Open visit gives insight to world’s elite

The popularity of golf has boomed over the last few years. For me, and like many, the game became part of my day-to-day life during Covid, before it took a backseat over the last few years.

In the last couple of months, I have discovered my passion for golf again, from playing at my local club, Dunmore Demesne, to watching tournaments and highlights on Sky Sports Golf daily.

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a practice day at the prestigious major, ‘The Open Championship’, which was held in Antrim’s Royal Portrush. I got to take in Wednesday’s practice round – the day before the 153rd Open Championship got underway.

Arriving at the links golf course as the gates opened at 7am, I had the privilege of watching the great Phil Mickelson strut his stuff for several holes, while Pádraig Harrington played just ahead, 24 hours before he took the first tee shot of the tournament.

During the practice, you get to see the professionals up close and how they plan to take on a course, while the driving range brings the rare chance of seeing the very best strike a golf ball.

As one would expect, the public’s favourite and one to watch was ‘The Masters’ champion, Rory McIlroy. The world number two returned to his native country after completing the Grand Slam, and it felt like a homecoming for the 36-year-old.

Even on practice day, the large crowds followed McIlroy from tee box to tee box, with youngsters pleading for a chance of an autograph, picture or golf ball from one of the best golfers around.

As for the tournament, it wasn’t to be for the man from Down as he came up against a phenomenon of the game. USA’s Scottie Scheffler demonstrated why he is one of the golfing greats when he won the championship by four strokes to claim the Claret Jug. Since the legendary Tiger Woods, there hasn’t been a golfer with a winning mentality as supreme as Scottie.

Earlier in the week, Scheffler made headlines with his ‘not a fulfilling life' comments to the press, demonstrating his carefree attitude to take the shackles off and be the number one golfer. Pressure doesn’t seem to exist in Scheffler’s world – he just goes out and wins.

His winning speech once again showed it was a tick off the business card, as if it were just another day at work.

Golf fans may not be able to warm to the robotic Scheffler, but at the end of the day, he does his talking on the golf course, and that’s what makes him an unstoppable force.