The 2016 British Open field is facing plenty of obstacles from Royal Troon this week. The greens, however, are not one of them. Like most courses in Scotland, Troon's dance floors are relatively flat and not particularly fast, a composition to combat the area's heavy winds. That's why, at least compared to other majors, players are sinking putts of longer length.
That doesn't mean Troon's greens are without bite. Just ask Paul Casey.
Casey, who led the 2004 Open at Troon after the first round, will miss the cut with a two-day total of nine over. Not helping his cause was a triple bogey at the seventh hole on Friday. A triple is certainly a high number, but not one that produces a double-take. What will surprise you is the fashion Casey made the seven: He five-putted. Worse, four came from point-blank range.
Casey isn't the best with the flat stick -- entering this week, he ranked 178th in putting average on tour. Still, so many putts from short range from a player of Casey's caliber is shocking.
We imagine Ernie Els will greet Casey in the locker room with a hug.
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