As always, Mother Nature plays a strong hand in the outcome of the Open.
There have been weeks like 2003 at Royal St George's, the 132nd Open that American journeyman Ben Curtis won, when the Fire Brigade was on standby in case the burnt out links caught fire, it was so hot.
Then there was 1960 at St. Andrew's when Arnie Palmer having won the Masters and the US Open was vying for the Grand Slam. On the 36 hole Friday final, he posted 70 in the morning to charge within 4 shots of Roberto de Vincenzo, with momentum on his side.
Then the skies opened, rain so heavy the first and 18th fairways were flooded, and play was washed out until Saturday. He lost by a shot to Kel Nagle, and confirmed in interviews after, "the rain caused me to lose the momentum and the tournament !
This is the official forecast from the R&A office for Royal Portrush this week.
Wednesday : Clouds giving way to sunshine, a warm dry day with gentle breezes. High 22*c
Thursday : Cloudy and dry, but some short lived outbreaks of rain, heavy at times. Intermittently dry throughout the afternoon and evening, but there is a chance of further rain and heavy showers or passing TStorms developing. High 22*c
Friday : A drier and brighter morning likely. Showers may develop through the afternoon and again may be heavy at times with a small chance of thunder. Winds changeable with gusts of 12mph. High 21*c
Rest of the Championship : Remaining changeable with longer periods of rain with the risk of heavier spells especially on Sunday. Winds mainly light this weekend, likely varying in direction.
Bryan Angus
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