ST. ANDREWS, Scotland – Major championships. We’ve always been told they are different than other tournaments. Save your birdies for the Bob Hope; they aren’t necessary at the Open Championship, U.S. Open, PGA Championship, or even the Masters. Pars are what matter, and great par saves matter most. Red is out, and for four weeks a year, black is in.
Since avoiding bogeys is thought to be paramount in winning majors, only the strongest mentally win majors. Golf’s most strenuous tests are meant to be survived, not mastered. Strategy triumphs, conservatism rules, and grinders prevail.