Onto the Playing Field of the Open Championship

I watched the course Stewards lock arms as they anticipated what was to come. Rory and Victor were striding up the 18th hole on the Old and the crowd was getting restless. We have seen the old footage of crowds that surround the last golfers coming into the Old Course home hole during the Open Championship. I thought this was a futile attempt like the Dutch boy putting his fingers in the many dyke wall holes. Then pushing began and runners slammed my arm as the crowd thrusted itself onto the fairway. They were not to be denied. I took the casual approach and walked a short bridge to stroll onto the fairway. I saw unfortunate souls try to leap the Swilcan Burn and plunk to the bottom. Standing with this crowd was a surreal experience. I chatted amiably with a fellow Canuck near the green and we both thought it amazing to be part of history and feel this buzz. We listened to the announcement of the Champion golfer of the year and saw a brief glimpse of Cam Smith carrying the Claret Jug. Eventually we exited stage right when told to do so by officers of the law. A couple of over lubricated fellows tried to steal some items but security stopped that. I smiled and thought, “well at least you tried to have a special memento”. What a great 150th Anniversary to experience in St Andrews.