The Irish Open

The PGA ad campaign saying, "These guys are good." is really under-selling the skill on display at a high calibre tournament. Some slogans they might want to consider:

"These guys are magicians."
"These guys are using the force."
"These guys have real life cheat codes."
"Ryan please stop referring to the course marshals as golf leprechauns."

Well, maybe not that last one, but it's true. Everyone here is a leprechaun.

The Irish Open was a great day. We decided to go Friday since the group containing both Rory McIlroy and Padraig Harrington teed off at 1, which we could make in time after driving from Dublin. That turned out to be a good choice since Rory didn't make the cut anyway and we wouldn't have seen him on the weekend.

There were an estimated 28,000 people out Friday, and a lot of those were following the lead group, but lots were also just hanging out in the tent village drinking beer, this is Ireland after all.

We did a little beer drinking and a lot of golf watching. Some players were great to watch and loved the crowds (Levy), other players (Willet) were total dicks. We had several opportunities to be standing right up on the rope watching guys hit and listening to their banter with their caddy.

Mel and I both decided it wasn't the driving or putting that really showcased the player's ability, it was their approach shots and bunker play. Some guys really had their game tuned in.

The final round is tomorrow and there are a few Irishmen still in contention. Should make for an excellent finish.

-Ryan