Royal Lytham are justifiably proud of their links, which has never conceded a British Open round lower than 64, unlike all other courses on the rota, with the exception of Royal Troon. But in the club's current yearbook, Steven Reid, the captain in 1996, has calculated that we may anticipate a round of 48 from Tiger Woods when the Open returns there this month.
Reid's figures are based on the thesis of Guardian golf writer Dai Davies, that for a course to present a serious, par-72 challenge to Tiger Woods, it would need to measure 10,578 yards and with only two par fives.
This is based on drives of 350 yards, two-iron shots of 272, seven-irons of 219 and other clubs pro rata. Such a course would play to a par 91 for the average club golfer.
The notional round which Reid is projecting for Woods, would contain outward figures of 233,323,331 Out: 23.
And the world number one would cover the inward journey in 332,333,233 In: 25. This comes to a grand total of 48 which, purely by coincidence, happens to be the career eclectic score of Harry Bradshaw around Portmarnock.
By way of concluding his gentle ramblings, Reid writes that after the round: "Woods gives a charming interview, but disappointed with the missed putts at the 10th and 13th, starts on a four-hour practice putting session. After a hasty meeting of the R and A Championship committee, it is required that Woods will in future play five rounds of the Championship and all other players four.
"On the Sunday evening, Woods receives the Claret Jug with a winning margin of two shots after completing his fifth round."
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