There have been many famous personalities who have visited the Open Championship this year, including several football and rugby stars, but none matched the buzz created by Hollywood actor Samuel L. Jackson.
The star of ‘Pulp Fiction’ and ‘The Avengers’ is a passionate golfer, and is known to include in his film contracts that he is given access to play rounds during shooting.
“Getting my British Open on today in Liverpooooool!”, announced Jackson on Twitter and posted a selfie at the entrance to the Royal Liverpool Golf Club. He also walked several holes during the weekend.
Also present during the tournament was former Manchester United manager David Moyes.
Everybody loves Tom
Tom Watson was among the earliest group to tee off, but the grandstands surrounding the 18th green were almost full before he finished his round, and gave him a rousing reception as he closed with a superb round of four-under par 68.
The standing ovation for the 64-year-old five-time Open champion, who has been extended a special exemption to play until next year’s championship at St Andrews, lasted all the way from where he hit his second shot, and well into his exit towards the scorers, pausing only for the third shot and his birdie putt.
The balance of power
It was a distinctive time Rory McIlroy chose to arrive at the golf course for his final round yesterday.
The runaway leader parked his car and walked into the clubhouse precisely at the same time as Tiger Woods hit his final tee shot and started his walk down the 18th fairway and off the club. Some fans would say it was symbolic.
Garcia’s grand gesture
Golfing gods were definitely smiling on Sergio Garcia this time.
During his final round, Garcia’s charge could have lost all momentum when he hit his tee shot right into the grandstand surrounding the 12th green. However, the ball took the kindest of bounces, and rolled back onto the course. The Spaniard made par, and in a gesture much appreciated by the crowd, kissed the ball and threw it into the same stand.
