Rocco Is In

By virtue of his play the past couple of months, journeyman Rocco Mediate has qualified to play in The Open at Royal Birkdale.

Rocco came ohhhh so close to winning the US Open, only to lose on the 91st hole of competition to a one-legged Tiger Woods (geez, how far behind are Phil, Adam and the rest if they can't beat Tiger when he's injured??). Now he'll have a chance to compete for the Claret Jug without the number one golfer in the universe in the field. Rocco hasn't played in the British since 2002.

David Frost (48), who was often in the hunt back in the 80's and 90's, will return to The Open for the first time since 2005, where he placed 15th. He also recorded 3 top-ten finishes when he was in his "prime". Frederik Jacobson from Sweeden also sealed a spot by placing 2nd to Anthony Kim at the AT&T last weekend.

So, the entire field is almost set. A top-5 finish at the John Deere Classic this weekend will earn a meeting with the Queen. Some of the notables who haven't yet qualified are: Katayama (ranked 47 in the world), Villegas (50), Perez (51), O'Hern (55), Kelly (58), Olberhoser (65). For the most part, the field is pretty much set - with the exceptions of Tiger and Kenny Perry, the top golfers in the world will all be at Royal Birkdale next week.

Once the field is set, I'll post the entry forms. Feel free to send your entry fee ($25) in advance. You can give it to me in person, drop it off at The Beacon or O'Sullivan's in Forest Park (send me an email or call me if you do that), mail it or use Paypal.

Watch your email for future announcements.

~Max