Golf Links: Sunday, July 23 news and notes
Spieth and Kuch will battle again today at Royal Birkdale
Jordan Spieth put a bit more distance between himself and the chasing pack on Saturday and will lead the way today at Royal Birkdale. It’s looking like the 146th Open Championship is probably Spieth’s to lose, although Matt Kuchar will have something to say about that. Still, all of us who’ve followed Jordan Spieth’s career know that he’s capable of a major breakdown as well as a spectacular victory.
The story of Saturday’s third round was Branden Grace’s record-setting 62. That’s now the number to beat at all future men’s major championships.
The scorecard of @BrandenGrace's historic 62 from Round 3 of #TheOpen. pic.twitter.com/FdI0bBjnDp
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2017
Let’s not overlook the continuing very fine performance of the 20-year old Canadian who lives in Texas and is pals with Jordan Spieth, Austin Connelly.
A phenomenal performance so far from 20 year old @Austinconnelly9 who goes into Round 4 joint third at -5. pic.twitter.com/xT0yAKX4kU
— The Open (@TheOpen) July 22, 2017
Connelly will play today with U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka and they’ll both be trying to close the 6 shot distance to the top of the board.
Ian Poulter, who looked very good to contend when Saturday’s round began, just couldn’t keep pace. A 70 on his card sent him down the board. He’s starting today just outside the top-10 and needing a near-impossible nine shots to catch Spieth.
The Royal Birkdale action starts early for United States fans. Golf Channel begins live broadcast at 4am and NBC picks up the final round at 7am ET. Bones will be there – are you enjoying his commentary as much as I am?
Related Story: The Open: Bones brings special insight to his commentary
And we’ll see if the golf course is as receptive today as it was on Saturday.