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The Other Tournament at Troon

Philly Mick and Hammering Hank teed off today in a defacto match play scenario, winner takes all, for the Claret Jug, the Gold Medal and the appellation “ Champion Golfer of the Year”. None of the other  seventy nine golfers playing the links at Royal Troon today had a reasonable chance to win this championship so we had, in effect a tournament within the championship. Either Phil on Henrik would be crowned king of the golfing world, for this week at least, and every one else would play for third place.

Rory McIlroy posted the best score in this second division competition with a 4 under round of 67 but it wasn’t good enough to take the “title”.jb holmes troon

That distinction went to long hitting, Kentucky born JB Holmes. JB carded a 69 that included four birdies and one double bogey on the tough fifteenth hole, where he sailed a tee ball out of bounds. His six under total of 278 edged out fellow compatriot, Steve Stricker.

The old timer, part timer from Wisconsin was also in the house today with a 2 under 69 after managing four birdies and a double bogey, ala JB. But his double came at the 220 yard par three 17th. At forty nine, Strick is in a sort of semi-retirement, balancing play on the tour with staying at home and playing with the kids. It’s a formula for success as Stricker posted his second best finish for his career in a major championship, that coming way back in the ’98 PGA.

Little known Englishman Tyrrell Hatton tied for fifth place with Rory and Sergio Garcia at -4 with a final day score of 3 under 68.

Andrew “Beef” Johnston was paired in the next to last group with Bill Haas and started out hot as a barbeque grill with three birdies in the first four holes but then lost the thread. His fans might have been asking ‘Where’s the Beef’ when beef opengazing at the leader board after he faltered with four bogeys down the stretch. The Beef is a character with real skills, a ubiquitous smile and a bulging waistline (always a badge of honor for this scribe) but he should either grow a mustache or shave that beard.

Rounding out the top 10 (with three tied for ninth place) were Bill Haas, who wilted under the semi-spotlight with a four over round of 75; the Danish elf, Soren Kjeldsen, who posted 1 over 72; and finally, the reigning US Open Champ, World #2 Dustin Johnson. DJ was under par for the day with a 70 but was never a factor in either the OPEN Championship or this second division event.

So, at the end of the day JB Holmes takes the tourney with a 6 under score that was 14 strokes behind the Champion Golfer of the Year , Henrik Stenson.

Better Luck at Royal Birkdale.

 

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