Golf with Shanks - Latest Comments on Sunningdale is a Poor Choice of Course for Womens British Open

Dave [Visitor] in response to: Sunningdale is a Poor Choice of Course for Womens British Open

Dave [Visitor] — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 21:12:43 +0000

Although I totally agree with you Shanks (I am British), the decision to hold the Women's British Open at Sunningdale doesn't truly susprise me. After all, it is not ran by the R&A.

However, the idea of holding the Senior Open Championship (which IS ran by the R&A) at Sunningdale DOES surprise me. A lot.

I think it's bloody appalling actually.

Shanks [Member] in response to: Sunningdale is a Poor Choice of Course for Womens British Open

Shanks [Member] — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 17:02:51 +0000

I had heard that mentioned during the coverage last week on ABC. Unbelievable, but in line with my 5 majors comment above.

Wendy (UK) [Visitor] in response to: Sunningdale is a Poor Choice of Course for Womens British Open

Wendy (UK) [Visitor] — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:37:35 +0000

Shanks - just heard Peter Alliss announce that the Men's Senior is to be held inland next year for the first time in 20 years - guess where? Sunningdale. That should get your blood pressure up!!

Shanks [Member] in response to: Sunningdale is a Poor Choice of Course for Womens British Open

Shanks [Member] — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 15:23:55 +0000

Seriously, playing on real links is the only way to raise the level of importance of this particular event. Otherwise, it's just as silly as the Seniors, er ah, Champions Tour deciding to have 5 "majors". You just don't point and say "this is a major". There really should be a reason.

Brandon Tucker [Member] in response to: Sunningdale is a Poor Choice of Course for Womens British Open

Brandon Tucker [Member] — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 06:53:02 +0000

I agree with Shanks. The US golfing fan won't have much interest in an Open Championship not on a links because it doesn't coincide with the brand we're used to on the men's side.

Though the UK golf fan is a fanatic bunch and will watch good golf wherever it's played.

Dave [Visitor] in response to: Sunningdale is a Poor Choice of Course for Womens British Open

Dave [Visitor] — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 21:31:12 +0000

I totally agree with Shanks here. People in objection, e.g. Marcus, are not thinking about this properly.

Consider this. The Women's British Open was in 2001 officially recognised as a major championship; before then, it was just another tournament. The national championship of the UK, yes, but not greatly important. Pre-2001, it was played over a wide variety of venues, Marcus is correct in this respect.

Since 2001 is has been played over links courses (except when it has been played over Sunningdale). Taking it back to inland courses would just make it 'any other tournament'; that it is played on a links course is the thing that makes it special.

Shanks [Member] in response to: Sunningdale is a Poor Choice of Course for Womens British Open

Shanks [Member] — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 18:16:31 +0000

I can agree with that. If I did not have such an affinity for links golf, I probably would not feel so strongly. But I do, and I do!!

Wendy (UK) [Visitor] in response to: Sunningdale is a Poor Choice of Course for Womens British Open

Wendy (UK) [Visitor] — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 17:32:09 +0000

Aren't you being swayed by your personal preference for links golf, Shanks?

Whilst it may be true that most fans would be prepared to make quite a trek to watch The Open, I don't think that's equally true for the Ladies British Open. It therefore seems commonsense to me to select venues based upon drawing the biggest crowd, with relative ease of access and perhaps other nearby attractions, particularly for overseas visitors and/or non golf-playing partners being important criteria.

As long as they are magnificent courses, I am happy to have an inland tournament. Of course, I may be prejudiced as the venues so far, including Sunningdale, are within easy reach for me!! Unlike your suggestions.