Things We Learned from the Open Championship So Far

Things We Have Learned at the Open Championship So Far:
 
Royal Birkdale is a great course  
Well, we sort of knew that going in, but it has been reaffirmed after the first two rounds.  Not a bad thing has been mentioned regarding Royal Birkdale.  Players have almost been unanimous in their sentiment that Birkdale is ‘tough, but fair’…about the best comment you can give a great layout.  The bunkers seem perfectly placed on each hole…good shots are rewarded and poor shots are penalized.   Scoring has been indicative of a challenging, but fair course.  Six under leads after 36 holes and weather has only been an issue for part of the draw.  

This is anybody’s championship to win  
With the wind forecast to lay down (5-15 mph) on Saturday and maybe softer conditions from the rain, someone could shoot up the leaderboard with a 64/65.  Anyone within 7-8 shots of the lead is definitely still in the championship.
 
But this is Speith’s championship to lose  
I just don’t see Speith backing up.  The second round 69 was better played than his first round.  Somebody is going to have to come get him.  His pitching and putting look very solid when he misses greens, his putting looks better than it has in a long time …not good news for the chasers. 

‘You can’t win it on Thursday, but you can lose it’  
Why do I keep thinking that with Rory McIlroy?  I think the start on Thursday will be his undoing.  He looked solid the last 27 holes and no reason to believe he continue the form we saw on Friday.  He is the player that could fire up a 64 Saturday…he will need to doing something special to make up for the atrocious start. 

Ian Poulter  
Started as a club professional, made it to the tour with success, serial social media guy, struggled the past few years and now seems to have found some form.  Oh, and he’s English.  His being in contention is a welcome return and good for golf.  Like him or hate him, he is a character and adds a little flavor to the event.  Yes, if he would win, it would be the feel-good story of the year so far and take the UK citizen's minds off Brexit for a bit.
 
No Streakers!  
The annual Open Championship streaker has not made an appearance.  However, the weekend and plenty of Tennets will probably bring the person out of hiding.  Have no fear Mr. Streaker, the ‘Get in the Hole’ guy from the US had you covered the first two days. 

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