The 137th Open, at Royal Birkdale, will be remembered for its wild weather, its pure drama and for a champion, who almost didn't play in the tournament. Padraig Harrington, defending the trophy, admitted on the eve of the first round that had it not been The Open, he would not have played. When he pulled out of practice to have intensive treatment to his right wrist the odds on Harrington retaining the crown went rocketing upwards. Now the trophy is heading back to Ireland and at the end of this tournament Harrington was the runaway champion by four strokes. |