Brennans Caddy Report from the British Open

It is great to be in Scotland right now for the Open Championship.  Whenever the British Open is at St. Andrews it is always something special as there is so much history on this course.  It is a great feeling to be here, and I would encourage any golf enthusiast to visit Scotland sometime in their life to experience this place.

We have had a fantastic time over here in the last 10 days.  A group of us came over last week and we have played 6 rounds of golf.  We played Carnoustie, Kings Barn and Muirfield to name a few and it's been amazing to play links style golf.  Such a difference from the golf we play back home. 

Mike and I came to St. Andrews on Sunday night and walked the golf course to get a feel for it.  On a course like this there are a lot of blind shots and hidden bunkers, so you can never see the course enough.  It doesn't matter how many times you play this course, it will never play the same.  The wind can change in an instant out here, and the greens are very challenging.  We made sure to check out all of the greens and practiced a lot of putting in an attempt to figure out how they are playing. 

I'm sure you've heard by now from Mike's diary and in his own words that we got to play with Jack Nicklaus, Tom Watson and Kenny Perry on Tuesday in what was one of the best practice rounds I've ever caddied for!  This was a very special experience for Mike to be a part of what will be Jack's last last major championship.  When we got to the famous bridge on the 18th, Tom told all of us to let Jack go first and cross the bridge.  Jack was actually reluctant but did so and sat down on the bridge so that pictures could be taken of him.  After that Mike, Tom, and Kenny joined Jack on the bridge and more pictures were taken.  Jack even called the caddies in for a shot, and I can't wait to get it developed and have him sign it!  A must for the wall in my house that is for sure. 

The best part of the day was seeing how Jack and Tom tried to figure out the course, just as Mike and I have to.  You would think after the number of rounds that they have played here they would know exactly what they are doing but they are constantly trying to figure out where to hit it and the correct spots to be in-which is exactly the challenge and magic of this place. 

Tuesday was a day I will never forget!

The course this year is a different course than last time we played here in 2000.  It is much longer with five holes that have been lengthened.  This forces you to hit the driver more and brings the rough and bunkers into play-which golfers definitely want to avoid this week.  Even with the changes it is still a very strategic course as you have to avoid the bunkers.  You will see many woods off the tee and fewer irons.

The other difference is the rough now compared to 2000.  This course has never really had any rough but this year the fescue is much longer and going to cause some trouble if the players miss the fairway.  The course plays so different each day and it all depends on the wind.  It is a very fair course to play but when the wind blows it can be extremely tough.  This type of golf plays into Mike's game as he really enjoys thinking his way around a golf course.  A sharp short game is also a must out here and Mike has been practicing hard.   

Thanks for reading and enjoy the week,

Brennan Little