Shhhh, did you hear that popping noise?  That was Greg Normans’ bubble bursting.  Leading by two to start the final round at Royal Birkdale, three bogies in the first three holes started his date with reality.  Too bad for the Shark (to the extent that I’m able to feel bad for a guy with a gazillion dollars, private flying machines and a marriage to 1970’s tennis hottie Chris Evert) as all he did on this Sunday in England was solidify his reputation for gagging when it matters most.  Don’t get me wrong, Norman had a phenomenal week at Birkdale as he came from nowhere to contend, yeah even lead thru 54 holes.  And as the media kept pointing out, he looked like the Norman of old all week.  Steely eyes, tight short game and clutch putting defined the former world #1.  Unfortunately so did

A solid final round earned flashy Ian Poulter 2nd outright

the propensity to implode on Sundays when seemingly in command.  To quote Yogi Berra, “it’s déjà vu all over again”.  A tip o’ the cap though Greg, you turned back time and showed us all that great golf can still be played even past the half century mark.  Thanks for making this Open Championship one to remember sans Tiger.

And Padrig, what’s up with you and the Open?  That’s two in a row and puts you in rarified air.  A final round 69 in howling winds and with your playing partner not playing well, impressive indeed and the best man most certainly won on this Sunday.

Irish eyes were definitely smiling at Birkdale!

And I want to know where the rest of the “big” names were this week.  Phil, Ernie, Adam, cocky little Anthony Kim, Ogilvy, and pre-tourney favorite Sergio were nowhere to be found.  Geeezus fellas, none you could even get it in ahead of a 20-year old English amateur who had to qualify his way in.  Nobody, no-name, first big event participant Chris Wood whupped-up on all of you.  Shame on you guys, for if you all would have done your jobs, Norman would not have had to suffer in front of the whole world...again.  One of you should

Phil wasn't the only big name no-show

have been in his place.  Isn't it about time you guys start showing up when the stakes are the highest?  And like it or not boys, that’s the difference between you guys and Tiger.