WE HAVE A CHAMPION…AND A PLANE TO CATCH

Congratulations Xander. Justin Rose, who had the second-best round of the day, put it best: “I am gutted and I am super proud.” You can only be proud in defeat when your competitor plays to the level Xander did.

He never seemed out of control and, when the birdies inevitably started to fall, the rest of the field faded away from him like defrosting a windshield. Xander’s ball-striking was particularly exceptional. His approach on 11 will stand out for a long time, but it was his short game and strategic decision-making that sealed the deal. For the stat-lovers out there, Xander’s longest putt for par for the entire day was just over 2 feet. On a golf course where accuracy is rewarded and escape shots are especially penalized, tap-in golf goes a long way.

If Xander takes home the individual prize, I would say links golf – Scottish golf in particular – takes the rest. There is simply too much great golf here to be fined to two tournament (10 days!) in July. Next week they should be heading to Dornoch or, hear me out, to an alt-shot matchplay format at Muirfield. The guys love it and the fans deserve it. Add a week at Royal County Down or Old Head and you have a Scots-Irish swing.

Maybe it’s recency bias, the sauna at Marine Troon, or the many ginger beers I’ve helped myself to at The Seal, but I do have one more thought on this year’s Open. I’ve been to a lot of golf tournaments over the past decade. Without exaggeration, this was my best viewing experience ever.

Tomorrow we get back on the horse, with a flight to the Shetlands and another adventure to be had. If you’d like to come along, you can find Random Golf Club on YouTube or Instagram or at your local golf club. We’re so grateful to Marine & Lawn for hosting us on this particular adventure. That started with our arrival and warm welcome, the hospitality Phillip and Marc showed my team, and some of the best Scottish Summer golf offered in modern history. I know I will be back and I hope you will visit as well.

Don’t forget to order the Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Erik