Thaindian News

By V. Krishnaswamy
St. Andrews (Scotland), July 14 (IANS) St. Andrews is not just about golf. This little golfing town is probably better known for its university among the academics. And they did what they do best - honour people who make a significant contribution in their chosen field.

On the eve of the 139th edition of the British Open Championships, the University of St. Andrews honoured three of world’s greatest golfers - Arnold Palmer, Tom Watson and Padraig Harrington.

The trio, who won 18 Majors including nine Opens between them in the past half a century, were awarded Honorary Degrees by the University in a public ceremony in the town’s Younger Hall Tuesday. The University awarded each of them the degree of “Doctor of Laws honoris causa” in recognition of their achievements and outstanding contributions to the game of golf.

Immediately after the ceremony, the traffic was stopped in North Street and the Honorary Graduates went down the street to St Salvator’s Quad, led by a piper and the University mace-bearers.

Talk of tradition - it is there everywhere in this town.

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Dad’s old friend brings smile to Tiger’s face

Tiger Woods does not smile much these days. Not that he did much before ramming his car into a fire hydrant that set off a chain of events that has been talked about more than his golf.

When Tiger Woods turned up for his first practice round at the St. Andrews he surprised followers by turning up in the middle of the day - he usually practices early morning to avoid crowds. The conditions were very windy - they may have been termed ‘unplayable” in a tournament.

Then somebody called out “Los Alamitos”. It was from a senior golfer and it elicited a smile from Tiger. More smiles followed. The man calling out was an American Joe de Cavage, a retired commander in the US Navy who knew Tiger’s father. The two played golf together at the Los Alamitos course in California.

“I played Tiger 20 years ago and kicked his ass,” Joe told some mediamen. “I knew his dad. His dad beat me more often than Tiger did.”

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This is the place where Tiger should look for forgiveness

Tom Lehman, the 1996 Open champion, feels the Scottish golf fans will forgive Tiger Woods, who is back to venue where he bag an amazing hat-trick of wins, St Andrews’ Old Course.

His previous wins in Fife in 2000 and 2005 made him the superstar. If he wins in 2010, it could mean he is back in the hearts of the fans.

In 2000, he decimated the field; and in 2005, he saw off a charge from Colin Montgomerie. Till then, in fact till a year ago, he was the perfect man and a golfer.

But things have changed. And now here at St. Andrews, where traditions take a front seat, Tiger seeks to win the hearts once again. If there is a place, he could earn his forgiveness, it is this.

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Cink returns trophy with a heavy heart

Stewart Cink, who broke a million golfing hearts by beating Tom Watson in the lay-off at Turnberry last year, was a bit sentimental as he returned the trophy Tuesday night following the Champions Dinner.

The Champions Dinner for the Open, which is held only when the Open comes to St. Andrews (that is every five years), was special said Cink.

The only bad part, said the master tweeter Cink, was “Returning the Jug”.