The British Open’s final major golf championship of the year won’t kick off until Thursday, but it dominated the sports headlines this weekend as Tiger Woods returns in 2022 and drama Saudi Arabia begins.
Here’s what to know before the Open Championship – the oldest golf tournament in the world celebrating 150 repetitions – kicks off this week.
Tiger’s back, back again
After Woods’ four-day Masters performance – not up to his old standards, but an equally impressive feat of returning from a car accident that nearly killed him – he withdrew three days from the PGA Championship before withdrawing and announcing his decision to bench leave the US Open to give himself time to recuperate.
The 46-year-old golfer joined Pro-Am earlier this week and played Ballybunion with Rory McIlroy. He won at St. Andrews in 2000 and 2005, and the Old Course this weekend will host the 150th Open Championship. Woods also scored a win in 2006 at Royal Liverpool.
His close friend and professional colleague, Justin Thomas, told the media that “he’s had this on his calendar for a while, and he’s been vocal about it, and I think it’s his favorite golf course in the world and he loves it.” Thomas also speak he and other golfers teased Woods for using a cart to get around, even though he would be walking the course for the actual tournament.
R&A for Norman: Don’t Come
The R&A announced last month that LIV golfers would be allowed to compete in their professional league, saying that “openness is fundamental to its unique character and appeal,” but they did not. apparently did not invite two-time Open champion Greg Norman from their champion’s dinner for his role as the Saudi tournament’s spokesman.
“The 150th Open is a hugely important milestone for golf and we want to ensure that the focus remains on celebrating the championship and its legacy,” said the R&A. “Unfortunately, we don’t believe that would be the case if Greg attended.”
Norman, CEO of LIV, is an active supporter and active recruiter for the Saudi-backed tournament. I guess they have to draw a line somewhere, and that line stops at Greg Norman.
