Weather K.O.s 1/2 of Open Championship Field. Rocco Tied for Lead, Shark in the Hunt.

Dastardly weather made mince meat of the early groups at the 137th Open Championship. Gale wind, torrential rain, and temps in the 50s turned a major tournament into a survival contest. "Can't wait to go home" said Pat Perez, summing up many of the first players to go off sentiments. Perez shot 82. he wasn't alone. A toll of the carnage featured Phil Mickelson, 79, J.B. Holmes, 79, and this quartet at 80, Vijay Singh, Ernie Els, John Daly, Boo Weekly. Barring a repeat of today that saw the weather surrender to the afternoon groups, these guys are toast. I know weather is part of the game, but where do "conditions" reach the level of unplayable. The only certainty there is lightning and I get the impression that it's too cold there for lightning. It's a horrible break to see some world class golfers virtually eliminated from a major on the first day. It's close to holding a major with 1/2 the field on different courses. Sandy Lyle withdrew after 10 holes and +11. Peter Dawson, chief executive of the R&A, wasn't thrilled. "Disappointing," he said. "I have to say pro golfers should complete the round. That's what they're paid to do."

On the happy side of the draw there were surprises in bunches. Human conditions saw Rocco Mediate share the lead at -1, despite getting treatment at the turn for his chronically bad back. He shared it with Graeme McDowell and Robert Allenby. Now I know why Allenby wears those goggles. For sideways rain. Greg Norman shared 2nd at even par with Adam Scott and Bart Bryant. Looks like being newly married suits the Shark and his game. Never hurts to able to hit the ball low. There's an eight way tie at +1 led by Retief Goosen, Mike Weir, and Jim Furyk. Defending champ Padraig Harrington survived his wrist to post a respectable +4, 74, tied with Tom Watson. Could Watson sneak up and add to his Claret Jug collection? Stay tuned, watch the survivors and the victims of Mother Nature's impregnable powers.

Royal Birkdale Weather Forecast....

Friday, Rain at times, Wind 25-35 MPH.

Saturday, Blustery showers, heavy at times. Gusts to 35 MPH, perhaps 45 MPH during heavy showers. Strong wind hazard.


Til' next,

137th Open Championship Preview

The granddaddy of them all. Scene of Tom Watson's last Open Championship in 1983,Mark O'Meara's in 1998 when last played here, Royal Birkdale again requests the honor of your presence to crown the year's champion golfer.

What to expect...

Expect rough, lots of rich green rough. When the spring is wet in the British Isles, the rough is long and green. This spring was wet.

Expect the unexpected if handicapping this tournament. With Tiger Woods on the sidelines there's no clear favorite. That will make for some ripe golf viewing. Sergio's installed as the early favorite at 10/1. Keep in mind that is just a number to even out the money bet across the field. He's obviously a fan favorite. Average Golfer says beware of betting on a man to win a major that hasn't won a major. Try this link for Ladbrokes' current odds on the field. We'll handicap the field ourselves tomorrow and make accurate predictions.

Expect an exciting Sunday. This field is too close in talent to have it any other way. There's about a third of the field that I've never heard of before. I foresee a real horse race finish and some tangible excitement. Can't wait.

The Course...

Since last held here in 1998 Royal Birkdale has been grabbed by both ends and forcefully pulled. No. 17 is 30 yards longer with a devilsh new green. The intended 10.5 on the Stimpmeter may be too fast for this roller coaster.

Nos. 7, and 12, both par threes, are the only holes left untouched since O'Meara's win. Everything else is longer, with the total added yardage at 155 yards. Playing lines have been altered on many holes however, as well as tightening of the bunkers and additional mounds to confound the world's best.

The great determiner, British weather, has been left untouched. Combine some wind with 10 yard wide fairways and ball hunting may be a popular sport. Gradual tree removal over the years has insured the wind will play a part.

How to watch...

If you're not on a plane by tomorrow, settle for TV coverage.

Thu., 7/17 7:00AM-2:30PM, TNT
Fri., 7/18 7:00AM-2:30PM TNT
Sat., 7/19 7:00AM- 9:00AM TNT
Sat., 7/19 9:00AM-2:30PM ABC
Sun., 7/20 6:00AM-8:00AM TNT
Sun., 7/20 8:00AM-1:30PM ABC

Tomorrow from Average Golfer...

Predictions including the winner of the 137th Open Championship.

Til, next,


*Open Trivia...No Brit, European, or South African golfer has won the Open at Royal Birkdale. Americans and Australians reserve that role to this point.

*Publisher's note. The link given for Royal Birkdale is the course guide from the R&A website. The club site was unavailable at press time, probably overloaded due to too many requests.