Situated on Bow Butts, the grassy bank that sits directly behind the Royal & Ancient Golf Club’s clubhouse, the “Grand Old Man of Golf” gazes straight down the 18th fairway of the game’s most famous course.
At the end of a long week dominated by slow play that saw the opening two rounds both take about six hours to complete, the New Zealander reached the seven-under-par total that proved too strong for a formidable host of challengers down the stretch.
In prevailing conditions – strong winds and heavy showers – that have done nothing for the case that Scotland really does have a summer, Korda’s creative shot-making and solid putting has been extraordinary indeed.
There is room for debate as to whether the claret jug is the most iconic item awarded to a tournament winner in golf, a chorus of folks representing a sleepy town in Georgia likely arguing that a certain emerald blazer has an awful lot of cachet, too.
We know this isn’t an Old Course first. Still, the improvisational nature of the shot, plus the lovely Scottish summer weather seen in the video, elevates it to legendary status.
Smith comes into Masters month after a three-week break from tournament golf following his runner-up finish in the LIV Golf event in Hong Kong where he was beaten in a playoff by Abraham Ancer.
If all goes to plan, a slightly “braver” target a few yards to the right of the clock will be an option for players in the AIG Women’s Open next August.
For the second time in a week, the famed St Andrews Road Hole bunker has produced a viral video. Although, this one isn’t R-rated. Well, depending on your perspective.