Through the Phog
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Former Jayhawk Gary Woodland can win at Royal Birkdale

By Stan Unruh

TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 17: Gary Woodland of the United States lines up a putt on the 4th with his caddie Brennan Little during the final round on day four of the 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon on July 17, 2016 in Troon, Scotland. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TROON, SCOTLAND - JULY 17: Gary Woodland of the United States lines up a putt on the 4th with his caddie Brennan Little during the final round on day four of the 145th Open Championship at Royal Troon on July 17, 2016 in Troon, Scotland. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Kansas Jayhawk fans will get up early Thursday to watch Gary Woodland in the British Open. Royal Birkdale could be a perfect fit for his long game.

This year is already memorable for Woodland. He is a father now. After a break to spend time with a new baby boy, his wife Gabby sent the former University of Kansas golfer back to work. He had a mediocre weekend at the Greenbrier Classic- his most recent PGA tour event. Mediocre for Woodland. As a matter of fact, he earned just over $16,000 for a 57th place finish thanks to rounds under 70 on Friday and Sunday.

Don’t feel sorry for Woodland. One of the game’s longest hitters is currently 29th on the tour money list for the year. He’s won over $2M this season and is ready for the third major of the year.

This is the tenth time for the Open Championship at Birkdale.  On the other hand, I don’t care where they play the Open, it is fun to watch. I want to see the rain fall and the wind blow. Woodland is a Kansas boy. He can play in any kind of weather. At the Open, fans expect at least one day of crazy weather. If the weather is wild like I expect, the golfers will find it difficult to break par. I won’t be surprised if the winning score Sunday is over par. That is typical at Birkdale.

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In view of Woodland’s playing partners for the opening two rounds, I like his chances. One is amateur Harry Ellis, a British lad who attends Florida State University. Woodland’s other playing partner is veteran Darren Clarke. He won the Open at Royal St George’s six years ago. Although Birkdale is far different, Woodland needs to pay attention to Clarke. With all the first-time winners on tour this year, I think it’s time for Woodland to join the party.

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