No Champion Golfer Of The Year This Year.

There will be no Open Championship this year, for the first time since World War II. Consequently, Rory McIlroy (among others) will not be able to pursue another Claret Jug in 2020.  So, let's harken back to less difficult times, to an earlier post in The Golf Album Blog:

Rory McIlroy’s official title as winner of the 2014 Open Championship is “Champion Golfer Of The Year”.  (If you don’t believe me, check here.)  This quaint title is derived from the Claret Jug itself.  Don’t you know, the Claret Jug has a formal name.  The Claret Jug’s proper name is the Golf Champion Trophy.  The Golf Champion Trophy dates back to 1873, when the original silver Claret Jug was hallmarked.  Ever since then, the Champion Golfer Of The Year has hoisted the trophy at the conclusion of the Open Championship, perhaps none more proudly than Ireland’s son with a few of his friends this year.  Champion Golfer of the Year, indeed, perhaps Champion Golfer of a new era as well.

Champion Golfer with a few friends

Copyright R.E. Kelly 2012-2020

AMDG

Rory And The Lads Rise to the Occasion

Rory McIlroy, currently the No. 1 ranked golfer in the world,  is teaming with Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff to raise money for coronavirus charities in the TaylorMade Driving Relief charity match – a two-team skins challenge over 18 holes – at the renowned Seminole Golf Club (many famous members - TB12 just joined -so there, Peyton!) in Juno Beach, Florida televised live later today.

McIlroy will team up with Johnson against Fowler and Wolff, with up to $3 million going to the American Nurses Foundation and CDC Foundation. All four will follow strict physical-distancing measures and comprehensive testing will be used to protect players, TV staff and others at the course.

NBC Sports reports that the skins format means that each player will play his own ball, with each team counting the lower score between the two players on each hole. McIlroy and Johnson will play for the American Nurses Foundation, while Fowler and Wolff will play for the CDC Foundation.

With all money going to charity, both teams will start with $500,000 in the bank. From there, hole values will increase as the match continues: Nos. 1-6 will be worth $50,000 each, while Nos. 7-16 will be worth $100,000. The 17th hole will be worth $200,000 while No. 18 will feature a $500,000 skin. 

Kudos and great praise to Messrs. McIlroy, Johnson, Fowler and Wolff for both raising money for great causes during this pandemic and for bringing live sports back to the masses.  I for one will be tuned in today, thankful for the efforts of these golfers to help the world. It is truly heartwarming to see athletes at the highest level of sport making contributions to society under extremely difficult circumstances. Thank you, gentlemen. Now, let’s see some great golf!!

Copyright R.E. Kelly 2012-2020

AMDG