DonM well, seeing how the rough isn't all that rough, more kinda sparse growth on sandy ground. Looks like the gorse is what should be avoided at all costs...
For the most part, those who have been in the rough look to have been able to get up and down about as easily as those off the fairway for their 2nd shot. The rough definitely is NOT like anything at Torrey, Augusta, Pebble, or the like.

  • DonM replied to this.

      DonM I guess it's been dr

      Yes it has, the rough is dry and patchy. They're taking a chance as there's no guarantee of a decent lie but the odds are in their favour this year. McIlroy got a bit of a flyer lie on #17 but that's one of only a few I've seen (in the TV coverage groups).

      Dry, patchy rough is no bad thing in my opinion, I've got a couple of rounds at Largs (another links course) coming up in the next couple of weeks, and Dundonald Links in August or September ...

        Just watching a bit of the Barracuda Championship on the Golf Channel, it occurred to me how many
        very good Tour players did not qualify or chose not to play in the Open Championship at St. Andrews. 🤔

        garyt1957 - There are some really low numbers being turned in by the players that went out early...-8, -6, -5. If the leaders play a little tight and/or lose the mojo in their putting stroke, it might be 'game on'.

            mikeintopeka There are some really low numbers being turned in by the players that went out early...-8, -6, -5. If the leaders play a little tight and/or lose the mojo in their putting stroke, it might be 'game on"

            Could be but even a -5 from one of the Cam's gets them to 17 under. meaning both Rory and Hovland would have to shoot a mere -1 in these pretty benign conditions. It would be a pretty big choke to do worse than that. If one of the cam's or Scheffler shoots -8 under then yea it could be interesting but that's a pretty big ask.

              Leaders on auto pilot so far.....it's definitely there for the taking if any of the chasers get hot!

                ode. It would be nice if somebody did throw a number up there just so those two have something else to think about besides just each other

                  garyt1957 I don't think you're going to miss much by not being able to watch. Like 1 of those 'thriller movies' where the bad guy is just outside, but can't find a way in, and movie is over before you realize it. Even if someone comes sniffing, the last 4 holes will do them in. No one's hitting bad shots yet, and likely that pattern will continue. Winner will be from top 4 at present.

                  Sorry, in advance, for the spoiler. 😉

                      Par4QC. Oh for sure I expect top 4, like I said earlier I think it's match play. If the weather was bad it would be another story. But nobody should be backing up in these conditions

                          garyt1957 The way everyone is playing, in cruise control, looks like maybe just the top 1 will win. 1/2 way home, and I don't see it getting harder for anyone.
                          Viktor can't seem to get within 80' of the hole, so Rory doesn't have to either. But he is.

                              Rory better start making those easy birdie putts or he's gonna choke this up...