Family holidays as a youngster generally revolved around a fortnight at The British Open. 1983 was no different, my parents had booked accommodation in Southport and off we went.
Watching the 36 hole qualifiers at the local courses was always a highlight, no ropes keeping you to the sides, a chance to watch some top players up close and to learn how to play the game properly.
I don't remember much from the tournament itself, the record books say Dennis Durnian shot a remarkable 28 for the front nine holes, which remains the record low.
I think Hale Irwin had a moment of madness, missing a putt of 15 inches when he went to tap in and had a fresh air shot, ending up one behind Tom Watson on the final day!
When we went to Royal Birkdale on the Monday before the Open started, my dad went into the pro's shop and asked if the course was open to visitors the week after the tournament finished. Yes it was. In fact it was open for play and there were tee times available for visitors on Tuesday. So a booking was made for me and dad to play 36 holes.
As I watched the tournament all I could think of was the fact that I'd be playing the very same course.
Tuesday came and the sun shone as we teed off with barely a soul around. £30 for a day ticket. The pins were still in their final day positions. We played off the championship tees which still had all the divots from the final day. The pins were still in their final day positions.
What really sticks in the memory though was all the stands were still up. Even better, the leaderboards still had the final positions displayed. Walking between shots, taking in the atmosphere and remembering where Tom had played shots from, the whole day was truly memorable.
We were able to stroll round this remarkable course all day, barely seeing another person, in brilliant sunshine, admittedly spending much of our time searching for golf balls in knee high rough!
That day remains my favourite ever game of golf.
Memory added on June 18, 2012
1 Comment (Add your voice)
An inspiring piece, experiences such as this moulds a youthful mind to excel and experement in sport and a personal challenge!
– Dan Harris, September 25 2013 at 10:49
