2008 British Open

Golf fans all over the world were entertained during the 2008 British Open. There was never a dull day during it. The wind never dropped below 20 miles per hour and on the opening morning there were torrential rains. There were even times where the wind was in excess of 50 mph. The British Open was played in Royal Birkdale Golf Club in Southport, England, on Sunday, July 20. It is the 137th Open Championship. The winner is awarded a trophy called the Championship Cup, which is better known as the “Claret Jug.”

The recipient of the Claret Jug for 2008 was Padraig Harrington. Harrington defended his title by shooting 283. He completed a 69 Round 4 and secured his victory over Ian Polter by finishing 3 over par. Ian Polter finished 7 over par to shoot a 287. He was quoted, ”It’s all about winning, I was second today.” He might be unhappy about it, but his second place finish in the Open has boosted his Ryder Cup ambitions. Henrik Stenson and Greg Norman shared third place.

Harrington almost did not play in the British Open. He stopped practice the Wednesday before the Open started in order to have intensive treatment to his wrist. He said had it not been the Open, he wouldn’t have played in it. Lucky for him he did play. Winning the British Open has put Harrington in third in the world rankings which is a career high for him.