The 150th Open Championship at St. Andrews
Daily content from our team on-site at the Home of Golf
The One That Got Away
Rory McIlroy had one hand on the Claret Jug and everyone behind him, only to have it all come crashing down
The Savant of St. Andrews
Cameron Smith won the 150th Open Championship in his unpretentious way and with a brilliant short-game display
Fire Drill 035: Open and Shut
Alan Shipnuck and Michael Bamberger reflect on Cam Smith’s stunning comeback and the anguish of watching Rory fritter away the lead. A couple of surprise guests enliven the final podcast of an action-packed week.
Playing Home
The Old Course begins and ends in town, creating a welcoming ambiance and a grand stage
Thanks for Having Me
A week in St. Andrews made the author reflect on the people and the moments that brought him here, and how much golf has enriched his life
Fire Drill 034: Destiny Awaits
With the final round finally upon us, Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger and Matt Ginella set the scene for what should an epic conclusion to the 150th Open Championship.
Fire Drill 033: Godspeed, Tiger
Michael Bamberger, Alan Shipnuck and Matt Ginella relive the conflicting emotions of watching Tiger’s farewell to the Old Course.
Godspeed, Tiger
A bittersweet goodbye to the Old Course was a reminder of how much Woods has given us, and how much has been lost along the way
Understanding Dustin Johnson
Dustin Johnson does things his own unique way, which might make him the man to beat at the Open
The Rub of the Green
Tiger Woods’s bad break exemplified the imperfect nature of the game, which is part of its greatness
Fire Drill 032: Dawn to Dusk
In the latest Fire Drill from St. Andrews, Michael Bamberger, Alan Shipnuck and Matt Ginella dissect a fascinating first round of the Open, in which Rory starred, Tiger struggled and a firm, fiery Old Course demanded precision.
Rory McIlroy: Easier Said Than Done
Rory McIlroy can make the game look simple. After a first-round 66 at St. Andrews, now comes the hard part
Geoff Ogilvy on the Magic of St. Andrews
Geoff Ogilvy reflects on what makes St. Andrews and the Old Course so special.
Membership Has Its Privileges
Enjoying all the perks that come with being a former champion, Paul Lawrie got the 150th Open off and running
Fire Drill 031: On The Eve of The Open
On the eve of the 150th Open Championship, Alan Shipnuck, Michael Bamberger and Matt Ginella banter about how and why we got here, and how and why it all matters. Especially to competitors like Tiger Woods.
On The Eve: The 150th Open Championship
Thoughts from Michael Bamberger on the eve of The Open: What is golf if not a mystery? And what is St. Andrews if not golf? The Home of Golf. The Open is returning to St. Andrews. There is a god.
With the 150th Open Championship being played this summer in St. Andrews, the Fire Pit Collective had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in one of golf’s greatest destinations. As a narrative thread, and because of his layered impact on the game through agronomy, architecture, equipment and competition, our goal was to pay homage to Old Tom Morris. We asked everyone we met—a member of his family, teachers, writers, historians, local business owners and course managers—for their reflections and opinions on how and why “The Grand Old Man of Golf” mattered both then and now. We played courses he designed, we learned about the equipment he made and used to win his four Open Championships and we walked in his backyard garden, which is tended to by his great-great-granddaughter. By the end of the week, and after so many thoughtful conversations, it was clear, his spirit and everlasting legacy lives on well beyond the rock walls and cobbled streets of St. Andrews.
