Leonard, Campbell start fast at Royal St. George’s
Chad Campbell (1-under through 18) and Justin Leonard (2-under through 11) are among those under par in the opening round of the British Open. What do they have in common?
Both are from Texas.
It’s not just a coincidence that the Texans are faring well in the Open. Players from the Lone Star state have a long history of success in the tournament, dating to 1953 when Ben Hogan won at Carnoustie in his lone British Open appearance.
There’s no similarity between the geography of Texas and the British Isles. So why do Texans thrive on the seaside links of Scotland and England?
They grow up playing in the wind, and on sparse, burned out courses, much like those in the Open rotation (I hate when they “rota.”)
Texans who have claimed British Opens include Lee Trevino (1971/Birkdale, 1972/Muirfield), Bill Rogers (1981/Royal St. George’s), and Leonard (1997/Troon). Five-time British Open winner Tom Watson, who is from Kansas City, grew up playing in similar conditions.
Hogan and Trevino were known for their flat-planed swings. Leonard and Campbell have the same movement, their hands finishing low.
After contending in several majors for nearly decade, Leonard’s career has flattened out as well. Now 39, he has finished in the top 10 just once in a major since 2005.
Campbell, 37, is seeking his first major after runner-up finishes in the 2009 Masters and 2003 PGA and third-place in the 2006 Masters. He’s never done much in the British, but it’s been 14 years since a Texan has won. So maybe we’re due.
