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The Starter: Open observations abound

The expected and unusual at Royal Portrush; Ryder Cup rumblings; What's up with 'good call'?

153rd Open Championship
Scottie Scheffler on the 13th tee during the 153rd Open Championship's first round at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Antrim, Ireland.

🏌️ Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are the betting favorites for the Open Championship at Royal Portrush. Do you still like either one of them? Or are you looking at someone else?

🏌️ Brian Harman was at the top of the leaderboard midway through the second round of the Open. Would it shock you for him to win it a second time?

🏌️ How surprised are you that Bryson DeChambeau hasn’t figured out links golf by now?

🏌️ Patrick Reed finally won his first LIV Golf event, at Maridoe Golf Club in Dallas in a playoff. Does Reed deserve consideration as a captain’s pick for the U.S. Ryder Cup team?

🏌️ Speaking of which, how many LIV players will be on their respective Ryder Cup teams? DeChambeau for the U.S. for sure? Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and maybe Sergio Garcia for Europe?

🏌️ Jessica Korda worked as an on-course commentator for Golf Channel at the Evian Championship, covering her sister Nelly’s group in the first round. Are we supposed to take this seriously?

🏌️ Anybody seen Patrick Cantlay lately?

🏌️ Are you already tired of TV announcers patting each other on the back by saying, “Good call”? Shouldn’t every call be a good call? Isn’t that why they’re paid so well?

🏌️ According to a Spanish newspaper, the Camiral Golf & Wellness Resort in Caldes de Malavella in Spain has been chosen as the site of the 2031 Ryder Cup. Wait, what? The resort is reported to be owned by an Irish billionaire. Does that explain it?


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