Open 2014 blog: fascinating contest in store

Golf Monthly editor at large Bill Elliott gives his verdict on an exciting opening day in the 143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool

Open Championship
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Golf Monthly editor at large Bill Elliott gives his verdict on an exciting opening day in the 143rd Open Championship at Royal Liverpool

By Bill Elliott

SO what have we learned after Day One? Probably the most important fact to drop our way is that it doesn't take much wind to turn Royal Liverpool from a pussycat into a bit of a tiger. Grrrr.

Sunny and calm in the morning when Rory McIlroy schlepped round in 66 controlled shots and the Italian trio of the Molinari brothers and young Matteo Manassero added more lustre to the day. Even Tiger - first, I want to be first, nothing else matters, nothing - eventually cruised to three under par despite last playing big -time competitive golf several years ago.

When Sergio Garcia rocked into the action it seemed that the old Wirral course was pinned up against some fence with several fists drawn back. Then a light breeze floated in off the Dee Estuary and merry mayhem ensued. Bubba Watson, Phil Mickelson and various others began to fall apart. Ernie Els shot himself in both feet and then just fell over. Mind you Ernie's problem was with himself, three-putting from around 18 inches on the first green after trying to drag his second putt back into the hole. Very unprofessional, in fact he shocked himself so much with his daftness that he never recovered.

With the weather experts predicting a 20mph wind by mid-morning of the second round we may, I believe, expect some chaos to emerge here in the Wirral. It may be slightly cruel of me but, actually, I do hope so.

Let's face it, few things in life are more enjoyable than watching multi-millionaires suffer. Schadenfraude rules. What is also true is that the stage is now set for what should be a fascinating rumble over the weekend. Meanwhile will The Wee Man avoid his usual Friday melt-down? He admits it is now burrowing deep into his psyche but claims that this is the week he removes this particular monkey from around his neck.

Somehow, I'm afraid to say, I doubt it. We'll see.

Related:

See our hole-by-hole guide to Royal Liverpool

Keep up to date with the latest news from Hoylake

Read the thoughts of our team of Open bloggers

 

Nick Bonfield
Features Editor

Nick Bonfield joined Golf Monthly in 2012 after graduating from Exeter University and earning an NCTJ-accredited journalism diploma from News Associates in Wimbledon. He is responsible for managing production of the magazine, sub-editing, writing, commissioning and coordinating all features across print and online. Most of his online work is opinion-based and typically centres around the Majors and significant events in the global golfing calendar. Nick has been an avid golf fan since the age of ten and became obsessed with the professional game after watching Mike Weir and Shaun Micheel win The Masters and PGA Championship respectively in 2003. In his time with Golf Monthly, he's interviewed the likes of Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Jose Maria Olazabal, Henrik Stenson, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood and Billy Horschel and has ghost-written columns for Westwood, Wayne Riley, Matthew Southgate, Chris Wood and Eddie Pepperell. Nick is a 12-handicap golfer and his favourite courses include Old Head, Sunningdale New, Penha Longha, Valderrama and Bearwood Lakes. If you have a feature pitch for Nick, please email nick.bonfield@futurenet.com with 'Pitch' in the subject line. Nick is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade M1 Fairway wood: TaylorMade RBZ Stage 2 Hybrid: Ping Crossover Irons (4-9): Nike Vapor Speed Wedges: Cleveland CBX Full Face, 56˚, Titleist Vokey SM4, 60˚ Putter: testing in progress! Ball: TaylorMade TP5x