil: gimme a ball
Bones: later
— Two Inches Short (@TwoInchesShort) July 17, 2016
Phil doesn’t do rules (pic: @nolayingup)
Pimp My Ride
Not all tour pros get to travel in style, but when you act like you are 2 years old and already have 2 majors to your name, you tend to get spoiled.
Jordan was spotted entering the grounds of Royal Troon today in his brand new 2016 Open bag, in its customary yellow and blue kit.
He was whisked carried through security by his team and headed straight for the range, but not before he had his diaper changed.
Spieth arriving at Royal Troon this morning in style pic.twitter.com/rSwYzsO8FJ
— Two Inches Short (@TwoInchesShort) July 17, 2016
Grow The Brand
We at Two Inches Short are proud of our brand and even prouder when pros want to throw us a little free advertising. Today was a good day in that department.
Plus it never hurts when the greens are running below 10 on the stimp.
Phil’s missed eagle putt is another man’s treasure
Tweets That Made The Cut
@NoLayingUp Even his hairline lays up. pic.twitter.com/23ooQv5r1n
— Danny Gall (@dgallstone) July 17, 2016
Rory is going to backdoor a bronze medal in Rio without even showing up.
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) July 17, 2016
/Diana Murphy stumbles to the podium
"Great playing Horton Stenson! Come forward, Horton.
— Chris Chaney (@Wrong_Fairway) July 17, 2016
