Rose and McDowell to go head to head at Royal St George’s
The Open Championship is nicely poised on the Kent coast with Justin Rose and Graeme McDowell neck and neck as they make the turn at Royal St George’s. Both are former US Open champions, but who will get their hands on the Claret Jug for the first time?
Let’s take a look at the contenders as they make their way to the 10th tee for one of the most iconic closing stretches in major championship golf.
Rose, of course, became a household name at the age of 17 when he holed a dramatic 50-yard wedge at Royal Birkdale to finish in a tie for 4th and win the silver medal for the low amateur the day before he turned pro. He didn’t better that finish at golf’s oldest major until his tie for 2nd at Carnoustie in 2018.
McDowell, you have to say, is the underdog with only two top 10s from 14 Open appearances. But this is links golf and anything can happen.
It’s also not real. While Rose and McDowell will indeed be taking each other on over St George’s back nine, it’s all part of the R&A’s inaugural e-Open.
The battle between the three-time Ryder Cup team-mates will be live on the Open’s YouTube channel on August 12 from 9pm, with BBC commentator Andrew Cotter calling the action.
What is the e-Open?
The e-Open is a virtual tournament using the popular online game World Golf Tour.
Anyone can enter the e-Open, with qualifying events running until August 23 ahead of the knockout rounds and grand final.
The winner of the e-Open will earn a trip for two to the 149th Open at Royal St George’s in 2021, including tickets, flights and hotel, and exclusive event experiences courtesy of Mastercard.
The runner-up will win a golf bag signed by Tom Watson, while five entrants will each get £250 to spend in the Open Online Shop.
Qualifying stages: July 13-August 23
Live exhibition match: August 12
Knockout rounds: August 27-30
Grand final: September 8
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