Of course that's a sweeping generalisation, not all Americans hate The Open, but it's a point worthy of discussion, so here's what I think...
As I write this, the 2007 Open is taking place in Carnoustie Scotland.
Tiger Woods is bidding to be the first player in around 50 years to win the tournament 3 times in a row, so he is one American that doesn't hate it, but let's take a look at why a lot do.
The fact it's being held in Scotland for one! The game of golf was invented in Scotland, although the US would like to claim it as their own. Their tends to be an attitude that the US is the home of golf, and any golf outside the US is a lesser event.
Hmm...
The Open is the oldest tournament, and the most prestigious. That's why it's simply called The Open. The Americans like to call is the British Open, but that's just an invention of theirs to try and put the US Open on the same level.S
The Open is always held on a links golf course, which basically means by the sea. This leads to fierce winds, deep straggly rough and unpredictable greens.
This is unfamiliar territory for the American golfer, used to playing in balmy temperatures on manicured courses.
The Open can be contested by anyone who qualifies, which means the Americans have to compete with players who don't qualify for 'their US tour'.
So to sum up, let's not forget that many Americans love The Open. They love the game of golf, and what The Open means to it, but plenty of Americans don't like it because it is played outside the US, holds top sway in a worldwide game they'd like to be in control of, and is played in circumstances they don't normally get.
Don't believe me?
Well, remember that the Superbowl, which the Americans modestly call the greatest show on earth, is basically a domestic championship, but the winners are called 'World Champions'!!
Gordon Bryan is the author of 'Make Money From Sport,' a guide where he takes you through the single technique he uses again and again to profit from any sport! Find out more at: http://www.gordonbryan.com/makemoneyfromsport
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