Memory lane: The last time the Open was held at St Andrews
As one of the oldest golf courses in the world, St Andrews holds a special place in the hearts of most golf fans. To go there is to feel as though you are setting foot on hallowed ground, and it is the dream of every professional golfer to win the Open Championship on St Andrews’ historic links.
That dream will become a reality for one player this year, as the Open returns to St Andrews. It will be the 150th edition of the major, which makes it an extra special occasion at the famous Scottish course, and the world’s top players will be even more motivated to get their hands on the famous Claret Jug. The online betting is hotting up as the countdown continues to the 2022 tournament.
But let’s think back to the last time the Open was held at St Andrews, when Zach Johnson earned his second major title with a fine performance in 2015.
An open Open
In the build-up to the 2015 Open Championship, all the talk surrounded defending champion Rory McIlroy, who withdrew from the tournament in the days leading up to the event with an ankle injury. It was the first time since 1954 that a champion had not attempted to defend their title.
Whilst that was a blow to golf fans in the UK, who were revelling in McIlroy’s early success, it meant the tournament opened up for a new champion to take the reins, and all eyes were on St Andrews as the first round got underway.
Anyone’s title
The first few rounds saw a real tussle at the top of the leaderboard. Despite heavy rain affecting proceedings throughout the first three days, there was some stunning golf played, with Dustin Johnson setting the tone early on with a seven-under-par 65 in round one.
The second round saw Johnson maintain his lead, but there was a strong chasing pack in pursuit, including his namesake Zach Johnson, who was three shots back after day two.
Dustin Johnson fell back in round three, but Zach kept up the pace, although he was still three shots behind the leaders — Jason Day, Paul Dunne and Louis Oosthuizen. Jordan Spieth and two-time champion Pádraig Harrington were also in the mix, whilst there was a whole host of players level with Zach Johnson on nine under par. With one round to go, it was anyone’s game.
Sensational Sunday
A thrilling Sunday saw Zach Johnson take the bull by the horns. He produced a cracking round of 66 to put himself top of the leaderboard, but he would be joined there by Oosthuizen and Marc Leishman, the latter also shooting 66 in round four to bring himself right into contention.
As the round came to a close, most thought that Oosthuizen would get the job done, with the South African having won the Open on the previous occasion it was held at St Andrews, but he just couldn’t quite gain the stroke he needed to win the tournament outright. With three players on 15 under par, a playoff awaited.
Playoff drama
As the four-hole playoff got underway, the tension was palpable. It was Leishman who cracked first, recording a bogey on the first hole as both Johnson and Oosthuizen scored a birdie. The second hole saw Johnson record another birdie, with his two opponents only managing pars.
It was the American’s to lose at that point, and he dropped a shot on the third hole, but neither of his opponents were able to capitalise. Johnson managed to hold his nerve on the 18th, securing his first Open Championship triumph and his second major title overall.
“I’m grateful. I’m humbled. I’m honored,” Johnson said. “This is the birthplace of the game, and that jug means so much in sports.”
