The British Open 2008

The British Open is the oldest of four in men's golf. The Open is the only major outside of the USA. It is administered by the R&A, the governing body of golf outside of the United States and Mexico. The third Friday in July is when The British Open is played. Padraig Harrington won this year. This was the 137th Open Championship at Royal Birkdale.

This day was full of wild weather and pure drama, and also a champion who almost did not play. Padraig Harrington holding close to the trophy had said on the eve of the first round had it not been The Open he would not have played. He had a previous injury to his right wrist. On the Wednesday before the tournament he had intensive treatment on his wrist.

To Padraig his chances of winning were doubtful. But he gave it his all and played. He won with a Par +3 and now the trophy is headed back to Ireland. Behind Harrington in the pack was his tour colleague Ian Poulter with an awesome Par +7 but it wasn't enough being four strokes off from Harrington. Henrik Stenson was in third with Greg Norman with Par +9 That day the winds gusted up to 50 miles an hour which is more than they are used to. The winds are normally 20 miles an hour so this day had a lot of ups and downs for the players. This year The Open also featured amateurs, and Justin Rose a 17 year old made his name. Chris Wood earned a share of fifth place with Par +10. Tom Sherreard finished ahead of many pro players with an eagle-birdie to finish+14.