In a surprise announcement, Disneyland Hong Kong has unveiled plans for a new Chambers Bay attraction. Walt Jr will be designing the crazy golf course wearing a special pair of shoes with one heel six inches higher than the other. Gary Player - a rival designer - has been asked to open the facility, which has already been described as "one of the finest of its kind". It had been hoped that Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson would give an exhibition "play-off" match, but sadly Johnson missed his flight and Spieth is too busy signing contracts, establishing his rivalry with Rory McIlroy and studying the Old Course (St Andrews, not Fanling) in his bid for part three of the Grand Slam, that according to most American authorities seems to be almost a certainty.
At least he won't be distracted by the Champion Golfer's Challenge that is taking place over the first, second, 17th and 18th holes on the Wednesday afternoon before The Open, featuring 29 (barring late withdrawals) Open champions. Rory McIlroy qualifies. Spieth doesn't. Yet. One-nil to the Ulsterman. It'll be wonderful to see the likes of Peter Thomson, Tom Watson, Gary Player, Bob Charles and Tony Jacklin mixing it with the youngsters for a few hours of nostalgic fun before the real thing begins.
The vagaries of a British links, even the mysteries of the Old Course should seem as nothing compared to the broccoli and pinball of the US Open, where unlike many previous editions, the final leaderboard was awash with the current best players in the game. Good thing or bad? Discuss. In my view, if the 144th Open is half as exciting as Chambers Bay we're in for a treat.
When weighing up Spieth's chances though, remember a few salient facts. On a calm day almost anyone in the field is capable of shooting 63. The luck of the draw can be a major influence. Changing weather conditions can more than rock the boat. (Remember Tiger in his pomp at Muirfield in 2002). European players experience St Andrews every season at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and intimate knowledge of the Old Course is a distinct advantage. Nobody wins three out of three before they're 23, do they?
Following on from last month, I can exclusively reveal that Peter Alliss won't be commentating at The Open for the last time. Well, there are a few caveats to that, but assuming that the BBC are still in action next summer in accordance with their contract (and there are rumours aplenty of their wish to duck out early), then The Voice of Golf will still be waxing lyrical at Royal Troon for the 145th Open. The Old Master, who sadly is close to wheelchair bound now with a chronic back condition, still has a few scenes to paint with his distinctive and unique style. The pithy wit remains and whilst the marbles still line up in the right order, the venerable thespian is reluctant to leave the stage just yet. Expect a few bon mots as Tom Watson pauses on the Swilcan Bridge for the final time. However, Peter will no doubt be relieved that Sir Nick Faldo has decided to delay his final bow; the two share a less than warm relationship!
