If Tiger Blows the British, Blame It On Ryo!

The opening round pairings are set for the 138th Open Championship at Turnberry, Scotland. Apparently, organizers saw fit to put Tiger Woods at a distinct disadvantage from the start.
It’s not enough that he’ll have to navigate the slim fairways on the links course that was once a series of runways for Allied Forces war planes. He’ll also need to hold his tongue on the tee box.
Woods, well-known for blurting expletives after errant drives despite the network cameras stationed inches away, starts the first two rounds of his chase for a 15th Major in a three-some that includes 17-year-old Asian prodigy Ryo Ishikawa.
Assuming the hottest thing since sliced sushi speaks a little English, Woods will have to play while restricting his language to NC-17.
(The flambouyant teen Ryo Ishikaway, above)

Also included in Woods' Thursday-Friday threesome is the salty British veteran Lee Westwood; who scrapped his way in this year with an 11th place finish in the Shell Open and a 23rd place finish at the U.S. Open.
Golf fans won't get their best views of the British Open _ which Woods has already won three times before _ until Saturday, July 18. But the clashes of cultures and career trajectories in the opening two rounds will draw unprecedented media attention and could ultimately decide if Woods wins or loses this year.
(Tiger Woods getting familiar with Turnberry's Ailsa course.)


Photos: Yahoo News

PUNCH DRUNK LOVE: Get ready to view the British Open in Style Saturday, July 18 as Fore!BlackGolfers and the Dantanna’s sports grille at Atlanta's CNN Center host the "Wales, Whisky and Woods" bash. It’s FREE to all guests who RSVP by contacting rsvp@mrpratl.com. (Tell ‘em Scott sent ya.)
In addition to FREE FOOD and FREE SCOTCH WHISKY TASTINGS, spectacular skyline views from the deck and assorted giveaways, guests will also be treated to a signature cocktail dedicated to the shot Tiger Woods will need most to drive the slim fairways at Turnberry and win his 15th career Major. We call it “Tiger Punch”.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to network, create foursomes and talk “smack”!
Stay tuned to Fore!BlackGolfers for more details.

Caution, Tiger: The British Is Coming!

As much as Fore!BlackGolfers anticipates watching Tiger Woods compete in next week’s U.S. Open at Bethpage Black, we can’t help but relish the drama set to ensue a month later, on the Ailsa Course at Turnberry, England, even more.
Winning a 15th Major tournament (and a fourth U.S. Open) should solidify in any analyst’s mind that Woods is fully “back” from his season-ending knee surgery in 2008.
But , win or lose at the 2009 U.S. Open, Tiger is certain to attract even more attention at the British Open (July 16-19) because its greater potential to sway golf history.
If Tiger wins this year at Bethpage Black, the golf world will hum relentlessly about how much closer he is to snapping Jack Nicklaus’ record of 18 major victories. And if he loses the U.S. Open, he'll have only two more chances in 2009 to win at least one more Major to his list of accomplishments.
And there’s no guarantee that Woods’ surgically repaired knee will hold up long enough for him to play at full throttle during the August 13-16 PGA Championship (which he’s won twice) at Hazeltine.
So, go ahead and enjoy viewing what unfolds at Bethpage Black as much as we will. Still, give some forethought to how much historical significance this year’s British Open may hold.
COMING NEXT...Reasons why the new British Open course will cause Woods problems
Photo: flickr/richard carter