The Dunhill is the best tournament nobody's heard of
If you had to pick one golf destination in the world that every golfer needs to visit, what do you go with? Pebble Beach? Nah, the incredible beach-strewn golf course is a beauty, but it isn't the top dog. Pinehurst? It's got a lot of courses, and the putting green is bigger than most front nines, but the options are better.
Nope, you'd go with St. Andrews. The home of golf isn't just an experience in itself, but the town and the atmosphere make it one of the best places in the world if you're a golfer. (And trust me, I lived in the town for a few months after college when I was caddying at the Old Course).
Now, imagine you'd get to play the Old Course, Carnoustie, and Kingsbarns, arguably the prettiest course in Scotland, all in the span of a weekend. That, my friend, is the Dunhill Links Championship, one of the best professional golf tournaments of the year that nobody's heard of.
The event kicks off this week in Fife, and most Americans won't even know who won. That's because it's an event that usually falls after the Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup, and isn't taken as seriously as other big events. That doesn't mean it isn't exciting and fun.
Just look at some of the names in the field: Rory McIlroy, Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood and Ernie Els.
If you've ever visited St. Andrews, you've surely had a pint at the Dunvegan, which proudly boasts pictures of Dunhill Cup teams in the past, enjoying an adult beverage or two at the course just up the street from the 18th green at the Old Course. It's an event that usually tests even the best in rain gear, as October in Scotland isn't exactly an ideal time. But the event is one we should all care a little bit more about.
If you get a chance to watch the coverage this week, don't be shy. It is one more chance to see the Old Course at her best, and it will be a nice comedown from an exciting Ryder Cup.
