The British Open: A quiz
By Bill Felber
The Nicklaus-Woods interregnum
A. Seve Ballesteros, Tom Watson and Nick Faldo
Between Nicklaus’s last win and Woods’ first, Watson, Ballesteros and Faldo functionally dominated the Open. Each won three times during that period, giving them nine of the 21 events.
Watson was already a two-time champion (1975 and 1977) when he won at Muirfield in 1980. He would go on to pick off the 1982 title at Troon, then successfully defend at Birkdale in1983.
Ballesteros famously announced himself to the golf world as a teen at the 1975 event, and in 1979 he succeeded Nicklaus as the champion, beating Ben Crenshaw and Nicklaus by three strokes at Royal Lytham. He would win at St. Andrews in1984 and then again at Lytham in 1988.
Faldo fulfilled British hopes by winning at Muirfield in 1987. He became the first English golfer to take home the title since Tony Jacklin in 1969. He would win at St. Andrews in 1990, and again at Muirfield in 1992.
Question 9. In a six-year period between 1999 and 2004, the Open crowned three of is least likely champions, Paul Lawrie, Ben Curtis and Todd Hamilton. Who finished second to those three.
Jean VanderVelde, of course, then Vijay Singh, then Ernie Els
Jean VanderVelde, of course, then Tiger Woods, then Phil Mickelson
Jean VanderVelde, of course, then Vijay Singh, then Tiger Woods