The Open at St. Andrews will soon assume its rightful place until the revisionists need it. It was a wonderful event and for someone who had become hardened against a place he had not even visited, it seems hardly an admission to confess that St. Andrews is everything and more that has been written about it. Even during Open week. Even with the crowds. The week passed very quickly.

The large grandstand beside the Road Hole green was a perfect place to watch the action, coming and going. With all the double greens, the Old Course may be one of the few major venues where parking oneself has the advantage of providing both a topographical vantage point but also an excellent perch to see action on several holes simultaneously. The crowds were noteworthy for their behavior and knowledge. One had to hold one's applause until the ball stopped rolling - to judge whether or not the shot was worthy of a hand - and during the week's play I only heard two balls applauded in flight: Jack Nicklaus's first tee shot on what proved to be his final competitive round on Friday morning, and Tiger Woods's last drive on Sunday. More children attended this tournament than in all the tournaments I've ever attended or covered put together. The R&A has offered children 15 and under a freebie, if accompanied by an adult. On Sunday afternoon, it seemed the whole turn turned out to watch.

Two elderly gentlemen, in ties and jackets, sat in front of me for several hours along the Road Hole. Their conversation for over an hour is reprinted below:

"Bes' poot we've seen today."

"Aye."

Later, one said: "Goot drive."

This issue, we hope, offers several entertaining diversions.

There's an exclusive interview with Doug Sanders who, of course, is inextricably and memorably linked with The Championship. He told me that he was considering going back to St. Andrews just for a day or two, this being the 30th anniversary of his infamous loss. I wonder if he did. His answers were not always specific but they were interesting just the same and it seemed peevish to worry over the small stuff.

There's also reviews of several titles, including two of the most entertaining reads of the year: Curt Sampson's Royal and Ancient and Bob Cullen's Why Golf? Both men are capable and accomplished storytellers and both books are recommended summer diversions.

Fine Print:
allezjean.com is devoted to the support and patronage of "Shoeless" Jean Van de Velde. Ready for your inspection: La Reserve de Jean, described as "A Bordeaux wine which has been made in his image - with character and panache, frankness and generosity." The perfect complement to drowning one's sorrows?

Swing Thoughts - Volume I
Swing Thoughts - Volume II
Swing Thoughts - Volume III