Wednesday through Sunday KMARK posting this week. Just an FYI that you probably assumed.

It’s the slowest sports week of the year, but also Open Championship Weekend. The best of times. The worst of times. You get the drill. Please do not watch the ESPY’s tonight, but I hope you caught a little of the All-Star Game. The Mid-Summer Classic. Too many player interviewers that are consistently uninteresting, but I enjoyed the production value, ball/strike challenges, and the Swing Off. Baseball is enjoying a micro-renaissance. Rob Manfred’s rule changes sped up the game and fans have responded with record attendance and improving TV ratings. As per Manfred’s usual MO, he’s subtly pouring water on the sport’s momentum and advocating for sweeping changes to the league’s economic operating model. Good timing, my guy! He isn’t wrong, but this sport can never get out of its own way. To the MLB, bask in the damn glow for once.

All your Open Championship questions answered. Should you have any more, send your boy an email.

Where we at?

Royal Portrush, Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland is a country (small) within the United Kingdom (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland). The UK is a country of countries. IDK how they get away with it.

Why’s it called Royal Portrush? Does the King live there?

Close! Golf courses attain Royal status when they’re recognized by the British Monarchy for their prestige. It’s an honorary title. It’s awesome way for the King to guarantee himself a tee-time. Good to be King! No American course has such honor, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a Royal course on the continent. Next time you visit our neighbors to the north, try out Royal Ottawa.

Who chooses the course?

The PGA Championship is run by the PGA of America (not the PGA Tour). The US Open is governed by the USGA. Our friends at Augusta National host the Masters. And the boys known as the R&A are in charge of the Open Championship. Originally, the R&A was the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. As we’ve discussed in the Travel Pad, the UK has slightly different concepts of a country club, but the Royal and Ancients could be considered the club of St. Andrews Links. In 2004, the club split into two separate entities. The R&A was formed specifically to host the Open Championship, and jointly govern golf’s global rules, equipment, and tournament standards in conjunction with the USGA.

What makes Royal Portrush special?

For one, it’s the first Irish course to receive the Royal moniker. Two, it’s an amazing piece of links property that only someone as talented as HP could properly describe.

Rory?

That’s right. Mr. Career Grand Slam and resident North Irelandian. Northern Ireland is a country of approximately 1.4m people. For them to lay claim to Rory McIlroy is a source of immense national pride. This week is Rory’s home turf and expect him to compete accordingly. Can he please, please not blow up in round 1? Rory is coming off a second place finish at the Scottish Open and this tournament means more to him than any other.

I need more, KMARK.

No prob, see below:

- Course flyover: Golf Digest

- Architecture nerd out: Fried Egg

- Best Pub: Springhill Bar

- Local Attraction: Old Bushmills Distillery