AMERICANS FIND MISSING LINKS.Byline: Glenn Sheeley Atlanta Journal-Constitution There's nothing logical about the game of golf, now that it has gone global at the end of the century. The Europeans, once an annual sparring partner sparring partner Noun 1. a person who practises with a boxer during training 2. a person with whom one has friendly arguments Noun 1. for the United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. in Ryder Cups, have won the last two. Carlos Franco Carlos Daniel Franco (born 24 May 1965) is a Paraguayan golfer. Franco was born in Asunción, Paraguay. He comes from a poor background and grew up in a one-room, dirt-floor home. of Paraguay has won twice on the U.S. Tour. And the Americans are dominating links courses in Europe. When the British Open begins at Carnoustie Golf Links Carnoustie Golf Links in the town of Carnoustie, Angus, in the east of Scotland is one of the venues in the Open Championship rotation. Golf is recorded as having been played here in 1527, earlier than at St Andrews, where the first record of golf dates from 1552. on Thursday, Americans will be seeking a fifth consecutive Open victory. Not that it matters to the golfers. Or so they say. As Davis Love III Davis Milton Love III (born April 13, 1964) is an American professional golfer. Love was born in Charlotte, North Carolina. He attended the University of North Carolina before turning professional in 1985. observed Monday on the Carnoustie practice green while watching an approaching mist, the stamp on one's passport does not seem to matter as much as it used to. Maybe all those Golf Channel replays are to blame for the bonding. ``I'm just as happy for Nick Price when he wins as Justin Leonard Justin Charles Garrett Leonard (born June 15, 1972) is an American professional golfer. Leonard was born in Dallas, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and was the individual NCAA champion in 1994. , because they're (both) friends,'' Love said. But that hasn't stopped the head-scratching from golf fans who wonder why Americans are enjoying so much success abroad. It is not the first period of American domination. Tom Watson is a five-time champion and won his first British Open in his first try in 1975 at Carnoustie. Jack Nicklaus Noun 1. Jack Nicklaus - United States golfer considered by many to be the greatest golfer of all time (born in 1940) Jack William Nicklaus, Nicklaus won three times, and Lee Trevino Noun 1. Lee Trevino - United States golfer (born in 1939) Lee Buck Trevino, Supermex, Trevino and Arnold Palmer won twice each. From 1970 until 1983, Americans won 12 British Opens. Part of the explanation might be the greater sense of history that the Americans feel, particularly in Scotland. Playing links-style golf in particular presents a striking contrast to U.S. target golf, plus a unique opportunity to pull on a turtleneck in July and hit knock-down shots against a wind from the North Sea. ``I think the history of the place, knowing that the game of golf was originated here, means a lot to us,'' Phil Mickelson Philip Alfred Mickelson (born June 16, 1970) (nicknamed "Lefty" for his left-handed swing, even though he is otherwise right-handed), is an American professional golfer. He is one of the leading players of his generation, having won three major championships and a total of 32 said. ``Knowing that the golf courses that were first played were these dunes-style courses with hard, natural fairways. There was no bulldozing. They just put a hole in the ground where it belonged. There's a lot to be learned here. ``For the Americans, it's not like you have to grow up playing here to play well here. The hole is the same size. The courses are the same length. The shots are the same. It's just a little windier, but we have wind in Texas and on the tour as well.'' Another factor? The Americanization of the world's venues. Outside of the British Open, the Europeans play very few tournaments on links courses these days, diluting the advantage they once had. ``We played the Scottish Open There have been events known as the Scottish Open in several sports:
European players view it as a cyclical matter. As an example, they won six of seven Masters titles from 1988-1994. ``I think everybody here wants to see a European winner again in the Open,'' Ireland's Darren Clarke Darren Christopher Clarke (born August 14, 1968) is a professional golfer from Northern Ireland who plays on both the PGA Tour and the European Tour. He was born in Dungannon, County Tyrone. He played college golf at Wake Forest University in the United States. said, ``but it just seems to go in spells. The best guy wins at the end of the week, and it just so happens that the past few years the best player has been an American. Which is exactly where the top players are.'' As Love said: ``Now we've got Tiger Woods  Editing of this page by unregistered or newly registered users is currently disabled. and David Duval. The odds are just getting better.'' Until lately, perhaps. The emergence of Sergio Garcia, the 19-year-old protege of Spain's Seve Ballesteros, could be a factor soon. Olazabal, also from Spain, suggests that Garcia eventually will hold all the major championship trophies above his head. But first he must contend with the Americans. ``We like the majors, and this is one of the best of the majors,'' Love said. ``It's got some history. It means a little more over here. It's a special place and a special tournament.'' Americans have won the last four British Opens: Year Winner Site 1998 Mark O'Meara Royal Birkdale, England 1997 Justin Leonard Royal Troon, Scotland 1996 Tom Lehman Royal Latham, England 1995 John Daly St. Andrews, Scotland CAPTION(S): 2 Photos PHOTO (1--Color) Tom Lehman has had success on Europe's links courses, winning at Royal Latham in '96. Eric Risberg/Associated Press (2) Americans have won the British Open four consecutive times. Justin Leonard, above, won in 1997. Mike Fiala/Associated Press |
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