Irishman, Padraig Harrington (pictured above with his family) quietly won Britain’s Open Championship yesterday, his second Open victory in a row and his first win since he was awarded the Claret Cup in 2007. While the world was fascinated by 53-year-old (and two-time Open winner) Greg Norman’s place at the top of the leaderboard, Harrington played solid golf all week, despite an injured wrist and brutal weather conditions that included up to 40 mph winds.

Though Norman was leading by one stroke going into the back nine on the final round, Harrington rose to the occasion, sinking three straight birdie putts and scoring an eagle on the 17th hole. It was enough to win by 4 strokes over Ian Poulter and 5 strokes over Norman and Henrik Stenson of Sweden, who tied for third.

Another noteworthy performance that got lost in all of the excitement was the 5th place finish of 20-year-old British amateur golfer, Chris Wood. Said Wood, “It was the best week of my life.”

…and they said that golf without Tiger would be boring!

^{(photo © Newscom)}

Post from: Green Posse

Image details: The 136th Open Championship served by picapp.com

The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale begins on July 17. How much do you know about this venerable tournament? Test your knowledge with these Open Championship facts:

1. Commonly called the British Open in North America, in Britain, the contest is called simply the Open Championship or just “the Open.”

2. The Open Championship is the oldest of the four major men’s championships. It was established in 1860.

3. The most victories by one person in the Open Championship is six by Harry Vardon, from 1896 to 1914.

4. The lowest winning score in the championship was achieved by Greg Norman, with a 267 at Royal St. George’s in 1993.

5. The last wire-to-wire winner was Tom Weiskopf in 1973.

6. St. Andrews has hosted the Open Championship more than any other course–26 times.

7. The original field for the Open Championship in 1860 was just 8 golfers; in 2008, the field is 156.

8. Ties after regulation play in the Open Championship are settled by a four-hole play-off, followed by sudden death play until a winner is determined.

Post from: Green Posse

Image details: 23rd Sport Australia Hall of Fame Dinner served by picapp.com

Tennis legend, Chris Evert and former British Open champion, Greg Norman, were married Saturday alongside the beach on Paradise Island in the Bahamas, according to “People” magazine. The ceremony was attended by 140 of the couple’s friends and family, including broadcaster, Matt Lauer and musician, Corey Hart. Evert’s three sons were present as were Norman’s son and daughter. Evert’s son, Colton (12) was the ring bearer and her sons, Nicky (14) and Alex (16) walked her down the aisle. Norman’s son Greg Jr. was his father’s best man.

Evert and Norman, both 53, were engaged on December 9 of last year. It is the third marriage for Evert and the second for Norman.

We wish them much happiness.

Post from: Green Posse

Michelle Wie with her dad and caddy, B. J. Wie

Colin Montgomerie with his dad, James

Ernie Els with his dad, Neels.


Of course, many pro golfers are dads, too. Here are a couple of father/son photos:

Vijay Singh with his son, Qass

Greg Norman with his son, Gregory


Jack Nicklaus with his son and caddy, Steve

Post from: Green Posse

All around the b5media Sports Channel today, bloggers are talking about the worst moments in sports. There are certainly a lot of “worst” moments in golf, but one in particular stands out to me–Greg Norman’s loss to Nick Faldo at the 1996 Masters Tournament.

For those unfamiliar with this debacle, Norman was leading the tournament by six strokes starting the final round. In fact, he’d carded a course record 63 on the first round.

However Sunday was not to be his day. Before the round was over, Norman scored five bogeys, two double bogeys, and hit his tee shot into the water at the 12th hole. When the dust cleared, he shot a 78, ending the day five strokes behind Faldo. Norman never contended for a major title again.

Do you have a favorite “worst” moment in golf? Leave a comment below and share it with us.

^{(photo © Newscom)}

Post from: Green Posse