Just say "The Open", because it is unique, it is the oldest, the most important, the only one played on European soil. This is the third major of the year and kicks off today on the Royal Byrkdale course, in Southport, England.
It is a tournament that spanned three centuries, it's every golfer's dream on the planet. Also by Francesco Molinari, number 19 in the world and the amateur Luca Cianchetti, 22 years old from Modena, Italian hope at the starting tees this morning. On the track, for this 146th edition, there are 156 players from 28 nations. Of these, 41 have played in the Ryder Cup, 16 have won this highly coveted competition at least once, 35 are major champions.
The most titled is Phil Mickelson with five hits, followed by Rory McIlroy and Ernie Els with four. Difficult to say who is the favorite. The big names, for one reason or another, are all out of shape. World number one Dustin Johnson is still off the ball after falling down the stairs before the Masters. Rory, the newlywed, is perhaps too busy with the role of husband to find the right concentration. Hideki Matsuyama and Jordan Spieth seem to prefer mistakes to results. However, the heavyweights are all there. In pole position we find the Spaniards: Sergio Garcia, at the 73rd consecutive major and winner of the Masters; the explosive Jon Rahm; the good Rafa Cabrera Bello, who scored last Sunday in Scotland.
Among the eligible candidates should be mentioned the American Brooks Koepka, after the success in the US Open and the defending champion, the Swede Henrik Stenson, very motivated by the defense of the title. To remember Rickie Fowler, a beloved and charismatic player, but with a still fragile psyche when it comes to sinking the knife in the final bars. Fresh off the win is Bryson DeChambeau, who prevailed on the PGA Tour for the first time in last week's tournament. Hope also remains alive for the Australian Adam Scott, who a few years ago threw away an Open Champonship practically already won.
There are five amateurs competing in this test, all of a high level. The blue Cianchetti he was admitted for winning the 2016 European Individual Championship. In order to take part in the event, the Modenese has postponed the transition to professional golf, a leap he will make at the end of these four days of fire. The prize pool is 10,250 million dollars.
