TOURNAMENT THOUGHTS: 153rd Open Championship
The Open Championship, one of my favorite events in golf. I wish we had more than two weeks to watch these guys take on links-style golf. It’s the foundation of the game and the birthplace of it all, and you can feel that history in the air. There’s a nostalgic reverence woven into every aspect from the small towns surrounding the course, to the dramatic coastline, to the pubs pouring pints where even the players are frequenting while they are in town. It’s a great scene.
This week brought moments that seemed to transcend the leaderboard. From Bryson’s 180 between Thursday to Sunday, to Scottie’s introspective comments that left many confused but touched on an internal battle many of us face, to Rory quietly notching a win off the course despite being several strokes back, it was a week full of storylines that went well beyond the final score.
Bryson’s Rebound
I’ve never been a huge fan of Bryson. I don’t dislike him, I think he’s phenomenal for the game, and we need to see more of him year-round. But I’ve always thought of him as kind of a character. From the hats he used to wear, paying homage to Payne Stewart, to his science-heavy approach and that infamous bulking phase that didn’t quite work out, the list goes on. His U.S. Open win at Pinehurst was electric, no doubt, but to me it felt more like Rory lost it than Bryson won it. I would’ve loved to see a playoff or for him to have needed a birdie on 18 to seal the deal.
Bryson started the week at Royal Portrush with a 78, which seemed to confirm that his game wasn’t built for links golf. But what changed my perspective was what came next — both his mindset and his play.
“My dad always told me never to give up, just got to keep going, and that's what I did today. I was proud of the way I fought back, really persevered through some emotionally difficult moments, and held myself together instead of getting pissed, slamming clubs, and throwing things like I wanted to. I was very proud of myself,” Bryson said.
Whether it’s golf, business, or life, tough days happen, we all know that. Just keep going, there’s no other option. Bryson fired a 6-under 65 the next day and steadily climbed the leaderboard with a Sunday 64 to finish inside the top 10.
I definitely have a newfound respect for Bryson. No, I won’t be binge-watching his YouTube channel or switching to Reebok golf gear anytime soon, but I’ll be rooting for him moving forward.
Scottie’s Pre-Tournament Interview
“This is not a fulfilling life,” Scottie Scheffler said in one of his interviews before the 153rd Open. “It's fulfilling from a sense of accomplishment, but it's not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart. There's a lot of people that make it to what they thought was going to fulfill them in life. And then you get there, then all of a sudden you get to No. 1 in the world, and they're, like, what's the point?”
Scottie and his caddie, Ted Scott, both have strong foundations rooted in their faith in Jesus Christ. It’s been inspiring to watch them express what it truly feels like to stand at the pinnacle of success while staying grounded in who they are and anchoring their identity in what really matters most: faith, family, and the principles that guide their lives. It’s a powerful reminder that chasing worldly success often leaves us unfulfilled, even when you’re on your way to becoming one of the greatest of all time.
The Hometown Hero
Although Rory finished tied for seventh and seven strokes behind Scottie, his return to Royal Portrush was one of my favorite moments of the week. Considering his missed cut the last time the Open was held here, plus the intense media storm and pressure of returning home wearing the long-sought green jacket, I honestly didn’t expect him to play as well as he did.
The walk up 18 was celebrated as if he were the leader in the final pairing, with the crowd giving a huge ovation to their native son. Rory played some fantastic golf as the week progressed, and the masses that gathered to celebrate him must have been one of the most rewarding experiences to come from his historic Masters victory. After all, who wouldn’t want to return to the place they grew up after winning one of the biggest spectacles in all of sports?
Final Rundown
This has been one of my favorite majors outside of the Masters in a very long time. From the natural beauty of Northern Ireland and Royal Portrush to the crowds, the excitement, and the quality of golf delivered, it was an event to remember. One of the best parts of the Open for those of us in the States is the tee times, waking up Thursday through Sunday with a fresh cup of coffee and a full day of coverage ahead is hard to beat, especially when it’s all easily accessible on one channel.
To finish up, the ongoing comparisons between Scottie Scheffler and Tiger Woods are going to get old fast. Scottie is on a run of his own and playing in a league above all current competition. Tiger dominated for decades at an unprecedented level. Every time Scottie wins or plays well, we’re hit with graphics tying it back to Tiger. It’s time to let this conversation breathe, enjoy today’s greatness, and pay respect to the Big Cat always. Scottie isn’t even 30 yet, there’s plenty of time for those comparisons down the road.
Sincerely,
Lightle
