Tale of Two Champions

The R&A, which runs the Open Championship just completed this weekend at Royal Birkdale, has a long tradition of inviting former Open champions to return and play in the event, even if they are not at the top of their game. It’s because of these generous exemptions that Greg Norman and Sandy Lyle made it into the field this week.

Greg Norman, enjoying an extended honeymoon with new bride Chris Everett, is making the most of his exemption. Going into the final day’s play, Norman held a two shot lead over defending Champion. Over the tournament’s four days where the weather has emerged the victor, and players much younger than Norman have been utterly defeated, Norman has been a sight to behold. Even when the weather and the golf course have conspired to throw obstacles in Norman’s path, his determination and experience have overcome them. And his accomplishment is made even more extraordinary by the fact that the Australian plays very little competitive golf anymore.

Norman didn’t play well enough on the final day to win, but nevertheless, he has made the most the of his opportunity and comported himself with the honor befitting one of the game’s all-time greats.

Then there’s Sandy Lyle.

Lyle, a Scotsman, won the Open Championship in 1985 at Royal St. George’s. Three years later, he donned the Green Jacket after a win at Augusta. He is three years younger than Norman, but like Norman he’s no longer a fixture on tour, and seems content to turn up for a few events each year. Still, because of his age and record, there has been talk that his fellow players would consider him for the Ryder captaincy.

Lyle had the same opportunity as Norman. Granted a past champion’s exemption by the R&A, Lyle teed it up Thursday morning with a chance to win the Open.

Unlike Norman, Lyle quit.

Halfway through Thursday’s round, battling the same slashing wind and rain that Norman was enduring, Lyle walked off the course and withdrew from the championship.

The British press has justifiably condemned him, as have many golf fans, and most interestingly, so has the R&A’s Peter Dawson. Though Lyle says he is going to apologize, the damage has already been done.

It’s rare that golf hands us so clear a contrast. Norman and Lyle are both champions. But champions are supposed to be made of sterner stuff. Norman’s championship character has shown through this week. Lyle’s character has served only to call his past accomplishments into question.

One final thought: Congratulations to, who deserved to win. He played magnificently and, by winning back to back open championships, placed himself firmly in the company of immortals.

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